Five Volumes authored by Louisa May Alcott published by Nelson Doubleday, Inc. (1950s new illustrations set of 5, Hardcover, no DJ) 

•    Author:               Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) 

•    Illustrator:          Reisie Lonette (illustrator for 1950 Little Women) 

•    Illustrator:          Ruth Ives (b.1914), other 4 books.    

•    Publisher:           Nelson Doubleday, Inc.   Garden City, NY    U.S.A.     (1950’s)

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known as the author of the novel Little Women (1868) and its sequels. 

Little Women is set in the Alcott family home, Orchard House, in Concord, Massachusetts and is loosely based on Alcott's childhood experiences with her three sisters.  The novel was well received at the time and is still popular today among both children and adults. It has been adapted many times to stage, film, and television even into the 21^st century.

An abolitionist and feminist, Alcott was active in reform movements such as temperance and women's suffrage throughout her life.  Alcott never married. 

There were two illustrators’ work in this set for sale; Ruth Helen Ives and Reisie Lonette Nucera.   Ruth Ives (b.1914) illustrated four titles copyrighted each year 1955 through 1958, while Little Women’s Reisie Lonette illustrations were copyrighted 1950.  Little biographic information could be found for these illustrators.   Frontis  are in full color, many B&W illustrations throughout. 

Titles of the 5 volumes for sale are:

-          Little Women (1950), vi + 376pp.  Abridged from 1868 original.    

-          Under the Lilacs (1955), i + 316pp.  1878 original.

-          Jack and Jill (1956), i + 318.  1880 original. 

-          Jo’s Boys (1957), 317pp.  1886 original.   

-          Eight Cousins (1958), 288pp.  1875 original. 

Uniform appearance of hardcovers with grey boards and green spine, black illustration stamped on front, black & silver lettering/designs on spine, but no DJs.  Appears never read and carefully shelved with square corners and no shelf-wear.   Interiors are tight, clean and unmarked.  Rare Fine (As New) condition. 

•    Size:  8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall,      1,613pp.

•    Condition:  Fine (As New) 5 volume Hardcover, no DJ, Set –  Always privately owned.  Edition/Print-run info not found. 

Copyrights as listed above between 1950 and 1958 for illustrations.  Text is beyond copyright dates.  These copies do not specify the edition/print-run info.  Printed in U.S.A.  No CIP, ISBN, LCCN nor MSR. 

Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:

Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...

Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher. 

Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.  

 Acceptable – How a young child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)

Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have missing pages (you should ask).

Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.

1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector might desire this copy.