Alcott, Louisa May

1832-1888

About the author

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American novelist and reformer whose engaging, morally attuned stories deeply marked the landscape of 19th-century children’s literature. Raised in a circle of New England transcendentalists—including her father, Amos Bronson Alcott—she found a wellspring of inspiration in her own family experiences. Her works often center on strong, thoughtful female characters grappling with issues of growth, independence, and communal responsibility. While best remembered for the enduring classic that chronicles the March sisters, Alcott also penned a range of novels, short stories, and essays, many highlighting women’s ambitions and ethical dilemmas. Through these narratives, she championed self-reliance, kindness, and integrity. Her blend of domestic realism and underlying feminist sensibilities resonated with a broad readership, helping pave the way for women authors to explore richer, more autonomous portrayals of girlhood and womanhood in popular fiction.