Product Description
From helping others in times of need, to keeping and maintaining friendships, to having a positive attitude, Laura's words of wisdom in Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder: On Wisdom and Virtues are applicable even in today's world. As she shares stories and experiences from her own life, she encourages readers to live lives of integrity and to realize their dreams. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

AMAZING LOOK AT THE PAST THROUGH THE EYES OF ONE OF THE GREAT!
This is the first of three books edited by Stephen W. Hines concerning and addressing Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the Little House of the Prairie books.The books Wilder wrote numbered eight in total and were written when she was in her sixties.Many do not realize that before the now famous books were written that Mrs. Wilder was a journalist and wrote a column for The Missouri Ruralist for quite a number of years. This little book that is being reviewed is a collection of her writings taken from that publication.All these articles were written near the turn of the last century.

I feel that a very good argument could be made that Laura Ingalls Wilder was one of the most influential writers of the first half of the past century.Even if we discard the fact that one of the most popular television shows in history was based on her stories, we still are left with the fact that her eight books had a tremendous impact on the youth of this country during the time of their publication and far, far after.There are more than ten million copies of her books in print at this time with more being run off the press as each year passes.It would be quite difficult to find any school or library in this country that did not contain her work; indeed, it would be difficult to find many countries around the world that did not have them on their shelves.Thousands upon thousands of school children, year after year, cut their reading teeth on these eight little works.Ask just about any literate American who Laura Ingles is or was and they will be able to tell you.On the other hand, ask them to name five dead Russian authors, six dead English authors and twenty five French, and chances are slim if they can name half that many.Ask further what these literary greats actually wrote and I will promise you that you will receive a complete blank stare in the majority of cases.Go a step further and ask any of these people to give a brief outline of just one piece of the cumulative work of these "word giants,"and you will get a double blank look.Not so with Wilder's work!Folks, this is influence!

This collection of 35 short column offerings is an absolute gem.Wilder's simple and uncluttered syntax shines though and the reader is given a wonderful glimpse of what is to be created in the future.This is a collection of advice given to young readers. It is simple and to the point, yet each piece flows wonderfully. What is so fascinating about each bit of advice given is that is absolutely timeless.The right thing to do, the way to treat people and the realistic observations recorded here apply to now just as much as they did in the early 1900s.

Even though these words were written well over 100 years ago, they are still quite readable.I note that many young people have difficulty reading the wonderful Anne of Green Gables series due to the style in which it was written, i.e. very, very post Victorian.Not so with these little bits!Yes, you will note a different in the flow and a difference in the structure of some sentences, but overall Mrs. Wilder setting at your kitchen table using the same word forms and patterns would not at all be out of place in the here and now!

I enjoyed this work, not only because I am a big Wilder fan, but also because the editor, Stephen W. Hines did not muck around with her words and bore us to tears with "insightful" pontifications of his own.He let her work stand on its own merits and trusted the reader to come to their own conclusions.I found that to be quite refreshing.

This is almost a must read for Wilder fans.There are two more books in this series that I am into right now and they are just as well put together as this one is.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks

Brilliantly put!
Ms. Wilder has advice about everything, but most might not like it. I found this book very interesting and made me think quite a bit. One part, she said if you have a headache, if you focus on it, it will become worse. If you think about other things, it might go away. She had such brilliant words of wisdom, I can't wait to pass these on to my girls.

I am reading the second one, and hope to pick up the rest. ... Read more

Product Description
Now readers can share Laura Ingalls Wilder's classic country cooking in a convenient new paperback edition of this lovely cookbook. Over 70 of Laura's original recipes, updated for modern kitchens, are enriched with anecdotes about the Wilders by noted historian William Anderson and enhanced by Leslie Kelly's full-color photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Laura Ingalls Wilder Country Cookbook
You really have to see this book to know how beautiful it is. Not only is it a fabulous cookbook, but it's also a biography of stories from the Wilder household. The pictures are beautifully done mostly in color. There are some different photos of Laura and her family though out the book.

Lovely Book
I, too, checked this out of the library and tried the gingerbread recipe.Made it for the second time today for a family dinner and everyone raved about it.It is a lovely book full of comments about each recipe and wonderful illustrations.My 9 year old loved looking at it too.Can't wait to try more recipes...a good variety with old-fashioned sensibility.

Disappointed to find this is out of print!
I checked this book out of my local library and enjoyed it so much (Laura's gingerbread recipe is especially good) that I wanted to purchase a copy for my personal cookbook collection.I hope it is reprinted soon! Different from "The Little House Cookbook" in that these are notnecessarily recipes from Laura's "Little House" books, but ratherrecipes from her personal cookbook she complied as an adult living inMansfield, MO.This book is illustrated with beautiful color photos ofLaura and Almanzo's home in Missouri (inside and out) and would be a greataddition to my cookbook collection.The recipes themselves have a simple,country flair and appear to be easy to prepare (only tried a few but I dolove to read cookbooks!) ... Read more

Product Description
"It is like a fairyland." So Laura Ingalls Wilder described her 1915 voyage to San Francisco to visit her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. Laura's husband, Almanzo, was unable to leave their Missouri farm and it is her faithful letters home, vividly describing every detail of her journey, that have been gathered here. Includes 24 pages of exciting photographs and completely redesigned jacket art.

Children's Books of 1974 (Library of Congress) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Very happy
Was very happy with this supplier. Delivery was quick considering it was being shipped from the USA to Ireland. Product was in good condition. Very pleased overall.

Wonderful Book!
Although it is nothing like the Little House series, it is very interesting to continue to follow Laura's life and see the World's Fair through her eyes.

For lovers of the Little House books
First Line: Dearest Mama Bess-- I simply can't stand being so homesick for you any more.

When I was six, my mother handed me Little House in the Big Woods, and I never looked back. I still love Laura Ingalls Wilder's tales of her childhood and still get the giggles when I think of the mouse giving Pa a bald spot. When I ran across this book at Paperback Swap, I thought it was time for a Half Pint Fix.

Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, became a journalist and moved to California. Rose became very homesick for her mother and finally saved up the money for Laura to board a train and come for a visit. Laura's visit coincided with San Francisco's World's Fair celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal. This book contains the letters Laura wrote home to her husband, Almanzo during her stay.

I loved this book for its glimpse into a San Francisco that had just rebuilt itself after the 1906 earthquake, and for its insights into Laura the adventurer, Laura the woman who was thinking about starting to write, Laura the mother, and Laura the wife who never stopped worrying about her husband alone on their farm in Missouri. This is a book for all those, like me, who have fond memories of Little Houses.

Unedited Letters
To say this isn't well written is to say it simply wasn't edited.Laura never expected her letters to be published.Who among us would want a random collection of our emails one day put together in a book, as representative of our writing abilities?But the genius of Laura's books was her editing- taking stories from her youth and interspersing them with the stories of others, to create a true story and myth of the prairies of the 1800s.And this collection just isn't that interesting.

There's some mild interest in learning about San Francisco of 1915, but not enough to warrant a book.In fact, what we see here is a rather petty mother Laura, willing even to take monetary advantage of her daughter. Her daughter, of limited income, offers to pay Laura money while Laura is in San Francisco, in order to offset the work that Laura would otherwise be doing on the farm in the Dakotas.Laura mails back to Almonzo that perhaps, she should stay in San Francisco longer, because this way Rose will continue to pay Laura money for not being at home.I kind of wish I hadn't seen that side of Laura.

The letters tend to be bland and lack panache.The reveal nothing of Laura, and tell no great stories.I'm sure that Laura could have used the letters and the stories of others to create some great historical fiction.But she didn't.Skip this collection.

Loved it.
I so loved reading and re-reading the Little House series with my daughter that I had to go to the library and find more that Laura wrote. I loved this account of her 1915 trip to visit Rose in San Francisco - who knew that Rose lived such an interesting life (as a journalist, for instance, she flew with a stunt pilot, strapped to his wing ... )?

A fast, enjoyable read. Little House fans won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description

Set during the pioneer days of the late 1800s and early 1900s, Laura Ingalls Wilder's books chronicle her life growing up on the Western frontier. For the first time in the history of the Little House books, these new editions feature Garth Williams' interior art in vibrant, full color. Come along for the adventure with this collector's set of the first five Little House books.

Customer Reviews (37)

The Little House Collection Box Set (Full Color)
Great for adults and children.Wholesome and easy reading, but yet at the same time gives specific, historical details about life at that time; the challenges and difficulties they went through just trying to make it work.It's also a good reminder to us living in this day, how we need to be grateful and appreciative for all the trmendous blessings we have, learning to be content with what we have, whether little or much.It's wonderful family reading, and I highly recommend it to all.

Little house
My wife loved this collection. I bought the others in this collection too. This is a great gift.

The Little House Collection
Purchased as a gift for a friend, item received as described, fast delivery, will purchase from vendor again
Thank you
M Haynes

Excellent and fast shipping
Excellent and fast shipping
By the way I have to return it because it 's only 5 books
ACtually I need 8 books.

Little House Series
Series came as promised.Very good condition other than minor damage in shipping.Only complaint is that it is a shame that, considering our national unemployment rate,a collection about the history of our pioneers has to be printed in China. ... Read more

Product Description
The set includes:Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years, and The First Four Years.

Customer Reviews (183)

Should be a "must" read for young girls
I purchased this set of books for my granddaughter.These books introduce an unknown world to young readers.Most young readers of today cannot fathom the world found in Laura Ingalls Wilder's books.They've never known a life without computers, TVs, cell phones, texting, running water, indoor plumbing, automatic washers and dryers, fast food, vacations, two-car families or interstate highways.I, myself, love these books and I'm 66 years old.I did grow up on a farm without all those modern conveniences and these stories remind me how easy life today is.I still re-read these books and lose myself in a much simpler, although a more difficult, existence.

You are Never Too Old To Read Wilder's Books
Even if you are in your late 50's, 60's, or older, take the time to read the complete set of Laura's books; you won't feel like a juvenille in doing so.

Reading her books is like taking a trip in a time machine. You may find yourself wanting to go back in time yourself, like I wanted to, to experience the simple, yet demanding lifestyle Laura and her family lived through. It was tough most of the time for them, but due to the "never give up" attitude and efforts of her Father and Mother, the family made it through one tough time after another. I tell ya, very few people today would have survived under the same circumstances.

There are so many examples of folklore described, it's a lot like reading the Foxfire books with a constant central character. You find yourself looking forward to the next big event in her life, all the while learning every small detail of how daily life was for them in the 1870's to the late 1880's.

Bottom line, after reading all 9 tomes in less than a week, I am very pumped up about them. You cannot go back in a time machine, but you CAN read all her books. It's the next best thing.

LBJ

A must read for any young reader
I adored these books as a young girl and I think they are outstanding!The books are so endearing, heart felt and a good read.The books give a modern reader perspective about what life was like after the Civil War (especially for a poor rural farming family) - there was no plumbing, no telephones, no electricity, no phones and of course no computers, cell phones, email or internet.The Ingalls might have been poor but there was plenty of love in that home - Pa worked hard tending the fields and support his family in less than desirable circumstances (locusts, failed crops, weather problems), while Ma cooked, cleaned, sewed and took care of her family.The children are respectful and expected to help out with the chores.If the Ingalls or their neighbors had any material possessions or luxuries, they always acted grateful and appreciative rather than uninterested and dissatisfied.
Although I have also read recently that it might have been Laura's daughter, Rose, who helped write these books, this is still Laura's family's story and her characters come to life by the excellent writing and details of what life was like in the US during that time.I watched the tv series as a young girl as well which I thought was good also(if a little preachy sometimes) but the series was very much Hollywoodized - whatever problems the tv Ingalls family and neighbors had seemed to solve themselves within one hour and even the log cabin seemed a little large for a poor farmer.
I have a 2 1/2 year old niece and one on the way and I cannot wait until they are older so I can buy these books for them.I hope they will enjoy them as much as I did when I was little and I will get a chance to relive the adventures of the Ingalls as an adult.

Complete set Little House on the Prairie
Books are in great shspe. They were shipped quickly and I was kept informed as to status.

Boxed Little House on the Prairee Set of 9
A very unhappy customer - would never do business again with these Brilliante Books-received the first set of books in a very thin envelope with the box all torn up and plastic wrapping off too - well what else do you expect when you send a BOX in an envelope - so emailed them and it took another email and 10 days later to reply that they would send another set - you guessed it -in an envelope as well so dah, same result so i emailed them again letting them know that again same scenario and were they aware that the box was being sent in an envelope - emailied them again - 10 days later finally a response to return the item for a refund......all I wanted was the bBoxed set which should have been sent in a box...their responses were late on both occassions and required both times another e mail from me before they replied-their last email to me was to the point to return the set-they should have done the job right the first time instead of blowwing me oo like i was the problem...never again ... Read more

Product Description

From her pioneer days on the prairie to her golden years with her husband, Almanzo, and their daughter, Rose, Laura Ingalls Wilder has become a friend to all who have read about her adventures. This behind-the-scenes account chronicles the real events in Laura's life that inspired her to write her stories and also describes her life after the last Little House book ends.

Customer Reviews (25)

L.I.W. A Biography
A very entertaining and accurate Bio. for young readers.This book is a great tool for young people who has had thier imagination's set on fire by the "Little House Books".Once I Read them, I could not get enough info. about that time in history.The photos were also excellent.Great read for kids who are fans of the series.

Good for LHOTP collectors
This certainly isn't as good as some other Laura Ingalls Wilder biographies, but it's not bad.I think this is focued more toward young teens than adults.

Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography (Little House) by William Anderson
Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography (Little House) by William Anderson

My niece needed some resource material for an elementary school project.This was a wonderful book, informative and easy for a 4th grade student to read and enjoy, as well as enjoyable for adults.Some of the photos are very touching, and this book is a must-have for any Laura fan.I plan on ordering an additional copy for our school library.

Good Biography
This book was very well written.It fills in some of the gaps the stories leave out.This author has an easy to read style of writing.For anyone reading about Laura, this is a great read.

Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography (Little House)
This paperback was great reading. It answered a lot of questions that I had and also filled in a lot of gaps. It made me wish that I was around when Laura was alive so that I could have written her a 'fan' letter. Remarkable woman as was her whole family. I now watch the DVD series with new eyes and more interest (if that was possible). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

impressive biography of an impressive woman
I received this book for Christmas from my husband -- he knows what a lifelong Wilder fan I am -- and I read it in one gulp. Wonderful!

I have read several other biographies of Laura [though not yet the John Miller] and this is the first one that satisfied me as to scholarship and in disentangling the very, very complicated and intense relationship between Laura and her daughter Rose (who edited her mother's Little House books and has at various times been credited with being the actual writer of them). This book was very even-handed and fair to both women and the author's conclusions were both humane and convincing.

(I must say I am baffled by the negative review posted here -- a "piece of garbage" by a "jealous little girl"?? This biography is so far from a hatchet job on Laura I am left wondering if the poster actually meant to be reviewing THE GHOST IN THE LITTLE HOUSE.)

The book is a bit scholarly for a mainstream biography but conversely extremely well-written for a state historical series. Kudos to the author!

Save Your Money
There has never been a book written by or about Laura Ingalls Wilder that I have not enjoyed until I read this piece of garbage. It seems that the author wants to be shocking and provoking, making somewhat of a liar out of our dear Laura and her family.
Indeed the dates and quotes are accurate but they have to be.
It made me feel as if I were reading something a jealous little girl had written to get revenge on someone. I have no use for this book and will be putting it up for sale on eBay.
The "author" suggests over and over that Rose Wilder Lane stole her mother's original manuscript for the LH books and used them in all of her books. That's just one small note of interest that made the "author" seem to want to shock the reader.
I can not stress how disappointed I am in this "book" and in the "author". I use those terms lightly because this is hardly literature.
I'm not very good at expressing or getting my point across. All I can say is:
Save. Your. Money. Please.

Wonderful information!
I've read this book over and over and there's always something more to learn in this look at Laura Ingalls Wilder's life and writing process.The author makes a serious attempt to show the real woman behind the writing of the Little House books.The research is thorough, the writing clear and fresh, and best of all, the author allows Laura to shine through her own words.A pleasure!

Great for Laura fans
This was an enjoyable, non-fiction read that Laura Ingalls Wilder fans will appreciate. The excerpts from letters, newspapers, and many references paint an interesting picture of the journey to create the Little House series.It was a unique perspective to focus on Wilder's life as an author, not her day-to-day life which is well documented in other books.I also liked that it included information about Wilder's daughter and her impact on Wilder's writing.

I stumbled over the author's writing style at times. The comparisons between Wilder's actual childhood and her stories sometimes read like a high school essay.And it'd be a richer read with a little more research on details from outside Wilder's immediate world, such as the market for authors at that time, who was successful, what were other popular books, etc.Last, I also thought the author worked in her own conclusions about Laura and Rose's relationship that weren't actually documented.

Critism aside, I really enjoyed reading this and learning more about Wilder's experience as an author.It is a very nice addition to biographies about Wilder for adults.

Nice to know the backstory
This really covers the real back story of beloved author Laura Ingalls Wilder. A very interesting read. ... Read more

Product Description
Laura Ingalls Wilder Country takes the millions of fans of the Little House books and the hit TV series on an enchanting tour of the real world of the well-loved author, visiting the people and places who inspired her classic books. With hundreds of photos, many in full color, this memorabilia book makes a beautiful gift. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Great pics
This book has lots of great pics of the Ingalls family and the places they lived. I would recommend.

Laura Ingalls Wilder revisited
Great book for traveling to a Laura Ingalls Wilder site either in person or imaginery.I fortunately, have done both.

A spectacular written and visual look at Laura Ingalls Wilder's life, and the places she lived.
This is such a fantasic book filled with pictures,descriptions and more of the places Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up during the trying pioneer times. You get to see places that she hasn't included in her series of "Little House" books, like the hotel thatshe helped with cooking meals at; when she was just ten years old!

I also loved all the illustrations,actual pictures of places Laura lived, descriptions from the books and other writings that Laura did while growing up onthe prairie. The amazing thing is the pictures of the real Ingalles including Laura and her sisters Mary and Carrie together taken while they first moved to the Dakota area. Also the pictures of Laura and Almanzo are truly terrific. This is such a wonderful treasured keep-sake for any and allfans ofthe "Little House" books, t.v. series, Disney version and of course fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder herself.

Great addition to the Little House collection of books
I am a big fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder.I've read and reread the book series and also own the DVD tv series.The book is wonderful.The pictures are big and many, and it gives a lot of information.Would recommend this to any Laura Ingalls wilder fan.

Great pictures, a must-have for LHOTP fans
This gorgeous book has pictures of all the places mentioned in the Little House books.William Anderson's narration is interesting, but the pictures carry this book.Good for LHOTP collections! ... Read more

Product Description

The beautiful illustrations bring the poetry to life in this beautiful gift book.

Readers will delight in this never-before published collection of poems from Laura Ingalls Wilder, the beloved author of The Little House on the Prairie:

Day and night, wherever we go, fairies are out dancing, painting, and creating joyous mischief for all who can see them.Laura Ingalls Wilder shares her vision of the fanciful, ethereal, and mischievous world of the "Little People" in this first-ever collection of fairy poems she wrote in 1915.Accompanied by whimsical illustrations, readers young and old will cherish this book for a lifetime. Amazon.com Review
"Down by the spring one morning/ Where the shadows still laydeep,/ I found in the heart of the flower/ A tiny fairy asleep,"rhymes Laura Ingalls Wilder in "The Fairy Dew Drop." Wilder, bestknown for the Little House series that chronicles her childhoodas a pioneer girl, wrote poetry, too, and--surprise!--this practical,hard-working woman also believed in fairies. Her fairy poems, firstpublished in a San Francisco newspaper, have now been collected inthis small, colorful volume, brimming with Richard Hull's whimsicalpaintings of various kinds of fairies and their fanciful world offlowers and insects. The book begins with an introduction by StephenW. Hines, who edited Wilder's long-forgotten newspaper columns in Little House in theOzarks. Wilder fans will also find one of her 1916 essays,"Fairies Still Appear to Those with Seeing Eyes." A charming choicefor both fans of fairies and admirers of the Little Housebooks. (Click to see a samplespread. Illustrations ©1998 by Richard Hull. Permission byBantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group, Inc.) (Age 6 to adult)--Marcie Bovetz ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

ok
service is great from store, but the book wasn't great...not laura ingalls wilder's best work. there are better fairy poems

Little Fairies on the Prairie
Talk about lucky! Before she wrote her "little house" books,Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote some wonderful poems about fairies and we are fortunate that Stephen W. Hines compiled them and Richard Hull contributed colorful, detailed illustrations just full of whimsy, magic and fun.
This charming litle volume consists of a short adaptation of an essay on fairies by Wilder, a short bio on Wilder by Hines and five beautifully illustrated fairy poems by Wilder.
Written in 1915 these quaint fairy stories are sure to delight young and old alike as they show us the daily lives and activities of the wee folk.You will see lady bugs and dragon flies, crickets and caterpillars, toads, birds, butterflies and flowers galore, but best of all you will see lots of fairies in flowery long skirts and pinafores sporting colorful wings and huge mischievous eyes.The flowers are right out of a turn of the century cottage garden including poppies, four o'clocks, forget-me-nots, tiger lilies and pinks.
I loved the book for its light-hearted, nostalgic look at Fairyland and for showing me another side to an already beloved writer.

This is a wonderful book about fairy's.
People young and old will like these charming poems. It's wonderfully illustrated and detailed. If you get a chance this would be a great bedtime story kind of thing. ... Read more

Product Description

Miller begins with the history of the Ingalls family and their firstsettlement, which was in Wisconsin along the banks of the MississippiRiver. The history unfolds at a sprightly pace and paints thehardscrabble pioneer life in bright colors--the family's search forgood farmland that drives them to Missouri; the physical challenges ofthe prairie; plagues of locusts; the fragile farm economy; and theburgeoning immigrant population. This biography will appeal to readersalready hooked by the Little House series and hungry for the facts ofLaura Ingalls Wilder's life independent of the myths that grew out ofher fiction. --Hollis Giammatteo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Not that great a read...
I'm purposely not looking at the other reviews before writing this one, although I DID look at them briefly prior to purchasing this book.

I thought that this book was fairly disappointing.The writer should have titled the book:BECOMING ROSE WILDER LANE.He spent FAR too much time on the subject of Laura's daughter Rose Wilder Lane, and in my opinion, not enough of Laura and the person she was and became.

The writer was SUPER redundant, mentioning from chapter to chapter, the SAME information...if I read one more time how ALMANZO liked to eat swiss steak, I was going to scream! (and that was only ONE instance)!!!

It wasn't until three quarters of the way through the book, where the author got down to business and wrote about the BECOMING LAURA INGALLS WILDER I wanted to know more about.

I suppose I would recommend this book to someone who knows nothing about Laura and has not read the books that she wrote or to someone who has not seen the tv series, but the information I gleaned from this book was mostly things I could read about in WIKIPEDIA.

The book was a great insight into the life of Laura's daughter Rose...again, the author missed the boat on his title and should have gone with the ROSE WILDER LANE theme throughout.

Enjoy It For What It Is
I am a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, though I am not a stereotypical pollyanna-ish one and I certainly don't believe that Laura was a saint. I didn't, in other words, expect this book to be a litany of the miracles she performed during her (admittedly remarkable) lifetime. Perhaps it was because my expectations were low that I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed reading about the process of creating the famous "Little House" books, about Laura's working relationship with Rose (who was already an established author with contacts in the literary world beyond the local paper that Laura sometimes wrote for). I enjoyed reading about the non-working relationship between mother and daughter, the small anecdotes about an aging/aged Almanzo, and the hints at what was omitted or altered in Laura's auto-fictional-biographical works.

Yes, the book is dry going sometimes, and is sometimes inaccurate (he gets some small details from the LH books wrong, which grates), but it's still a book that I'm likely to dip into again if for no other reason than to feed my LIW addiction.

Boring
I am disappointed with this book. It is basically a chronological list of very dry facts that is told in a humorless way. The author also spends too much time giving examples of how Laura's daughter, Rose, appeared to have some deep-seated emotional problems. At one point I thought to myself, "Is this a biography of Rose or of Laura?" For someone who spends a lot of time harping on how Laura was able to create such real and vivid characters in her Little House books, he fails to do so in his own. I was not drawn into this book at all.

Best Laura Ingalls WIlder biography out there!
This is by far the best biography on Laura Ingalls Wilder available.This is a scholarly, indepth look that goes beyond her books and looks into what made her a writer.Written for adults.

The complete real life story of Laura
This is the real-life Laura and family. Biographer John Miller provides tremendous detail in a smooth, quick and fascinating read. Gives a lot of historic context from the time of Charles and Caroline's childhood through the 1950's, and many new tidbits about Laura's actual childhood. The most thought-provoking and disturbing section of the book is toward the end, covering the period between 1925 and Laura's death in 1957.

Rose, having worked and travelled all over the world as a successful author, came home to Rocky Ridge for some 9 years in the late 20's and early 30's. While there, she suffered frequent depression, writer's block, financial trouble, and a frustrating relationship with her mother, Laura. Yet it was at this time that she helped Laura begin the Little House books, the first of which was published in 1932. The collaboration between the two on the series has been a topic of contention among scholars, critics, and fans from the beginning.Here we learn the truth, book-by-book, on who wrote what, and how each felt about her role in the partnership.

This truth is enlightening and yet Rose's sad mental state and resentment toward Laura is a bit heartbreaking for fans who still believe in Pa's beloved, spunky, hard-working, Plum Creek-swimming, Nellie Oleson-hating, hay-making, bible verse-reciting, school-teaching, buggy-riding, half-pint who wanted nothing more than to send her blind sister to college. ... Read more

Product Description

Miller begins with the history of the Ingalls family and their firstsettlement, which was in Wisconsin along the banks of the MississippiRiver. The history unfolds at a sprightly pace and paints thehardscrabble pioneer life in bright colors--the family's search forgood farmland that drives them to Missouri; the physical challenges ofthe prairie; plagues of locusts; the fragile farm economy; and theburgeoning immigrant population. This biography will appeal to readersalready hooked by the Little House series and hungry for the facts ofLaura Ingalls Wilder's life independent of the myths that grew out ofher fiction. --Hollis Giammatteo ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Not that great a read...
I'm purposely not looking at the other reviews before writing this one, although I DID look at them briefly prior to purchasing this book.

I thought that this book was fairly disappointing.The writer should have titled the book:BECOMING ROSE WILDER LANE.He spent FAR too much time on the subject of Laura's daughter Rose Wilder Lane, and in my opinion, not enough of Laura and the person she was and became.

The writer was SUPER redundant, mentioning from chapter to chapter, the SAME information...if I read one more time how ALMANZO liked to eat swiss steak, I was going to scream! (and that was only ONE instance)!!!

It wasn't until three quarters of the way through the book, where the author got down to business and wrote about the BECOMING LAURA INGALLS WILDER I wanted to know more about.

I suppose I would recommend this book to someone who knows nothing about Laura and has not read the books that she wrote or to someone who has not seen the tv series, but the information I gleaned from this book was mostly things I could read about in WIKIPEDIA.

The book was a great insight into the life of Laura's daughter Rose...again, the author missed the boat on his title and should have gone with the ROSE WILDER LANE theme throughout.

Enjoy It For What It Is
I am a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan, though I am not a stereotypical pollyanna-ish one and I certainly don't believe that Laura was a saint. I didn't, in other words, expect this book to be a litany of the miracles she performed during her (admittedly remarkable) lifetime. Perhaps it was because my expectations were low that I enjoyed this book. I enjoyed reading about the process of creating the famous "Little House" books, about Laura's working relationship with Rose (who was already an established author with contacts in the literary world beyond the local paper that Laura sometimes wrote for). I enjoyed reading about the non-working relationship between mother and daughter, the small anecdotes about an aging/aged Almanzo, and the hints at what was omitted or altered in Laura's auto-fictional-biographical works.

Yes, the book is dry going sometimes, and is sometimes inaccurate (he gets some small details from the LH books wrong, which grates), but it's still a book that I'm likely to dip into again if for no other reason than to feed my LIW addiction.

Boring
I am disappointed with this book. It is basically a chronological list of very dry facts that is told in a humorless way. The author also spends too much time giving examples of how Laura's daughter, Rose, appeared to have some deep-seated emotional problems. At one point I thought to myself, "Is this a biography of Rose or of Laura?" For someone who spends a lot of time harping on how Laura was able to create such real and vivid characters in her Little House books, he fails to do so in his own. I was not drawn into this book at all.

Best Laura Ingalls WIlder biography out there!
This is by far the best biography on Laura Ingalls Wilder available.This is a scholarly, indepth look that goes beyond her books and looks into what made her a writer.Written for adults.

The complete real life story of Laura
This is the real-life Laura and family. Biographer John Miller provides tremendous detail in a smooth, quick and fascinating read. Gives a lot of historic context from the time of Charles and Caroline's childhood through the 1950's, and many new tidbits about Laura's actual childhood. The most thought-provoking and disturbing section of the book is toward the end, covering the period between 1925 and Laura's death in 1957.

Rose, having worked and travelled all over the world as a successful author, came home to Rocky Ridge for some 9 years in the late 20's and early 30's. While there, she suffered frequent depression, writer's block, financial trouble, and a frustrating relationship with her mother, Laura. Yet it was at this time that she helped Laura begin the Little House books, the first of which was published in 1932. The collaboration between the two on the series has been a topic of contention among scholars, critics, and fans from the beginning.Here we learn the truth, book-by-book, on who wrote what, and how each felt about her role in the partnership.

This truth is enlightening and yet Rose's sad mental state and resentment toward Laura is a bit heartbreaking for fans who still believe in Pa's beloved, spunky, hard-working, Plum Creek-swimming, Nellie Oleson-hating, hay-making, bible verse-reciting, school-teaching, buggy-riding, half-pint who wanted nothing more than to send her blind sister to college. ... Read more

Product Description

Though best known as the author of the Little House books, Laura Ingalls Wilder led a full, rich life that spanned almost a century of American history. All through her life Laura saved mementos of her past, including early writings, letters, drawings, and photographs, which have been lovingly preserved in private and public collections across the country.

Now, for the first time ever, these photographs, writings, and memorabilia have been gathered together in one incredible volume by noted Little House historian William Anderson. Each gorgeous page of LAURA'S ALBUM is a doorway into the private world of Laura Ingalls Wilder, and offers a unique glimpse of what her life was like. Here is the fascinating true story of this remarkable pioneer woman's life as well as an unforgettable tale of our own American past.

Customer Reviews (23)

Laura's Album
I purchased this book for a gift to my Grandaughter.She wanted to learn more about the Ingall's as she had visited Walnut Grove, Minnesota. I liked the script, pictures and information in the book.I also purchased a second volume for another Grandaughter.The Grandaughters are 7 and 12 years old.Information in the book is easy to read and the stories are pictured well for children and adults to enjoy. Would recommend this book.

A must have book for all " Little House " fans.
Laura's album, was a very good book to read if you are a die hard " Little House " fan like me. It is full of documents and hand written notes, as well as pictures of the Ingall's and Wilder families. And at the end of the book, there is a timeline that is great to see and read. I would highly recommend this book to everyone.Thank you, Pamela

Beautifully Done!
This is such a sweet and beautiful book. Never hesitate to buy it.
I won't say anything about the content because it's so wonderful!!

Nice YA book for "Little House" fans:
This book is, basically, exactly what it says it is:a scrapbook of photographs and memorabilia of the Ingalls and Wilder families, and also the same of the extended family and friends mentioned in the "Little House" books.Short but informative blurbs are set around the photographs.Chapters are divided in ten-year blocks of time, with the applicable photographs of that period included therein.

This book has some photographs I haven't seen before, including a nice photograph of young Almanzo Wilder with his sister Alice, and a photo of the adult Almanzo with his two brothers (which proves that Almanzo was the best-looking brother).There is also an interesting (but small) photo of "Ma" in old age taken by Carrie, and a photograph of Carrie on her homestead claim (again, somewhat small).I could wish interesting photographs like these were printed larger and clearer.The book also reprints Pa's newspaper obituary, which is touching and interesting to read.

I liked seeing the lesser known photographs.But, if I had to choose between books to purchase, then I've got to say that as an adult, my preference is for LAURA INGALLS WILDER COUNTRY, which is another Ingalls/Wilder family-photograph-compilation-type book prepared by Mr. Anderson, which contains more details on the places where the families lived.That book has slightly fewer family photographs (but of those, it has many of same ones seen in Laura's Album).This is not to knock LAURA'S ALBUM, though I think, given its style and format, LAURA'S ALBUM would make a nice starter gift for a young adult who's read the Little House books and is interested in knowing more about the true history of the family.

Laura's Album: A Remembrance Scrapbook of Laura Ingalls Wilder
I thought this scrapbook would be like the "Egyptology", "Wizardology" etc. books; with the removable pieces inside the book. ... Read more

Product Description
In Writings to Young Women on Laura Ingalls Wilder: As Told by Her Family, Friends, and Neighbors, we see Laura through the eyes of those who knew her best. They tell of her insatiable love for reading and learning new things, her reactions to the fame from her best-selling children's series, and even which book she considered her favorite. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A VERY INFORMATIVE AND FULLFILLING READ...I am sorry to see this little series end.
This little work is the third and final book is a wonderful little series edited by Stephen W. Hines.Oddly enough, it is targeted and designated YA although I must say that it is a delightful read for all ages and any adult, especially Wilder fans will enjoy every word and actually learn a bit.

In this collection, the editor has taken actual interviews from people living in Laura's home town and other parts of the country, articles, past published interviews and Mrs. Wilder's own words to portray how she was perceived in her own community during her own time.How did she react to her fame?Did she make a lot of money with her books?What was, through the eyes of others, her relationship with her daughter, Rose?How was her husband Almanzo perceived and what was his relationship with Laura really like?Was this most famous author a bit quirky or eccentric?Was she happy?

The reader must remember that Laura Ingails Wilder lived in her community of Mansfield, Missouri from 1894 until her death in 1957 and that her first work Little House in the Big Woods was not published until 1932 when Laura was in her mid 60s.She died at the age of 90 well before the now famous T.V. series was even considered.It should also be noted that Mrs. Wilder's education only went as far as two semesters of high school and it must also be remembered that her daughter Rose, was a best selling author long before Laura began her own writing career.Unfortunately the work of Rose is lost in the literary mist of the past and in fact was quickly fading and all but forgotten before the Little House books hit the bookshelves.

Please note that there are quite a number of biographies out there dealing with the Wilder family.This work does not go into the tumultuous relationship between Laura and Rose and as a matter of fact sort of glosses it over.While it pays lip service to Almonzo's handicap, it does not address the problems that this cause. This after all is targeted for youth and there are certainly a plethoria of works out there discussing such matters.

In addition to finding out some wonderful things about one of my favorite authors, I was also very pleased that many of the interviews and articles included very nicely done glimpses into the hard, hard, life of the small farmer in the Ozarks during that time period (Actually, things have not changed all that much...truth be told).Of course being raised a few miles from Mansfield and now living even closer allowed me to understand perfectly the attitude of the people and the culture which surrounded Laura and her family.It was quite similar to my family and the community I grew up in.

The editor concludes this work with a delightful discussion of some of the mysteries surrounding the life of this wonderful children's write.Laura's Cave (All tales and families from the Ozarks have to have at least one cave involved). Did Laura really write these books or did Rose?Will her unpublished work ever be published? Was Laura really rich and how did she view money?Interesting speculation here and good answers, as far as it goes.

Young or old, you will find this to be a very rewarding read and I doubt that even the most ardent LIW fan will be disappointed.This is a short, quick read and well worth the time spent with it.Highly recommend.

Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
... Read more

Product Description

For the first time in the history of the Little House books, this new edition features Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant, full color, as well as beautifully redesigned covers.

Customer Reviews (89)

Our favorite Little House book!
I had listened to this book before and knew I wanted to add it to our library. We have three boys who like to listen to it over and over. Just be aware that you may end up cooking some of the yummy food that is often mentioned!

best little hose book ever
SPOILER ALERT!I loved it! The book begins with Almanzo going to school but mostof the book is about his life on the farm. At school Almanzo saw some big boys (as Almanzo called it) and they planned to drive out the teacher. The teacher went to Almanzo's house and Almanzo's dad gave him his black snake whip and the teacher whipped the "bad boys" because they did not come in when the teacher told them to. I can relate to Almanzo because I used to live on a farm. The only difference is that his farm is much bigger than mine. My favorite part was when Almanzo got Starlight (a colt). that was the end and when I got to the end I wanted to read some more. I like this book better than LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS.

best little hose book ever
SPOILER ALERT!I loved it! The book begins with Almanzo going to school but mostof the book is about his life on the farm. At school Almanzo saw some big boys (as Almanzo called it) and they planned to drive out the teacher. The teacher went to Almanzo's house and Almanzo's dad gave him his black snake whip and the teacher whipped the "bad boys" because they did not come in when the teacher told them to. I can relate to Almanzo because I used to live on a farm. The only difference is that his farm is much bigger than mine. My favorite part was when Almanzo got Starlight (a colt). that was the end and when I got to the end I wanted to read some more. I like this book better than LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS.

L. Scott
As a family, we have listened to all of the "Little House" books and enjoyed each one immensely.Cherry Jones is a wonderful narrator; I regularly read to my children, but I couldn't have done the readings justice when comparing myself to the Ms. Jones.

We particularly enjoyed "Farmer Boy".I suppose it is because we visited his homestead and enjoyed the deeper connection we made by doing so.We all agree that Almanzo's focus on food both made us hungry and tickled our funny bone.His reference to his mother's cooking has inspired us to try many of Mrs. Wilder's recipes.

Lastly, Mr. & Mrs. Wilder inspired me as a mother.Their parenting style is so thought provoking, that I have truly changed the way I think about raising my own children.

Odd man out of the series
When I was a child, my family went to the various Laura Ingalls Wilder homesteads through the Midwest and the Plains states. It was an epic car trip. I hadn't read the series yet, but my sister and mom had. I started reading them once we got back. I reread (by candlelight) Little House on the Prairie about five years ago. Then several years ago, I worked in the North Country, about fifty miles from the Wilder homestead (but alas, I never went to see whether there was any kind of marker or site). I finally got around to rereading Farmer Boy, which follows a year in the life of Ingalls's future husband Almanzo Wilder.

To reread it as an adult is a slightly odd experience. The book has always had a reputation of being a bit different because it's not based on Laura's own experiences and is the boy-centered book. It's not simply the subject matter. It affects the writing style too. There was a period of my life when I was interviewing a lot ofpeople and the early part of the book reads like the transcripts I wrote up afterward. For example, the story will be paused for these side paragraph long observations about this or that, and the explanations are sometimes too neat (as memory subtly shifts events so the timing makes sense).

What's particularly strange is the point of view of this book. It is brilliant at portraying the world as seen from the point of view of a boy. It feels like LIW took notes directly from talking to a younger version of her husband. And that's the weird thing of it. It's like no attempt was made by anyone to reflect on these memories and see whether they made sense. Some things clearly don't. The episode between the gang that killed the previous teacher and the new teacher feels very incomplete, like a lot more was going on that Almanzo Wilder was too young to be told or to understand. I remember being slightly confused by that episode as a kid. That hasn't changed.

Then there are some things that don't seem possible, like pumping water from a well when it's forty degrees below. (Actually, I have a theory about that one. When I lived in the North Country (New York), a couple of times I heard or read references to `forty below'. I suspect it simply meant `very cold' and wasn't literal, just like how sometimes in Chinese `eight hundred' means `a lot'.) So since I take these books as a portrait of frontier life, I do wish that Wilder had found better ways to compromise between a boy's perspective and an adult understanding.

Also, I have to admit that I find the worldview of the characters incredibly alien. Almanzo is a little boy who pretty much just wants to work. He likes to play occasionally but he gets bored quickly if he has to sit still and doesn't seem to have much interest in other kids his own age. This `oh good, chores!' attitude seems unreal in places.

All these things make the book feel like it's slightly out of key occasionally. In the end, the characters' sheer love of life does make the book winsome, but the book was disorienting until that happened. So the main thing I would say to someone about to read it is, "Don't worry if the beginning doesn't feel quite right. Keep going. It gets better."

This book appears second in boxed sets. If I had any influence over when a kid read these books, I'd encourage them to hold off on reading it until later when they're completely hooked by the series. (I'd also help them find Malone, New York on the map. Otherwise the threat of frost in July is going to seem very strange. I'm writing this at the end of April and it snowed up there this week.)

It doesn't seem like there's any point in putting a star rating on a book like this. To me, the series is central to the American experience, so you're going to read it anyway. (Any progeny of mine can reasonably expect to sooner or later get a boxed set under the Christmas tree, if they're still producing paper books by then.) And adults will like keep encouraging kids to read them so that the next time they whine about not having the next iSomething from Apple they can be reminded that they at least don't have to get up before dawn to milk the cows.

I would also encourage adult Laura Ingalls Wilder fans to consider Ole Rolvaag's Giants in the Earth. It's in a similar, albeit much more mature, vein as Wilder's books and is amazingly good. ... Read more

Product Description

By the mid-1930s Laura Ingalls Wilder's journeys had taken her from Wisconsin to South Dakota, from Missouri to California and back again. She had traveled by wagon, by train, and by car; alone, with her husband, and with her daughter. She had watched the times, seasons, and people change over six decades of traveling. But one thing remained the same: Laura always kept a pencil and paper with her to jot down notes about her experiences.

Customer Reviews (9)

Wonderful Read and Great Value
I was glad I noticed this collection of Laura's writings before purchasing them seperately.

If you are a LIW fan, this is a must-have and you will very much
enjoy the insight into her, Rose, Almonzo and others in their lives.

jR

Great reading for Laura Ingalls fans
I have been charmed as I have read the journals of Laura as she traveled to Missouri, and especially later in life as she spent months in San Francisco in 1915.What interesting first hand of this area nearly 100 years ago.

Contains writings from 3 of Laura's favorite trips across America
I was pleased to find an omnibus collection containing "On the Way Home", 'West from Home", and "The Road Back".

Part One "On the Way Home" features diary entries about Laura, Almanzo and Rose Wilder's trip from South Dakota to Mansfield, Missouri in 1894.There are lots of historical B&W photographs in this book. In Part I there is a photograph of Rose Wilder at age 2 yrs and 4 months, photos of Laura and Almanzo, a picture of a sewing box made of cigar boxes by Almanzo as a first anniversary gift for Laura, a map of the journey, archival photographs of many of the places they passed through on the trip and even a photo of Rose's donkey Spookendyke!

Part II "West from Home" features letters and postcards written by Laura Ingalls Wilder to her husband Almanzo from San Francisco in 1915 when she was visitng their daughter Rose.The letters and postcards have been edited by Roger Lea Macbride [who also wrote the introduction]. Interspersed here are photographs including a photo of Ocean Beach in 1915, the Vallejo Street house in which Rose and her husband Gillette lived in, pictures taken at the Panama Pacific International Exposition, Chinatown in 1915, Market Street etc. At the end of Part II there is a condensed article by Laura titled "Magic In Plain Foods" which was published in the Missouri Ruralist on Nov 20th, 1915 [also contains recipes for Russian Forrest, Mexican Tamale Loaf, German Honey Cake, Italian White Tagliarini and its sauce, Croissants and Chinese Almond Cakes].

Part III features "The Road Back", a record of Laura's and Almanzo's [and dog Nero]trip by car [a 1923 Buick]back to De Smet, SD in 1931. The entries contain detailed expense lists of the price of gas, food, even shaving costs, as well as Laura's descriptions of the places they passed through. The total cost of the trip as listed by Laura [approx] was $120 for 4 weeks on the road, and 2,530 miles [truly the good ol' days!]

A precious little book that gives both fans and general readers alike a glimpse into a world and time long since past.

Very enjoyable journey!
If you like Laura Ingalls Wilder and are interested in a "peak" at other adventures in their lives, this is a fun read. Otherwise, perhaps just a quick rental from your local library :)

Excellent insight into Wilders
This is a wonderful book if you are a Laura fanatic.Her writing is much different than in her books as would be expected.It is great to see the loving relationship between Almanzo and Laura and her daughter, Rose.Very good info for historians who want some details about 3 specific eras in our history. ... Read more

Product Description

For the first time in the history of the Little House books, this new edition features Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant, full color, as well as a beautifully redesigned cover.

Customer Reviews (48)

GOOD READ FOR AN ADULT BUT CERTAINLY NOT INTENDED FOR MOST 4-8 YEAR OLD READERS AS INDICATED!
THIS IS REQUIRED READING FOR MY SON'S 3RD GRADE PRIVATE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IN GEORGIA.WHEN I HARSHLY CRITICIZED MY SON FOR BEING TOO LAZY TO READ THIS BOOK AND ANSWER HOMEWORK QUESTIONS I WAS SUPRISED WHEN I PICKED IT UP AND READ IT. 1ST PAGE---"SHE WAS BASTING CAMBRIC LINING TO THE BODICE PIECES OF HER NEW BLACK CASHMERE DRESS"I MEAN WHAT KIDS KNOWS WHAT THE HECK SHE WAS DOING?ANOTHER EXAMPLE: "IF MANLY DID NOT FILE ON THE LAND SOMEONE ELSE WOULD, FOR IF HE FAILED TO PROVE UP, THE LAND WOULD REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT AND BE OPEN TO SETTLEMENT BY ANYONE. SO MANLY PRE-EMPTED THE LAND....HUH? I GET IT BUT I DOUBT A 3RD GRADER WOULD.

The First Four Years
Even though it's different from the other books, which is both good and bad at once, i like this book.
I think it's sad to read about all the troubles they had, with diphtheria, the house that burnt down, the loss of Laura's son, etc. It reminds me of the other period she left out -- the year the Ingalls spent in South Troy, Minnesota and Burr Oak, Iowa.
As some of you say, "These Happy Golden Years" was intended to be the last "Little House" book, but according to "Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Biography" by William Anderson, the readers wanted to know what happened next, so Laura finally said "well, there MIGHT just be another book underway" and then wrote this draft which was released post mortem. I do think the decision to release the book was correct, otherwise I fear that someone else would do it, just like they did to the lost Laura years.

But, back to the book. Laura first refuses to become a farmer's wife because of all the shores and the fact that they might not be very rich. Almanzo manages to make a deal with her to try it for three years, and then a fourth year - "The Year of Grace". Unless I misunderstand it, Laura didn't like living in town, either. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Those years were really troubled years. Almanzo buys things on credit and plan to pay for them when the harvest were done. But when harvest time came, there was a hailstorm that destroyed the crops; if Almanzo didn't wait the last days they would be hundreds of dollars richer. In addition, Laura first gave birth to a baby girl, Rose Wilder Lane, and years later, a baby boy which died 3 weeks later. After that Laura's and Almanzo's home burnt down in a fire. Those and other events described in the book are really sad events which I can understand why she didn't put in a children's book.

I like the book, but I must warn that the storytelling is different from the other 8 Laura books, and that the storytelling that is expressed in this book might be a bit "disappointing".

depressing
I love Laura Ingalls Wilder as an author.I think her books are interesting and well written.Her descriptions of events, places, people, and time periods cannot be beat and it draws you right in.However, this book is just awful and depressing.

the struggles of a young pioneer couple
I love this book because it tells about Laura and Manly's first few years of marriage. The manuscript was not prepared for publication by Laura, because it was not found until after her death. Therefore, the book is not as well-written or detailed as the previous Little House books. However, if you enjoy Laura's other books, this book will be of interest. I found out things about Laura's life that I never knew until I read this book.

Biittersweet end
This book really is only for die-hard Little House fans. It wasn't published till after Laura and Rose had died, for 'Golden years' was meant to be the end of the Little House series. It's definitely not for little kids, and if your little one is a fan of the series, I wouldn't recommend telling them of this book till they get older, since this has a different feel to the story. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other LH books, but that should be expected with Ms. Wilder's intentions and the fact that this book was a posthumous publication. It's not a bad read on it's own, though, it's just different because it's sadder. Definitely a book for older readers. ... Read more

Product Description
For everyone who loves the Little House books--a reissue of a charming collection of early stories and reminiscences by Laura Ingalls Wilder, along with essays and writings from her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane, who was an award-winning writer.

This charming collection of early stories contains many never before published newspaper pieces, stories and essays by Laura Ingalls and Rose Wilder. Inspiring the popular series, these works are a vivid and personal testament to American life and history as seen by two remarkable pioneers.

Customer Reviews (7)

Loved this Book!
I loved the short stories by Rose Wilder Lane, (especially "Innocence") and Laura's pieces are also touching & well-written -- definitely recommended for the die-hard Ingalls-Wilder fan and for anyone interested in good short stories. Rose Wilder Lane will really impress those people who haven't read anything by her before.

Feed your Little House Craving
This was the book 10 years ago that introduced me to the fact there was more out there beyond the Little House books written by my favorite author and her daughter. After reading her "Missouri Ruralist" writings, it puts the theories of Laura not really writing the Little House books to rest. It also introduced me to the thrilling storytelling of Rose; so much so, I broke my cardinal "no lending of Little House books" rule to disasterous results. I'm glad to finally have a replacement.

Rose's interview with her father drives me nuts! You will find yourself wishing, after reading this and other snippets on "the man of the place" that Laura and Rose would have spent more time writing about him.

A little pricey for a paperback but still worth it
For those of us that are interested in life beyond the original "Little House" series, this is a great book to own/read.I think that it captures the character of Laura and Rose because the stories and articles are by their own hand.

I really enjoyed the photos throughout this book because while Garth Williams' representation of the Ingalls family is lovely, it is nice to see what they really looked like.Even though they are in black and white you can imagine Pa's eyes twinkling.

Rose and Laura have very different styles, but both styles are very good.I especially liked Laura's articles because they paint a picture of farm life.The sections range in length so if you one have a few moments of reading time here and there it isn't necessary to worry about reading it in one sitting (though you may want to!).

Other things I recommend are the Little House series (of course!), and the series about Rose that was published recently (it has its slow parts but it was written by someone close to the family so there is a lot of accuracy).If you want to read more of Laura and Rose's writing this book is the perfect solution even considering the high price.

What a Treat!
This 'Sampler' is an absolute treat!I have completely enjoyed myself reading the stories in this book, the true and the fiction.

This was my first taste of Rose's work and she is an excellent writer and as we already know, Laura is as well!My favorites are ~ 'Let's Visit Mrs. Wilder'; 'How Laura Got Even'; 'Grandpas' Fiddle I & II'; 'It Depends On How You Look At It'; 'The Sunflower' and 'Object, Matrimony.'

An extra treat are the many photos and the commentary by William Anderson.I seem to have a neverending curiosity about Laura and her entire family. This book was very enjoyable because I learned about Laura's life after what she covered in her children's books.

I am acquiring quite a wonderful collection of Laura Ingalls Wilder books and this one shines brightly!Worth every penny.

Life after The First Four Years
A Little House Sampler is the perfect title for this book.It gives you a sample of both Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane's interesting lives.Rose gives us a look into her and her parents lives after The First Four Years.Grandpa's Fiddle and Grandpa's Fiddle II was very interesting.I really enjoyed that story.Rose's story about the Faces in the Window is a perfect ghost story to tell around a campfire.Laura's stories about remodeling the kitchen and the dining room was great reading.She had a real decorating flair with the colors she chose.Laura wrote for Almanzo too.His stories about moving the spring shows us his story telling ability plus he was a very smart man.The pictures show his fine carpentry work.What a talented family!I mostly enjoy Rose's stories that describe her family life.I found her fiction work good reading but I thought she did her best writing when she wrote about her family.This book is a must for Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane collectors! ... Read more

Product Description

For the first time in the history of the Little House books, this new edition features Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant, full color, as well as a beautifully redesigned cover.

Customer Reviews (35)

Laura meets the Wild West
By the Shores of Silver Lake is a bit darker and more dangerous than the books preceding. It opens with the family recovering from the scarlet fever that took away Mary's eyesight, and with a surprise offer of a well-paying job for Pa at a railroad building camp. The difficulties of farming at Plum Creek and Pa's thirst for the road override Ma's wish for a permanent home, and the family is off again: Pa by wagon and Ma and the kids on the train. Railroads were brand new and a train trip was seen as quite risky, but the only way that Mary could make the journey.

The railroad camp that eventually became the town of DeSmet, South Dakota, was a rough place filled with coarse men. The area was about to be opened up to homesteaders, and a boomtown was about to rise up from the prairie. Pa's job was to issue the men's paychecks every two weeks, a more dangerous occupation than it sounds. Ma spends much of the book worrying about exposing the girls to coarse language, drunkeness, and various other forms of heathenism. (Ma is really a bit of a prude, objecting even to Pa singing a song about a lucky horseshoe). Two men are killed, offstage, in the book and Pa gets into some close calls himself. As the land rush proceeds, Ma finds herself running a hotel for the men who come to settle the land. She really has no choice but to accomodate the travelers, and wisely begins to charge them for their meals and a space on the floor to sleep.

There is also much in this book that is warm and lovely. Pa's tender gesture to Ma of bringing some trees to plant on the homestead. A happy and coindidental reunion with Reverend Alden, and his sweet suggestion that Mary might someday attend college. Laura making a new and adventurous friend in her cousin Lena at the camp. And of course, Pa's reassurance to Laura that Jack will be happy in dog heaven. The family also takes delight in making special Christmas gifts for each other, and sweet Ma gives up something special of her own to make an unexpected Christmas houseguest happy. We also see Laura honing her storytelling talents as she becomes Mary's "eyes", trying earnestly to help her sister share in everything the family experiences.

As with the other Little House books, the historical context of Silver Lake is rich and detailed. Excellent reading for children and adults.

By The Shores Of Silver Lake
Cherry Jones once again brings the characters from Laura's story to life in a unique way.
I look for excuses to travel in my car just to be able to listen to another segment of the story!
I have read all the books in the series, but I am discovering many aspects for the first time,
simply by having them read aloud to me with such care.
I bought the first set of CDs to try it out - then I couldn't get the rest of them quickly enough
to keep up with my renewed enthusiasm for the stories.
My only regret is that one day, I WILL reach the end of my supply!
Of course, I can wait a little while & then start listening all over again -
but at the moment I am relishing the freshness that comes with each CD.
They are, indeed, American classics - but even as an Australian, I see the universality of the
subject material, especially as read (& sung) by Cherry Jones.
These stories are timeless and profound.
My admiration for the family of Charles & Caroline Ingalls grows daily.
They are absolutely still alive in these recordings - the voice, the music, the story.
We get to know Laura and her family & friends a little better.
I will probably always re-read the books with the voice of Cherry Jones in my head - this is a good thing!
Thank You!

my third favorite title by her
I love Laura Ingalls Wilder as an author.I think her books are interesting and well written.Her descriptions of events, places, people, and time periods cannot be beat and it draws you right in.

Back to the prairie
Plum Creek had seemed such a haven in the last book. After moving out of the Big Woods and the Prairie, Plum Creek apparently is no longer the right home for them anymore, thanks to poor crops and other junk in Minnesota. So onward they move!

There were plenty of hard times not covered in this book, though just a couple of things were mentioned. There is a wider gap of years between this book and Plum Creek than with the other books, I guess Laura Wilder didn't want to write out about these harsh events, not that I can blame her. Mary is now blind due to a bout of scarlet fever that hit the family during the interim between Plum Creek and this book. Another child (Grace) has been born, but what is not mentioned in the book is that there was another child (Charles) born in 1875 but he died before his first birthday.

So this book begins after this has all happened and Pa finds a new job and homestead so he can bring out his family, Laura's just becoming a woman (12-13 years old) as she returns to life on the prairie, which is very different to the way that pretty much all Americans live today, as there was a lot of isolation due to the low amount of people. Wow, life was hard back then but they managed! Overall this is a solid book in a wonderful series.

By the Shores of Silver Lake CD
Excellent series - am enjoying hearing it this time around as opposed to reading the books the first time around.Makes my daily work commute quite enjoyable. ... Read more

Product Description

For the first time in the history of the Little House books, this new edition features Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant, full color, as well as a beautifully redesigned cover.

Customer Reviews (54)

On the Banks of Plum Creek
I have read all of the Little House books, and this is my favorite next to Farmer Boy and Little House in the Big Woods. I liked the story, and how each chapter was usually about something different. I think it is interesting how the Olsons are different from the TV shows (On the TV show, Mr. Olson was the only nice one, and in the books, Nellie is the mean one). I never liked the TV shows, but I guess you should watch the movie or show based on books before you read the books.

I did not get the book
Dear Sir/Madam,

I am sorry to say that I did not get the book named, "On the Bank of Plumcreek" for which I paid. I do not know who received the delivery but I did not receive I can say. My address which I did give you was "1901-12020 49 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6H 5B5. Now I am moving from this address and my new address will be 112-562 Millbourne Road East, Edmonton, AB T6K 3N4 from the 08/01/2010. If you please let me know that can I get the book anytime? Thank you.

Yours

Jamila Jabeen

"On the Banks of Plum Creek" - my favorite after "Little Town on the Prairie"
After "Little Town on the Prairie" - this is my favorite "Little House" book. Actually it was the first "Little House" book I read.
Now the Ingalls family had come to Walnut Grove, Minnesota and for the first time they lived in a dugout, and later on Pa built them a brand new house of lumbers. However, they had a hard time living there. Grasshoppers struck two years in a row and destroyed the crops for 2 years and Pa had to walk 300 miles to get a job in order to pay down the house which he had bought on credit.

As if that wasn't enough, at the end Pa was caught by a blizzard when he walked home from town days before Christmas. They had good and helpful Norwegian neighbors (which made me "proud" since I'm Norwegian), but sadly some of them didn't speak English too well (I know I don't either).

This is the first time, in the book series, Laura starts going to school and meets the mean Nellie Owens (or Nellie Oleson (which you may know from the 1970s TV show), as she was named in the books), which is my favorite part.

I would absolutely recommend the book!

depressing but good
I love Laura Ingalls Wilder as an author.I think her books are interesting and well written.Her descriptions of events, places, people, and time periods cannot be beat and it draws you right in.

Rediscovering a childhood favorite
At age 43, I've been re-reading some of the books that were important to my childhood. On the Banks of Plum Creek was my favorite of the Little House series, so it seemed like a fitting starting point in the series. Much of the story of the Ingalls family's years on the Minnesota prarie was a warm, familiar homecoming - no doubt because it was replayed in the TV series. Living in a sod dugout while waiting for the new house to be built, playing in the creek, meeting the snooty Nellie Oleson and delivering a dose of come-uppance, attending school and church for the first time. The language is fresh and accessible to the modern reader, with just a few old-timey words like "boughten" (as in "a boughten broom") to remind us that this is a memoir, not a novel. There is also a lot in this book that I can newly appreciate as an adult reader: Pa encourages Laura's first day at school by telling her that not everyone gets the opportunity (as perhaps he did not?). When the crops are wiped out, just before the harvest, Pa walks a remarkable 300 miles East to find work harvesting other farmers' crops. Ma's worry grows palpably as no letters are received from Pa. Pa's carpentry skills and ingenuity are on display throughout as he builds their house (with real glass windows!) and various gadgets. Laura is unable to communicate with her Norwegian neighbors, and Pa comments at one point that the Ingalls family has never lived among their "own kind." There is much that can be criticized in the narrative too: Caroline's dialog mostly consists of "Oh, Charles", the foreshadowing is less than subtle (how many times can Pa say "When the wheat crop comes in..."?), and all crises are handled with a reassuring "we'll get by somehow." (One wonders what Ma and Pa said to each other when the kids were asleep). Still, a lovely book that was well worth rediscovering as an adult. ... Read more

Product Description

For the first time in the history of the Little House books, this new edition features Garth Williams’ interior art in vibrant, full color, as well as a beautifully redesigned cover.

Customer Reviews (62)

Boy, I wanted pancakes after reading this...
The Long Winter is a story of the family, the Ingalls family, trying to survive a long, tough winter.They have to move into the town but, because the railroad tracks are covered, and blocked, by the snow they find life in the town isn't much better than outside.Everybody runs low on everything - sugar, butter, wheat, coffee, meat, and even fuel for the stoves.At one point there is almost a mob.Yes, even Pa gets a tad depressed.It made me hungry just reading it and my Mom told me that, when reading it in college, she also felt hungry.Course, she lived on a farm in Michigan where winter can last most of the year.And me in Northern Virginia means I get to enjoy winter with people who go crazy at the first sign of a snow flake.
Still, good book.Wonderful feel to it.You feel the cold, the hunger, the wind.Makes you want to build up the fire in your fireplace.Good book to read by the camp fire or the old oil lamp.
Maybe read it to your kids during a snow storm!
Enjoy!Now I'm off to make more pancakes!

LOVE THESE BOOKS
How can anyone not love these books??? it takes me back to my childhood and makes me feel more alive then ever when i read them...im an adult and still read these books and could read them over and over....growing up in an area that has frequent snow in winter and even blizzards now and then i can relate to this paticular book theres nothing better as a child then a good snow day no school going out and riding the sled having hot coco staying outside til your nose was sooooooo cold and sooooooo red!!! wonderful wonderful!!!!

Terrific Service
I can't believe how fast I got my book.
Wonderful service.
Book was received as stated.
Thanks a million !!!!

Preventing the Blizzard from Freezing Hearts
We take up Laura's story when the family has moved onto their Claim outside of De Smet.LITTLE HOUSE readers will delight to learn more about Pa, Ma, blind Mary, Carrie and baby Grace. Plus we finally meet the famous Wilder boys from NY State--of whom the younger brother, Almazno, is destined to marry Laura some years later. (Considering the author's names I feel I am not spoiling anything.) Warned by an old Indian that every 7 years winters are hard, and that every 21 years they will be severe, Pa decides to move his family into the relative safety and social warmth of their house in town.The blizzards start in October and last through April, bringing subzero temperatures, ferocious winds, relentless snow and ice. Long days of early dark, and feelings of virtual isolation even with stores and houses close by make Life gloomy then downright grim, as the family battles personal depression along with hunger and fatigue.

They survive physically because Pa hauls loads of hay on sunny days--hay not only for their livestock but which they need
to twist into "sticks" for fuel, heat and light. Also because Ma, the ingenious prairie housewife, makes button lamps when the kerosene gives out, and uses a coffee mill to grind wheat for coarse, brown bread--managing to feed them all when there is almost nothing left.But the entire town faces starvation because the trains have stopped running west--mired in frozen snow drifts 20 feet deep.The Wilder brothers have their own store, but all grocery stores have run out of supplies and the town is desperate. Then they hear a rumor that somewhere out of town--in which direction?--some farmer raised wheat which might be for sale--at the right price?Who will risk their lives to find this fellow--If he exists?

The Ingalls family owes its psychological survival tointernal factors, such as Pa's wonderful fiddle music and Ma's quiet insistence that the girls continue their education even when school is shut down for the winter.Despite occasional parental flare ups and sisterly bickering the family pulls through because of their deep love and respect for each other.Laura, "Half Pint" as Pa calls her fondly, matures over those long bitter months; she privately vows to become a school teacher after all, to earn money to send Mary to a college for the Blind.When tempers threaten to result in mob rule Pa speaks with the voice of reason to calm desperate men, to encourage greedy men to be reasonable. With Garth Williams' charming pen and ink illustrations this book is a sweet but sobering read for "young" adults of all ages.

Excellent Book
This one was my favorite when I was in third grade and I am sure my daughter will love it. ... Read more