Frances Hodgson Burnett: The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, Little Lord Fauntleroy (LOA #323)

The Library of America presents deluxe illustrated editions of Hodgson Burnett’s beloved children’s classics, The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, and Little Lord Fauntleroy, now restored to their original versions—a perfect collection for every family.

You are a story—I am a story. Introduce to your family or rediscover for yourself three classic children’s novels by Frances Hodgson Burnett, an English-born writer who moved to America at age 15 and who now joins the Library of America. This authoritative edition restores the novels to their original American texts, as Burnett wrote them and features over 40 painstakingly restored illustrations—16 in full color—plus a ribbon marker, helpful annotations, and a short chronology of Burnett’s life by her biographer Gretchen Gerzina Holbrook.

In The Secret Garden (1911), spoiled orphan Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle's manor, where she finds an abandoned walled garden. When she decides to restore the garden, she discovers the key to unlocking her own true self.

Sara Crewe is the star pupil at her London boarding school in A Little Princess (1905) until news arrives that her father has died penniless. Sara is forced to become a servant, but she stays hopeful by imagining that she is secretly a princess.

And in Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886), seven-year-old Cedric Errol lives in New York City and unexpectedly learns that his grandfather is an English earl. The Earl wants to teach Cedric about power and privilege, but little suspects that the innocent young American will completely change his own life.

Now a live action Disney movie starting Colin Firth and Julie Walters, The Secret Garden joins A Little Princess and Little Lord Fauntleroy in one deluxe illustrated volume, a perfect gift for young readers or for family libraries.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs