The 85th Anniversary of the Book “Little House on the Prairie” and Happy New Year

PBS will be paying tribute to author Laura Ingalls Wilder – the woman behind the legendary book “Little House on the Prairie,” which was published when she was 65 years old – tonight, December 29, as the best-selling novel will celebrate its 85th Anniversary.

American Masters – Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page will present an unvarnished look at the author whose autobiographical fiction helped shape American ideas of the frontier and self-reliance. The special will feature never-before-published letters, photographs and family artifacts, exploring the context in which Wilder lived and wrote, as well as the true nature of her personality.

The documentary will delve into the legacy of the iconic pioneer as well as the way she transformed her early life into enduring legend, a process that involved a little-known collaboration with her daughter Rose. It will include original interviews with Caroline Fraser, who won a Pulitzer Prize for her Wilder biography; Pamela Smith Hill, author of “Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Writer’s Life”and editor of Wilder’s New York Times bestselling memoir; Wilder historian William Anderson; authors such as Louise Erdrich, Roxane Gay, Lizzie Skurnick and Linda Sue Park; and actors from the beloved TV series Little House on the Prairie, including Melissa Gilbert (Laura Ingalls Wilder), Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) and Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder). Historians, scholars and fans (some of whom call themselves Bonnetheads) provide additional perspectives on Wilder’s life and legacy.

Wilder’s books, and the TV program loosely based on them, have become cultural touchstones. It all started with “Little House in the Big Woods” (1932), chronicling the adventures of a family struggling to survive on the American frontier. “Little House on the Prairie” was released in 1935. The books have inspired four generations with the courage and determination of their heroine. Though Wilder’s stories emphasized real life and celebrated stoicism, she omitted the grimmer and contradictory details of her personal history: grinding poverty, government assistance, deprivation and the death of her infant son. The special will reveal the truth behind the best-sellers, exploring a rags to riches story that has been embraced by millions of people worldwide.

American Masters – Laura Ingalls Wilder: Prairie to Page will premiere on PBS tonight at 9 PM (but check your local listings) and you can visit PBS for more details.

You can also learn more about the book series here.

Enjoy the 85th Anniversary celebration!

I also want to take a moment to wish all of our readers a very Happy and safe New Year!!

[Featured Image: Courtesy of LIW Historic Home and Museum, Mansfield, Mo.]