The Inheritance

By Louisa May Alcott

"My first novel written at seventeen"

With An Afterword By The Editors
Joel Myerson And Daniel Shealy


"So Jo piled up the agony, cut it down by one-third,
and confidingly sent the poor little romance . . . out
into the big, busy world to try its fate."

Here at last is the book "Jo" wrote. Generations of fans have longed to plumb that first romance, hinted at so captivatingly on the pages of Little Women, Alcott's autobiographical classic. Now, after nearly one hundred fifty years spent among archived family documents, Louisa May Alcott's deput novel finally reaches its eager public.

Set in an English country manor, the story follows the turbulent fortunes of Edith Adelon, an impoverished Italian orphan whose loyalty and beauty win her the patronage of wealty friends until a jealous rival contrives to rogb her of her position. In the locket around her neck, she carries a deep secret about her naturla birthright. But an even greater truth lies hidden in Edith's heart - her deep reverance for the kind and noble Lord Percy, the only friend who can save her from the deceitful, envious machinations of Lady Ida.

Reminiscent of Jane Austen in its charms, this chaste but stirringly passionate novel affirms the conquering power of both love and courtesy. For the generations who grew up alongside Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy, a rich literary inheritance is truly restored at last.


If you would like to comment on this book, e-mail me at littlemenfan@excite.com


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