5RR Louisa May Alcott. Boston: Rodger’s Brothers, 1869 and 1869. Two Volumes in clamshell. First Edition Second Printing of Part One and First Edition First Printing of Part Two.

Notes

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a beloved coming-of-age novel first published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. Set in Civil War–era New England, it follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate the challenges of adolescence, family responsibilities, and personal growth. Each sister has a distinct personality and set of aspirations: Meg is the responsible and maternal eldest; Jo, the fiercely independent writer; Beth, the gentle and selfless peacemaker; and Amy, the ambitious and artistic youngest. Through their triumphs and hardships, Alcott explores themes of sisterhood, identity, morality, and the evolving roles of women in society.

The novel is partly autobiographical, reflecting Alcott’s own experiences growing up in a transcendentalist household in Concord, Massachusetts. Its enduring appeal lies in its honest, heartfelt depiction of girlhood and the inner lives of women—an uncommon focus in literature at the time. Jo March, in particular, has become a literary icon, celebrated for her rebellious spirit and literary ambition. Little Women remains a classic of American literature, cherished for its warmth, humor, and insight into family and personal development.

The first part (volume one) is a second printing as it is in terra-cotta cloth, has the date 1869 on the title page, and ends with the statement “Part Second, completing “Little Women,” is published in a volume to match this” which was not present in the first printing.

The second part (volume two) is s true first edition, first printing of Little Women, Part Second (Volume Two) by Louisa May Alcott published by Roberts Brothers of Boston in April 1869. It features a title page dated 1869, with the copyright also marked 1869 on the verso. The book is bound in terra-cotta cloth with gilt-stamped lettering and a central oval device on the front cover, matching the design of the first volume. It contains 359 pages and includes four illustrations, including a frontispiece by May Alcott (Louisa’s sister). The text begins with the chapter Gossip, continuing directly from the end of Part One. Notably, there is no listing of "Little Women, Part First" in the early advertisements or preliminary pages—this absence helps distinguish the first printing from later ones.

Description

Original terra-cotta cloth binding with gilt oval on upper boards with gilt lettering within. Gilt lettering on the spine as well. Brown coated endpapers. Housed in a custom brown clamshell with gilt details, lettering, and four raised bands.

Part one has significant sun-fading to the spine transforming it to a light tan color and losing the clarity of the gilt lettering. Some scuffing and smudges to the upper and lower boards. Small chip to top of title page. Some bumping to the corners. Fully intact. Fine condition overall.

Part two has some fading to the gilt on the upper board. General clouding to the upper and lower boards with bumping to the corners. Some minimal foxing throughout and particularly to the title page and frontispiece page. Fully intact. Fine condition overall.