* Laura Ingalls Wilder: Wrote the original books.
* Rose Wilder Lane: Laura's daughter, who edited and helped shape the published versions of the books.
* Roger MacBride, Jr.: Rose's adopted son and heir.
Here's how the rights transfer worked:
* Laura Ingalls Wilder: Originally held the copyright to her works.
* Rose Wilder Lane: Inherited the copyright after Laura's death. She also wrote the original introduction to the books and made significant editorial contributions, so she had a strong claim to the rights.
* Roger MacBride, Jr.: After Rose's death, Roger inherited the copyright. He later sold it to a company called "The Wilder Publications, Inc."
Present Ownership:
* The Wilder Publications, Inc., which is owned by a private investment group, currently holds the copyright to the Little House books.
Important Note: The current ownership of the copyright means they have the exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, and distribute the Little House books. However, the specific details of this ownership can be complex and may be subject to legal challenges.
To summarize: While the rights to the Little House books have passed through several hands, they currently reside with The Wilder Publications, Inc., a private investment group.