The illustrators
To prepare for this illustrator explore I immersed myself into the world of the Alcotts. I learned that Marmee (Abba) was twice as strong and good a mother in real life as in the story, that we have Father (Bronson) to thank for school recess, that Louisa loved to run, look after her family, and had a thing for owls, that Beth had the makings of a botanist with her love of flowers, and that it is thanks to Anna (Meg) and her family journals, that we know as much about them as we do today.
Most relevantly to this post, I learned that May Alcott (Amy), later known as May Alcott Nieriker, was the original illustrator of Little Women, but that her illustrations reflected the lack of proper anatomical training available to women at that time. Her illustrations were criticized, but instead of giving up, she forged her path to proper training in Europe, resulting in her becoming an artist and influencer in her own right.
Little Women was originally written in two parts; the first part ends just after Father returns, the second part, sometimes referred to as Good Wives, begins with Meg’s wedding.
A very special Thank You to Orchard House for allowing me to photograph my collection on the very desk on which Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women! This was just the most amazing and wonderful gift and I am so very, very grateful!
Here are my favorites.
Sophie Allsopp
Sophie Allsopp grew up in the South of England and, although living for a short while in Hong Kong as a teenager, returned to study illustration in England (Bath).
She has also illustrated Anne of Green Gables for Usborne and her artwork is perfect for both of these classics – gentle, expressive, wholesome and full of life and color.
Lavishly illustrated with one-page, two-page spreads and chapter headings, this is a great choice if reading to the younger ones.
Usborne Illustrated Classics, 2018
Where to Buy:
NEW ∞ Little Women illustrated by Sophie Allsopp from Amazon
USED ∞ Little Women illustrated by Sophie Allsopp from Abebooks
Ella Bailey
I am completely in love with this edition’s cover art!
This one is a softcover, with a pretty illustration of the four sisters on the title page, and sweet sketches, alluding to each character, prefacing each chapter heading. If you prefer a paperback, this is an adorable choice! Also, do note, Good Wives (the second part to Little Women), will be out in May!
Published 2016 by Alma Junior Classics
Where to Buy:
NEW ∞ Little Women illustrated by Ella Bailey from Amazon
Kate Aldous and James McGairy
With a light comical touch, UK illustrators Kate Aldous and James McGairy have adorned this beautiful unabridged version of Part One that has more of Laurie in it than any other version I have come across, with splendid watercolor full page and spot illustrations. Each chapter has 4 or 5 illustrations, making it a great version to read to the younger crowd. Also unique is that each character has their own special font, especially visible in the chapter titled Letters.
Published in 2004 by Parragon Publishing
Where to Buy:
∞ Little Women illustrated by Kate Aldous and James McGairy from Amazon
This one is sometimes hard to find so here is the ISBN: 1-40543-772-3
Michael Hague
I was very surprised to discover that California-based illustrator Michael Hague illustrated a version of Little Women! Here is a petite book full of his colorfully alive artwork-this is a small, palm-sized little book full of wonder!
I think I actually enjoy Michael Hague’s, 8 black and white drawings more than the 8 beautiful color slides, but I think that is only because I prefer illustrations on the same paper as the rest of the book. (The color slides are on glossy paper). The book without the dust jacket looks especially beautiful on the shelf!
Published in 1993 by Henry Holt Little Classics
Where to Buy:
Dinah Dryhurst
Australian illustrator Dinah Dryhurst watercolors and detailed pencil sketches are a beautiful recreation of the setting and style of the Civil War period in America. Her illustrations are lush and spaced well throughout the text, found within no more than two or three turns of the page. Some other unabridged classics that she illustrated are Black Beauty by Anna Sewell and E. Nesbit’s The Railway Children.
Published 1992 by Breslich and Foss
Where to Buy:
∞ Little Women illustrated by Dinah Dryhurst from Abebooks
Newly Added!
Marjolein Bastin
I have been loving these Marjolein Bastin editions, and her version of Little Women continues to enthrall, with the unexpected gift of nature provided as spot illustrations throughout; with a frequency of at least two spot illustrations per chapter, but usually more.
Additionally, there are inserts with recipe cards, letters, maps, historical information, family trees, etc. which make reading these versions even more thrilling.
It is a wonderful, relaxing way to read a classic. She has also done Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights, and I affectionately hope to see more classic editions in this line!
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2021
Where to Buy:
∞ Little Women illustrated by Marjolein Bastin from Amazon
∞ Little Women illustrated by Marjolein Bastin from Bookshop.org (Support your Local Bookseller!)
Shreya Gupta
This 150th Anniversary edition is a beauty with clever and intriguing chapter heading illustrations by India-born (now living in NY) Shreya Gupta.
I don’t usually feature books with only illustrated chapter headings, but these are unique. If you know the story, you will see what I mean from my slideshow. Gupta has a way of interweaving elements from each chapter into a remarkably intelligent chapter characterization.
Published in 2018 by Little, Brown and Company
Where to Buy:
M.E. Gray
1873-1957
Millicent Etheldreda Gray was a London-born painter who exhibited regularly in the Summer Exhibition of the Royal Academy. She illustrated Little Women in 1922.
I LOVE the Everyman’s Library Children’s Classics and find the look and feel of her (12) full color slides perfect for their style. What stands out to me the most is how, in the frontispiece, Jo (presumably), breaks the fourth wall and makes eye contact with the reader, as if to acknowledge she knows you are reading her story.
Published in 1994 by Everyman’s Library Children’s Classics
Where to Buy:
Jessie Willcox Smith
1863-1935
American illustrator Jessie Willcox Smith was first a Kindergarten teacher before moving on to become one of the most popular illustrators of her time. Eight full color slides adorn the pages of this version, first published in 1915, but published several times since. It’s a classic!
Published in 1988 by Dilithium Press Ltd Children’s Classics. This version also contains B&W illustrations by Frank T. Merrill
Where to Buy:
∞ Little Women Illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith from Abebooks
Tasha Tudor
1915-2008
Tasha Tudor was a New England artist and illustrator who’s work you may recognize from her famous image of The Secret Garden.
She was a wonderful artist who illustrated from the landscapes and people who surrounded her, using watercolors and pencil drawings that impart a gentle tranquility on the bearer. The Little Princess and The Wind in the Willows are two other classics she illustrated.
Her version of Little Women has 8 color slides and every chapter has at least one pencil drawing chapter heading, or spot illustration.
There is also a lovely documentary about her life titled ‘Take Joy! The Magical World of Tasha Tudor’. If you are interested it is a wonderful way to get to know her and her zest for living! Also, check out the Tasha Tudor and Family website for some beautiful products containing her illustrations.
Published in 1969 by William Collins Publishers
Where to Buy:
Henry C. Pitz
1895-1976
Both Easton Press and Heritage Press feature a version of Little Women by Philadelphian illustrator Henry C. Pitz, which seems a very natural thing to do given that his illustrations are OUTSTANDING! This was the version that surprised me. Double page spreads, full color page and black and white spot illustrations abound throughout. I cannot find a great cover (my library copy has just a plain olive yellow clothbound cover), but the interior is wonderful! Henry C. Pitz illustrated 160 books during his lifetime; Treasure Island, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court to name a few!
Published in 1967 by The Heritage Press
Where to Buy:
∞ Little Women illustrated by Henry C. Pitz from Abebooks (Heritage Press)
∞Little Women illustrated by Henry C. Pitz from Abebooks (Easton Press)
Barbara Cooney
1917-2000
This is a favorite! Why? Because it is Barbara Cooney, who had me at Miss Rumphius!
I was delighted out of mind to discover that she had illustrated a version of Little Women!
This version is full of her quaint black and white illustrations that are just so…Barbara Cooney! Every chapter has at least two of them.
Published 1955 by Thomas Y. Crowell Company New York
Where to Buy:
∞ Little Women illustrated by Barbara Cooney from Abebooks
This one is difficult to find although not expensive without the dust jacket. The link above leads to only one copy available on Abebooks. Good Luck! I REALLY wish this one could be newly published.
Louis Jambor
1884-1954
Hungarian-American artist Louis Jambor illustrated two books in his lifetime: Little Women and Jo’s Boys. His black and white spot illustrations are numerous and wonderful, and the 5 in color are delicately painted. I love this one!
First Published in 1947 by Grosset & Dunlap
Where to Buy:
May Alcott
Original Illustrator of Part First
1840-1879
Louisa’s younger sister May illustrated the original version and throughout the course of this study her work has grown more and more precious to me. Her illustrations were criticized for their anatomical imperfections, but to me, those imperfections could not be a more perfect complement to her older sister’s story about four young women learning to navigate through life in full view of their own shortcomings. I find them to have an ethereal charm and would love to see them published in contemporary versions of Little Women on a more regular basis.
May Alcott was a very strong woman who did not allow the criticism of her Little Women illustrations to discourage her, and instead developed her talent to such an extent that two of her pieces were accepted to the prestigious Paris Salon. I’ve placed one of them, which I first saw at Orchard House, in my slideshow.
Unfortunately, she died before her 40th birthday, in Paris on December 29, 1879, a fact that I deeply mourn. Perhaps, history would have seen her improved illustrations in Part Second. How fitting that would have been.
First published on September 30, 1868 by Roberts Brothers, Boston
Hammatt Billings
Original Illustrator of Part Second
1818-1874
In addition to Little Women, Hammatt Billings was the original illustrator of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin. He also designed monuments, gardens and firework displays for the Boston Common, and more!
If you have ever visited Plymouth, you may recognize his National Monument to the Forefathers, the current tallest sculpture in the US made entirely of granite. (I’ve placed a photo of it in my slideshow).
During my visit to Orchard House I was given a hint of some discontentment from Alcott towards Billings’ illustrations, which sent me researching, and I discovered a wonderful article by Princeton University Graphic Arts Collection titled Alcott to Billings: “Oh, Please change em!” . Do give it a read if you are interested…Louisa’s letter to her friend about the subject had me smiling all day! (I’ve placed a picture of a first proof with penciled notes I obtained from the linked article above in my slideshow).
Placing Alcott’s feelings aside, I nonetheless find his artwork expressive and fine, and I especially adore his ‘The Professor and Tina’, and how the joy and movements of the two are so well captured.
First published April 14, 1869 by Roberts Brothers, Boston
Frank T. Merrill
Original Illustrator of First Combined Volume
1848-1923
In 1880, Part I and Part II of Little Women were published for the first time as a full volume, and Bostonian artist, Frank T. Merrill illustrated it.
The first editions contained only a few of his illustrations. However, in 1896 an edition was published that contained over 200 of his illustrations, and one can scarcely turn the page without encountering his tender sketches. He did a terrific job, capturing scenes that provide long time viewers and readers of Little Women movies and books with never-before-seen imagery.
I found and purchased this in paperback as the hardback editions I found were all rather expensive. But the paperback is really nicely made and I am quite pleased with it!
First Published in 1896 by Little, Brown & Company this 150th Anniversary Edition published by SeaWolf Press, 2019.
Where to Buy:
Delux Editions
The Folio Society Illustrated by Rebecca Green
Cloth-bound, gold-block binding, stunning endpapers, top quality paper and enchanting illustrations make up this popular Folio Society title. It recently sold out, but happily was just restocked.
Rebecca Green’s beautiful artwork feels both modern and vintage.
The Annotated Little Women edited with introduction and notes by John Matteson
I had to include this annotated edition because it is the only place I could find May Alcott’s illustrations, along with other original artist’s work. May Alcott’s illustrations are accompanied by still photography from films and life, paintings of the Family Alcott and more, and other artwork by several classic illustrators of Little Women.
Published in 2015 by W.W. Norton and Company
Where to buy:
Amazon/Bookshop.org/Abebooks
Little Women curated by Barbara Heller
This lovely book is curated by Barbara Heller who had the clever idea to recreate letters and other memorabilia from the story and time period.
She worked with calligraphers and researched exactly what type of paper and postage marks would have been on the letters of that time, along with how they were folded.
I love the attention to detail that went into creating this book; for example, each character has their own handwriting style, so even though it is not illustrated, I felt there was an art to it that gave it a place within this blog post.
This is the second in the series, the first being Pride and Prejudice, (which my Mom gifted me last year- thanks Mom!!!)
Published in October 2021 by Chronicle Books
Where to Buy:
Amazon/Bookshop
Little Women by Clara M. Burd (Newly Published!)
I am so excited about this re-publication!
Clara M. Burd’s remarkable illustrations from 1926, have been given a new life in this handsome, clothbound edition, and I can’t be happier about being able to raise an illustrator, who’s version of Little Women was too obscure to list when first I created this post, from my “Other” section (below).
I have this on my wish list, and will update this post when I have it in hand!
Published in November 2022 by Chronicle Books
Where to Buy:
Amazon/Bookshop
Other Little Women Illustrators
Here are others that I didn’t feature above (scroll right – there are quite a few!). Look for these on Amazon, Etsy, Ebay, Alibris Books, Abebooks, or find them on internet archives or from your local bookstore or library!
Scroll to see them all!
Adapted/Retold/Readers/Other
Little Women Easy Classics Illustrated by Roberta Bordone
I love, love this reader so much. It is adapted by Lynne Wilson-Bailey and I don’t normally chat about the writers of adapted versions (since my blog is about illustrators) but I must say, she really did a great job in keeping it simple, yet meaningful. And as if that were not enough, the black and white illustrations by Roberta Bordone that adorn each page are captivating and informative. My only note is that the beloved umbrella is missing from the final scene – but that leaves something to look forward to in future readings!
Published February 3, 2022 by Sweet Cherry Easy Classics
Check out more detail:
Little Women adapted by Giada Francia and Illustrated by Francesca Rossi
I first noticed Francesca Rossi’s unique style in the White Star Kids publications of Twenty-thousand Leagues Under the Sea…this version is more petite than I expected it to be (duodecimo) and adapts the first part of Little Women. It’s very pretty, and well-written.
Published 2021 by White Star Kids
Check out the illustrations:
Little Women retold by Mandy Archer and Illustrated by Ela Smietanka
I found this one at the Orchard House gift shop… a very sweet version that can work for younger and older kids alike. I read it to my 7-year-old son and he really enjoyed it! It includes Beth’s illness and covers both parts of Little Women in adapted form, covering Beth’s death in the gentlest of ways.
Published in 2021 by Gibbs Smith Books
Check out more detail:
Little Women retold by Saviour Pirotta and Illustrated by Sara Gianassi
I love this adapted version! Another one that I picked up at Orchard House gift shop! I was immediately drawn in. I love that the famous opening line of the novel is included almost exactly as it is. I also love that the illustrator Sara Gianassi played with the reds and blues so very present in descriptions of the March sisters. Covers a great deal of the story, albeit only Part One of Little Women. It does leave Beth’s illness out of the story.
Published in 2017 by Starry Forest Books
Check out the illustrations:
Little Women A Golden Illustrated Classic Illustrated by David K. Stone
This vintage version is condensed from the original and covers both parts of Little Women. It has the most stylish and beautiful illustrations. I was wondering whether I should feature it, when there are so many new versions to choose from, but then I saw it on one of my favorite Youtube channels (darlingdesi) and then again in a display case at Orchard House, so I took it as a sign! A real treasure!
Published in 1965 by Western Publishing Company
Where to Buy:
The Little Women Cookbook by Wini Moranville
This is a lovely little cookbook that my Mother-in-Law purchased for me in the wonderful Orchard House gift shop while I was taking the photo (featured at the top of this post) upstairs in Louisa’s bedroom- thank you so much Charmayne!! It is so pretty, with a full-page spread photograph of Orchard House, Little Women quotes throughout, and flower and fruit garnishing’s. Courses are divided into 4 chapters (so Chapter 4 is Desserts!), and each chapter heading is adorned with illustrations of the four sisters. It is so sweet!
Published in 2019 by Quarto Publishing Group
Check out more detail:
Foreign Language
Mujercitas Illustrated by Giselfust
Delicate duotone illustrations gracefully bring out some of the most poignant parts of the story in this Spanish version, illustrated by Giselfust. This version includes both Part 1 and Part 2.
Published 2022 by Alma Pocket Illustrados
Where to Buy:
Amazon (hardback) /Blackwells (Paperback)
Mujercitas Illustrated by Rikka Sormunen
I find Finnish Artist Rikka Sornumen’s style alluring and this illustrated Spanish version instantly caught my eye. She uses her background in fashion and her interest in Japanese woodcut and Middle-Eastern pattern to create these color-sensible and spacious watercolor illustrations. Visit Riikka Sormunen to see some interior illustration.
Published August 20, 2019 by PRH Grupo Editorial
Where to Buy:
Barnes & Noble
Mujercitas Illustrated by Maria Nesse
Black and white illustrations adorn this Spanish version of Little Women showcasing famous illustrator Maria Hesse’s uniquely stylized artwork.
Please note this is Part One only. Softcover.
Published October 20, 2020 in paperback by Alfaguara Infantil
Where to purchase
Coming Soon!
Little Women - Kid Classics
The Kid Classics series is a brand new line of abridged classics that began last October with Dracula and Frankenstein, and are about to release Sherlock Holmes and Moby Dick. Also on pre-order is Little Women. Maite Schmitt’s illustrations are bright and beautiful and caught my eye immediately, and the writing is wonderful. Added bonus for me: these books are by a Maine Publisher!
Published (will update with date ASAP) by Whalen Book Works Kid Classics
This is a wonderful article! Have you shared it with the Little Women fans. Readers and scholars Facebook page? Would you please do that? You did a wonderful amount of work and the photos are great!
Hi Lorraine! I somehow missed your comment-I think it was because I was travelling (Spain) at the time! Apologies! I will definitely share it! Thank you so much for the lovely comments…it was a lot of hard work but the felt like fun to me! I love what I do!!!
I was very lucky to go to The Orchard House also. Little Women was always one of my favorite shows also. The books have such great illustrations. You do such an amazing job Heather of showing the books. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Charmayne! We will have to make Rudyard Kipling’s residence in Vermont our next destination!
How truly delightful. One of my favourite books ever, and a joy to learn more about the authoress. There are so many beautiful illustrations!
I know…and there are still a handful of illustrators that I feel I should add!
Heather,
I love Little Women! It’s been years and years since I’ve read it and I’ve never read an illustrated version. I love the picture you took of her desk, how exciting! You are doing a wonderful job with this blog, highlighting an aspect of literature that is often over looked and taken for granted! Keep up the good work!
Thank you so much Lora!!! I really enjoy exploring the illustrators of the classics and I am having the best time doing this!