Under the Lilacs has long been shrugged off as a minor work, because it was written by a woman, for children, and about circus. However, respect for Alcott, appreciation that children’s literature speaks to and for its age, and reconsideration of the history of circus in the nation’s cultural and political life suggests a major work. American circus was sophisticated adult fare for nearly a century after its 1793 start, until the Gilded Age reframed a new narrative of children’s amusement. That significant shift generated a parade of circus stories for children, including Horatio Alger and Toby Tyler tales. Alcott added hers but with major differences. While most circus books emphasized boys’ adventures, and Under the Lilacs did incorporate a circus boy, she featured active girls driving the action. Reconsideration of circus history also shows Alcott challenging class bias. Complaints about abused circus apprentices usually swerved to complaints about crude audiences ignoring abuse. While Alcott’s circus boy mentions mistreatment, he experiences worse in her idealized village setting and she does not blame benighted audiences. Instead, she depicts the boy’s circus background as a solid foundation for becoming a respectable man.