In a remarkable discovery that has sent ripples through the literary world, researcher Max Chapnick has unearthed a collection of stories and poems that he firmly believes were penned by the renowned author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, under the pseudonym “EH Gould.”
Chapnick’s serendipitous encounter with this literary treasure began in late 2021 while he was delving into the works of Alcott for his doctoral thesis. While exploring online databases of periodicals, he stumbled upon a story titled “The Phantom,” which was known to be Alcott’s but had never been located.
Initially dismissing the story as a misattribution, Chapnick’s curiosity was piqued when he noticed the author’s name was “EH Gould.” Skepticism gave way to intrigue as he delved deeper into the story, revealing striking similarities to Alcott’s writing style and themes.
His suspicions intensified as he unearthed additional stories credited to Gould, all bearing subtle clues pointing towards Alcott’s authorship. Characters’ names, references to Alcott’s home, and the overall style and tone of the writing reinforced Chapnick’s belief that he had stumbled upon a hidden trove of Alcott’s work.
In total, Chapnick identified seven short stories, five poems, and one non-fiction piece, all penned under the Gould pseudonym. These works, dating back to the late 1850s and early 1860s, showcased Alcott’s experimentation with gothic and melodramatic elements while retaining her signature sentimental style.
While emphasizing the substantial evidence supporting Alcott’s authorship, Chapnick acknowledged the absence of definitive proof, such as direct references to the Gould pseudonym in Alcott’s letters or journals. He welcomed further scrutiny and encouraged others to join the literary detective work, hoping to uncover more of Alcott’s hidden gems.
The discovery of these works adds a new dimension to our understanding of Alcott’s literary journey and her willingness to experiment with different styles and genres. It also serves as a reminder of the vast literary treasures still hidden within archives and forgotten publications, waiting to be rediscovered.