Louisa May Alcott has always been associated with literature for children and young adults. Here in effect is a "new" book by the universally popular Alcott. A Modern Mephistopheles is an extraordinary narrative, combining profound intellectualism, gaudy sensationalism, and strong feminist tendencies. Its subject, style, and language mark radicial deviations from those expected of Alcott. Taming a Tartar is a newly discovered Alcott thriller. This unique book marks the first general printing of an Alcott story and the first reprinting in some 75 years of her neglected novel.