One of the many entertainments in the parlor

was reading, out loud, to those gathered,

usually family and very close friends.

To be able to read aloud well was considered

a wonderful gift and one to be trained in, as

important as music or dance or speaking french.

In 1988, while working on The Selected Letters

of Louisa May Alcott, in the Houghton Library,

Joel Myerson and Daniel Shealy discovered the

"autograph manuscript" written by Louisa May

Alcott in 1849 when she was 17. It was her first

novel and probably the one referred to in Little Women.

Quote from book jacket:

"Set in an English country manor, the story follows

the turbulent fortunes of Edith Avalon, an

impoverished Italian orphan whose loyalty

and beauty win her the patronage of wealthy

friends until a jealous rival contives to rob

her of her position. in the locket around her

neck , she carries a deep secret about her natural

birthright. But an even greater truth lies

hidden in Edith's heart-her deep reverence

for the kind and noble lord Percy, the only

friend who can save her from the deceitful,

envious machinatioons of Lady Ida."

This is one of those Victorian books that is

worthy of a Lady's parlor. It is one of the

best I have read so far.

One of the groups I belong to on the net is

Victoria & Grace,

Click on the button to find out how to join.

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Sandy's Doll Designs