A true pioneer woman from the rural Midwest, Laura Ingalls Wilder drew upon memories of her own frontier childhood when, in later life, she authored a succession of popular novels.

Little House on the Prairie (1935) and other books inspired by Wilder’s own early experiences would go on to become bestsellers. Decades later, they would be adapted as a long-running, much-loved TV series.From award-winning producer/director Mary McDonagh Murphy, this documentary tells the story of the woman whose writings helped shape American ideas of self-reliance. Examining Laura Ingalls Wilder’s legacy, the programme also investigates the part played by her daughter Rosein her transformation of lived experience into vivid fiction.

LAURA INGALLS WILDER: PRAIRIE TO PAGE
PBS UK PREMIERE
Friday 12 November at 20:00