Since it was first published in 1869, Little Women, an autobiographical novel of Louisa May Alcott's own Yankee girlhood, has become an American classic for its warm hearted and touching portrayal of New England family life. The book tells the story of the March sisters-Meg, the pretty one; Jo, the tomboy; Beth, the shy one; and Amy, the artist-and of their youth and young womanhood in and around their New England home. With Father away at war, the older girls try to help support the family, Meg as a governess and Jo as companion to crotchety old Aunt March. The lessons they learn in patience and loyalty serve to carry the family through difficult times when their beloved "Marmee" must leave to nurse Father who is badly wounded, and when Beth, attempting to take her mother's place helping the poor, catches scarlet fever from one of her charges. The girls grow into young women-Meg prepares for marriage, Jo tries her skill as a writer in New York, Amy goes to Europe to study painting, and Beth, at home, gives gentle encouragement to their dreams. Published in 1869, Little Women demonstrates Miss Alcott's extra-ordinary ability to portray the joys and trials of growing up, a talent that has made her work the favorites of young readers for generations. Other Louisa May Alcott titles available in Collier Books' Little Men, Io's Boys, and Under the Lilacs.