Pickled limes and rag money
I'm very fond of annotated editions; like keys to a secret room or a map of hidden treasure, annotated editions reveal gems that enhance the reading of a beloved text. John Matteson's lovely annotated edition of Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women is no exception: this oversized volume, generously illustrated and thoughtfully edited, is a treasure trove of information not only about the book but also about the Alcott family.
Of course we find out about Amy March's pickled limes and Meg's blanc mange (with recipes!), as well as explanations of the many allusions to John Bunyan's allegory The Pilgrim's Progress, but what I found fascinating were the parallels - and notable differences - between the fictional March family and the Alcotts. The Alcott sisters really did put on theatricals, for example, with Anna Alcott ("Meg") being both a gifted actress and talented set builder. Lizzie Alcott ("Beth") did die tragically young, but her final, lingering days were not nearly as peaceful as Beth's. May Alcott ("Amy") was a talented artist and many of her paintings, drawings and even the cast she made of her foot are reproduced in this edition.
In fact the many wonderful illustrations and photographs are reason enough to check out The Annotated Little Women. Matteson includes Little Women illustrations from different artists such as Norman Rockwell and May Alcott. There are movie stills from from the 1933, 1949, and 1994 films (to refresh your memory, Katherine Hepburn, June Allyson and Winona Ryder were the respective "Jos"). There are also many photographs of the Alcott family and various Alcottiana such as Lizzie Alcott's sewing box and Anna Alcott's wedding dress.
Louisa May Alcott famously didn't want to write a novel for girls, fearing it would be dull, but more than a hundred years after its publication, Little Women lives on in our hearts. If it's been awhile since you've peeped in on the March family, John Matteson's annotated edition is a marvelous way to reacquaint yourself with the joys and sorrows of Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy.
