On November 21, the Concord Bookshop had another great event with strong local interest – Richard Francis spoke on his latest work of non-fiction, Fruitlands: The Alcott Family and Their Search for Utopia. Fruitlands was established by Bronson Alcott and the Englishman Charles Lane in the mid-1840s on the Wyman Farm near Harvard, Mass.
This short-lived (only seven months) utopian experiment was derived from the tenets of Transcendentalism – the group lived communally as a “consociate family,” owned no personal property, ate a vegan diet (and wore only linen clothes and canvas shoes, for various philosophical reasons), and intended to grow all they needed to eat, and to make all they needed to live.
Fruitlands failed for many reasons, several of which Francis touched upon in his very engaging presentation and Q&A with the audience. His work encompasses not only the seven months at Fruitlands, but also the historic and political climate that created the impetus for the move, and the fallout after its failure.
Louisa May Alcott wrote about Fruitlands in her thinly-veiled autobiographical novella, Transcendental Wild Oats. I have yet
to read this, nor have I visited theFruitlands Museum; it’s only about 20 minutes from me, and I plan to make it a priority to visit next Spring. After all, if Richard Francis can come over from England to research and write about this community, I can drive a bit up Route 2!
The author’s background is very interesting – he writes both fiction and non-fiction; much of his non-fiction is centered on topics about people and movements in New England (Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, and Samuel Sewall, a judge in the Salem Witch Trials are two of his subjects). Take a peek at Richard Francis’ website with information about his life and his work.
Fruitlands was published by Yale University Press in October 2010; the October 29 issue of the Wall Street Journal has a very favorable review. I did purchase a signed copy of Fruitlands - the cover illustration makes me want to snuggle in with it during one of our winter snowstorms!
It sounds interesting and, wow, the cover alone would make me pick it up just to find out what’s inside – beautiful photo!
Mary – I’ve only flipped thru the book a bit so far (and listened to the passages that Richard Francis read), it IS interesting (and written both factually but with enough “life” to grab the lay reader).
I bet this Fruitlands idea was mostly Bronson’s. He seemed like such a strange guy, and I can totally envision him wanting to do something like this!
This looks really interesting, Dawn. Love the cover!
zibilee – (again, I haven’t yet read the book, this is based on what Francis spoke on …): Actually, I think the idea was more Lane’s. Bronson Alcott seems to have looked up to him and followed Lane’s ideas on marriage and, um, ‘marital relations.’ Abba Alcott, Bronson’s wife was the first to defect from Fruitlands (assuming both because of the structure of the group, and the fact that they were starving!)
Melissa – isn’t the cover great?! Definitely will be a winter read for me. I think they were at Fruitlands from June thru January.
This sounds fascinating! At times, I think living in a place like Fruitlands would be wonderful, but then I wake up.
I’m totally jealous of your job. Sounds like you’ve had some great author opportunities. I’m going to have to look for this author.
I am so glad you brought this book to my attention. It’s a must read for me! Thanks, Dawn.
I LOVE these kinds of books — I’m on it, especially since I lived in MA for 6 years. xox
Kathy – I like the idea of larger multi-generational family groups; not sure I could handle a commune-type of community
Martha – yes, I love my job, AND, I try to go to author events all over (at other shops and venues, too) There are a lot of opportunities in the area, especially with the book lists this fall.
Beth – I’m hoping the text is as readable as listening to the author speak; from the pages I’ve skimmed, it should be a great read.
Rebecca – Did you visit Fruitlands when you lived here? I’ll be very prepared for my Spring visit after I read this.
No, but hopefully I will be living there once again soon. Hubby is applying to phd programs in MA! xox
I loved in North Amherst MA, western mass, right by a beautiful old mill pond. We adored it there and hope to go back one day soon! xoxox So where were you when you moved away? xo
p.s. oops, I mean lived!
How did I miss this one? It is something both Mr. BFR and I would love.