The elm-tree avenue was all overgrown, the great gate was never unlocked, and the old house had been shut up for several years... (from Chapter 1)

{HISTORY}

And so begins the story of Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888). First published in 1877, this children's book tells a story of lasting friendship between two young girls, a stray dog,  and a mysterious circus boy who comes to town without friends or family. Although not as well known as Little Women and Little Men, Like all of Louisa's books, Under the Lilacs was instantly adored upon debut. It was not only read by children but also by school teachers and parents, who wanted to share in the compelling literary work of one of America's most beloved authors. 

Interestingly two important Alcott events occurred in the years of these two publication dates specifically. In 1877, Louisa's mom died after a lingering illness at the age of 77. And in 1911, when this edition was published, Orchard House was up for sale for $10,000 with the threat that if it wasn't sold it would be demolished. The saving of Louisa's Orchard House became national attention with everyone from school kids to women's groups and literary magazines raising money in efforts to stave off demolition and begin restoration. Luckily, both the memory of Louisa's mom, who you'll remember as Marmie in Little Women and her family home in Concord, MA are both forever immortalized.

Illustrated throughout with lovely black and line drawings, this edition of Under The Lilacs was published by Little, Brown, and Company and contains not only a lovely decorated coverboard but also a gift inscription written in pencil on the front endpaper dating to Christmas, 1913.  

 {SPECIAL FEATURES}

- Published in 1911

- 305 pages

- Illustrated throughout

- Gift inscription dating to 1913

- Tissue paper fly-leaf at title page

{CONDITION}

In well-loved condition, this antique book bears some fraying of the coverboards, mostly on the top and bottom edge of the spine. The binding, although solid and secure is starting to separate ever so slightly at the 200-page mark as well as the back cover at the endpaper seam. Other than that the pages are clean and bright, the illustrations are all intact and there are no other markings, spots or stains. 

{SIZE}

Measures 7' inches (length) x 5" inches (width) x 1" inch (thickness) and weighs just over 1lb.