An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

By Louisa May Alcott

A heartwarming, homey tale of the Basset family, who were "poor in money, but rich in love." Louisa May Alcott was an American novelist best known as author of the novel ‘Little Women.’ In the mid-1860s, Alcott wrote passionate, fiery novels and sensational stories. She also produced wholesome stories for children, and after their positive reception, she did not generally return to creating works for adults. Alcott continued to write until her death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wilder Publications, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781633849853

Louisa May Alcott

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American author best known for her novel Little Women. Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, she was educated by her father, the transcendentalist Bronson Alcott, as well as by family friends Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. She was a Union Army nurse in the Civil War and published sensationalist novels under the nom de plume A. M. Barnard before finding lasting success as a children’s author with Little Women and its three sequels. 

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An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

by Louisa May Alcott

©2015 SMK Books

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission except for brief quotations for review purposes only.

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ISBN 13: 978-1-63384-985-3

Sixty years ago, up among the New Hampshire hills, lived Farmer Bassett, with a house full of sturdy sons and daughters growing up about him. They were poor in money, but rich in land and love, for the wide acres of wood, corn, and pasture land fed, warmed, and clothed the flock, while mutual patience, affection, and courage made the old farm-house a very happy home.

November had come; the crops were in, and barn, buttery, and bin were overflowing with the harvest that rewarded the summer’s hard work. The big kitchen was a jolly place just now, for in the great fireplace roared a cheerful fire; on the walls hung garlands of dried apples, onions, and corn; up aloft from the beams shone crook-necked squashes, juicy hams, and dried venison—for in those days deer still haunted the deep forests, and hunters flourished. Savory smells were in the air; on the crane hung steaming kettles, and down among the red embers copper sauce-pans simmered, all suggestive of some approaching feast.

A white-headed baby lay in the old blue cradle that had rocked seven other babies, now and then lifting his head to look out, like a round, full moon, then subsided to kick and crow contentedly, and suck the rosy apple he had no teeth to bite. Two small boys sat on the wooden settle shelling corn for popping, and picking out the biggest nuts from the goodly store their own hands had gathered in October. Four young girls stood at the long dresser, busily chopping meat, pounding spice, and slicing apples; and the tongues of Tilly, Prue, Roxy, and Rhody went as fast as their hands. Farmer Bassett, and Eph, the oldest boy, were chorin’ ‘round outside, for Thanksgiving was at hand, and all must be

Reviews for An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving

[jbarr5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An old-fashioned Thanksgiving by Alcott, Louisa May When the mother is called away from home to tend to an ailing relative the girls decide they canmake Thanksgiving that year. Lots of traditional old fashioned New England things are describedas children make the decorations and food. They are surprised in many ways. Recipes at the end.I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

[allawishus_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a pretty, sweet, short story about celebrating Thanksgiving in the 1800's (I don't think the date was specifically named, but Alcott lived from 1832-1888). The story takes place on a farm in New Hampshire; the mother and father of a big family are called away to deal with sickness in the family. The children, especially the oldest girl, Tilly, are determined to cook Thanksgiving dinner anyway; they make a few mistakes with herbs and other ingredients, but they get most of it right and manage to get a good dinner on the table for their family. It was nice and cozy to read about all the family togetherness, good food, and happiness. I didn't like how the regional accents were spelled out in the book - blergh. I wonder if there's an edition that's been standardized. There's nothing more annoying/distracting! But the book is still a cute story and a quick read. It was coupled with charcoal illustrations that were nicely representative of the action.

[mrslee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A sweet tale of young girls preparing their first Thanksgiving meal for the family.