West from Home facts for kids
Front cover of the first edition
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| Author | Laura Ingalls Wilder |
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| Country | United States |
| Series | Little House |
| Genre | Correspondence, travel |
| Publisher | Harper & Row |
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Publication date
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March 1, 1974 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 124 pp. |
| ISBN | 0-06-024111-X |
| OCLC | 1116569 |
| LC Class | PS3545.I342 Z55 1974 |
| Preceded by | On the Way Home |
| Followed by | The Rose Years cycle |
West from Home is a special book filled with letters written by the famous American author Laura Ingalls Wilder. She wrote these letters to her husband, Almanzo Wilder, in 1915. The book was published in 1974 by Harper & Row. Its full title is Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder, San Francisco, 1915.
The book was put together by Roger MacBride. He was in charge of the writings of Laura's daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. A writer named Margot Patterson Doss added historical information to the book. Laura Ingalls Wilder was 48 years old when she wrote these letters. She traveled to San Francisco to write about the 1915 World's Fair. While there, she also visited her daughter Rose, who was 28 and lived in the city.
West from Home is sometimes thought of as part of the well-known Little House series. This series includes nine children's novels based on Laura's own life. These stories cover her life from about age three to 27, from 1870 to 1894. Another book, On the Way Home, is sometimes seen as coming before West from Home. It is a diary about Laura and Almanzo's move from South Dakota to Missouri in 1894. Rose Wilder Lane added memories from her childhood to this diary.
Contents
Laura's Journey to San Francisco
In 1915, Laura Ingalls Wilder took a big trip. She traveled all the way to San Francisco, California. Her main reason for going was to report on the exciting 1915 World's Fair. This fair was a huge event that showed off new ideas and cultures from around the world.
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition
The 1915 World's Fair was officially called the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. It celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal. This canal made it much easier for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The fair was a chance for countries to show off their progress. It featured amazing buildings, new technologies, and fun attractions. Laura wrote about all these wonders in her letters.
Visiting Her Daughter Rose
While in San Francisco, Laura also spent time with her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. Rose was an author and journalist herself. She lived in San Francisco at the time. Laura's visit allowed them to catch up and explore the city together. The letters show Laura's thoughts about the city and her experiences with Rose.
The Little House Connection
Many people know Laura Ingalls Wilder from her famous Little House books. These books tell the story of her childhood growing up on the American frontier. West from Home is different because it's a collection of her actual letters. However, it still gives readers a peek into her life as an adult.
What are the Little House Books?
The Little House series includes nine books for children. They are based on Laura's real-life adventures. The stories begin when she was a young child and follow her family as they move across the American Midwest. These books teach readers about pioneer life, family, and growing up.
How West from Home Fits In
Even though West from Home is not a novel, it adds to Laura's story. It shows her as an adult, years after the events in the Little House books. It helps fans understand more about her life and travels. The letters give a personal look at her thoughts and feelings.
Publishing the Letters
The letters in West from Home were not published until many years after Laura wrote them. They were put together and shared with the public in 1974. This happened after Laura and Almanzo had passed away.
The Editor: Roger MacBride
Roger MacBride was important in getting these letters published. He was the literary executor for Rose Wilder Lane. This means he was in charge of her writings and other literary works after she died. He helped make sure Laura's letters could be shared with new readers.
Adding Historical Information
The book also includes extra information by Margot Patterson Doss. This "setting" helps readers understand the time period. It explains what San Francisco was like in 1915. This makes the letters even more interesting and educational.
