The Young Woman's Guide to Excellence
William A Alcott and William A. Alcott
Read by Bria Snow
The Young Woman's Guide to Excellence by William A. Alcott offers a thoughtful exploration of the principles that can guide young women toward personal and social success. Written in the 19th century, this guide remains relevant, addressing the challenges and expectations faced by women in their pursuit of excellence.
Alcott emphasizes the importance of character, education, and self-discipline, providing practical advice that encourages young women to cultivate their strengths and navigate societal pressures. While some topics may feel dated, the core messages about integrity, ambition, and self-improvement resonate across generations.
With insights that blend moral philosophy and practical guidance, this audiobook invites listeners to reflect on their own paths to excellence, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to empower themselves and others.
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| Explanation of Terms | 7:20 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Female Responsibilities | 23:49 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Self-Education | 10:22 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Love of Improvement | 10:02 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Self-Knowledge | 16:24 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Conscientiousness | 22:04 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Self-Government | 24:09 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Self-Command | 11:45 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Decision of Character | 8:35 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Self-Dependence | 16:21 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Reasoning and Originality | 10:18 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Invention | 3:06 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Observation and Reflection | 4:04 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Detraction and Scandal | 6:20 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| The Right Use of Time | 6:38 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Love of Domestic Concerns | 12:41 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Frugality and Economy | 7:01 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| System | 5:48 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Punctuality | 17:22 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Exercise | 23:16 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Rest and Sleep | 24:35 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Industry | 6:24 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Visiting | 8:54 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Manners | 7:26 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Health and Beauty | 7:21 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Neatness and Cleanliness | 11:32 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Dress and Ornament | 27:24 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Dosing and Drugging | 7:09 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Taking Care of the Sick | 11:04 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Intellectual Improvement | 21:24 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Social Improvement | 28:16 | Read by Bria Snow | |
| Moral Progress | 10:59 | Read by Bria Snow |
Reviews
A very interesting work!
Noisseau
This book, in many points, was very interesting and instructional to a person of today, just as it was, I’m sure, to those of the mid-1800s. I had read several books written by his daughter, Louisa May Alcott, but I had never read anything written by William Alcott. Most of the time he seems to display great good sense, and helped me to think about the role and power of a female to influence the world in a way I hadn’t thought about it before. Both men and women, certainly, think little about how their actions and words might affect those around them for good or ill. His chapters on “Decision“ and ”Punctuality“ also hit me where I live, and may now be helping me to understand my own character better than I did before. As an American, I, of course, enjoy listening to the accents of cultures derived from Great Britain, so I enjoyed the reader very much.
Interesting only as a historical document
kerriganm
I have to admit I didn't read the whole book. I skipped around from chapter to chapter until I felt I had a good feel for the book. Even for the time, this author is virulently misogynistic. One highlight: the author claims that in olden days, when women were not taught mathematics from professors but only housework by their mothers, "then were they good for something." Also, women mustn't snack between meals or take medicine when they're sick. And reasoning is "unfeminine." The author writes with a pompous, passive, wordy style that garbles his meaning. The reader doesn't help as she (sorry to say) mumbles and has a speech impediment. A truly offensive book, terribly written and badly read.
Raya Maharashvilly
Well… voice is not good, it will make u stop to listen, slight a bit of religious perspective and u might stop at all
The Young Woman's Guide to Excellence
kherve
It sounds as if the narrator is reading, instead of telling a story.
BORING
miss smiley
BORING, that is all I have to say.