Louisa May Alcott
(1832-1888)

Louisa May Alcott was a19th century American author who brought readers a collection of marvelous stories that even Hollywood could not resist.  The film Little Women introduced movie goers to her most well-known stories.  The successful release of Little Women would bring Alcott the financial security she sought as a writer.

The Early Years

Alcott was born to a family in Germantown, Pennsylvania on November 29, 1832.  Alcott grew up in Boston where her father provided her education. Life for the Alcott family was one of poverty, simple living and intellectual thinking.  She would weave this experience into her work, particularly evident in Little Women.  It is said that Little Women was basically an autobiography of her life as a young woman.

Alcott's Literary Achievements

It is interesting to note that Alcott served as a Union nurse during the Civil War.  It is during this time period that she wrote letters that were published in 1863 as Hospital Sketches.  From this point forward, her writing career flourished.

Alcott had her first novel, Moods, published in 1864.  She extended her writing income by becoming editor of Merry's Museum in 1867, a child's magazine.  Of course, after publishing Little Women, her writing career became more lucrative.

Although always active in the Temperance and Suffrage movements of the 19th century, Alcott continued to publish until the end of her life at the age of 56.  Her other works include An Old-Fashioned Girl (1870), Little Men (1871), Aunt Jo's Scrap Bag (6 volumes published between 1872-1882), and Jo's Boys (1886).