First published in 1871, “Little Men” or “Life at Plumfield with Jo’s Boys” is considered the second book in the unofficial “Little Women” trilogy by author Louisa May Alcott. “Little Men” follows the adventures of Alcott’s beloved character Jo March and her husband, Professor Fredreich Bhaer, as they run their Plumfield Estate School. As to be expected, Jo and her husband do not run their school along conventional lines and they encourage their students to have pets, gardens, and even weekly pillow fights. The novel details six months in the daily lives and struggles of the Bhaers and their children, family, friends, and the pupils that attend the school. Jo’s characteristic intelligence, good humor, and playful spirit help both her students as well as her sister Meg’s children navigate the pitfalls and challenges of becoming adults. The experiences of the youngsters as they make mistakes and are guided by caring and pragmatic adults exemplify important life lessons and help them grow into proper young gentleman and ladies. The same love of family, sense of charity and industry, good humor, kindness, and generosity that made “Little Women” such an enduring classic may be found in this heartwarming tale as well. This edition is illustrated by Reginald Birch and includes a biographical afterword.
