Noted Wilder historian Anderson has compiled a scrapbook of photos, early writings, letters, and drawings saved by Wilder and now preserved in various private and public collections throughout the U.S. The mementos are arranged by decade and explained in captions and a succinct account of the author's long and eventful life. Many of the photos were previously published in pamphlets available at the homesites, but the use of high-quality paper and modern printing techniques enhances their clarity, especially for the oldest images. The later chapters also contain material from the HarperCollins archives, including advertising posters, publicity photos, and reproductions of some of the original Helen Sewell illustrations. Appended with a detailed chronology and illustration credits, this is a worthy companion to the Little House series that should be welcomed wherever the stories are popular. Adult fans will be interested, too. (Reviewed January 1 & 15, 1999)

Beginning with the birth of Laura's parents, the volume relates the events that affected the beloved author's life. Reproductions of black-and-white photographs and other memorabilia, such as newspaper clippings, letters, documents, and manuscript pages, overlap in scrapbook style. The book is a visual treat for Little House fans. This edition contains a newly penned prologue by compiler Anderson to mark Wilder's 150th birthday. Timeline.