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Under the Lilacs by Louisa M. Alcott (First Illustrated Edition, RARE), 1887 📚✨🇺🇸

Name: Under the Lilacs by Louisa M. Alcott (First Illustrated Edition, RARE), 1887 📚✨🇺🇸
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 200.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$200.00

Sale Sold out

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a first illustrated edition of Louisa May Alcott's novel, Under the Lilacs. Published in 1887 by Roberts Brothers, this volume reflects an era in American children's literature and publishing. Its narrative and illustrations make it an example of collectible children's literature.

2. About the Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Under the Lilacs tells the story of Ben Brown, a runaway circus boy, and his dog, Sancho. The book explores themes of community and kindness as Ben finds a new home in a New England village. The novel is considered a classic of moral and wholesome literature, offering a narrative that has resonated with readers for generations while instilling positive values.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) is a foundational figure in American literature. An abolitionist and suffragist, she was an outspoken advocate for social reform and women’s rights. While best known for her novel Little Women, Alcott produced over 300 works. Her legacy lies not only in her ability to craft stories but also in her role as a literary trailblazer who created independent female protagonists that challenged traditional norms.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published during the late 19th century, Under the Lilacs emerged in an era of social and literary change. This period, often called the "Golden Age of Children's Literature," saw a shift from moralistic tales to stories that emphasized imagination, adventure, and the child's own experience. Alcott's work was a leading force in this movement, helping to establish children's literature as a respected genre.

The book's inclusion of a runaway circus boy as a protagonist speaks to the era’s fascination with new experiences and a burgeoning sense of adventure. The book itself documents a time when the focus of children’s literature shifted from teaching strict morality to developing characters and providing entertainment, making it a key item for understanding this period of literary history.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This volume is for a curator of children's literature, a collector of Alcott's works, or a scholar of 19th-century American literary history. It is an acquisition for a library focused on the evolution of children’s books, showcasing a moment when the genre began to value entertainment and character development.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This is a rare illustrated edition of a classic work. While the first edition was published in 1878, this 1887 illustrated edition is a sought-after collectible due to its aesthetic quality and scarcity.

This book's value is a reflection of both its literary importance and its status as an example of late 19th-century bookmaking. The book is 138 years old.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

Hardcover binding shows authentic wear consistent with age but remains structurally sound.
Interior pages may exhibit some minor toning or foxing, which is common for a book of this period.
All of the illustrations are intact and retain their clarity.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

Alcott was a prolific writer, publishing over 300 works, including thrillers under the pseudonym A.M. Barnard.
Alcott never married and was a lifelong advocate for women's rights. She was the first woman to register to vote in Concord, Massachusetts.
Under the Lilacs was initially serialized in St. Nicholas magazine, a popular children’s periodical, before its publication as a complete book.
Alcott’s writing was often autobiographical, and she based many of her characters on her own family, friends, and personal experiences.