Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania on November 29, 1832. Her father was a teacher who was well known for his controversial teaching methods. Louisa’s first poem “Sunlight” was published in 1852 under a pseudonym, Flora Fairfield. This would prove to be the first step in a successful career that would put an end to the longstanding financial problems suffered by the Alcott family.

Louisa’s highly acclaimed book Little Women was published in 1868. The book was based on Louisa’s experience of growing up with three sisters. A second volume was published in 1869 and was also an immediate success. While continuing to write, Louisa became involved in the women’s suffrage movement and was also writing for The Women”‘s Journal. During her life, Louisa published some 270 works, including poems, thrillers and children’s stories. She wrote her last novel in 1886, two years before her death.

Louisa was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1996.

Source for additional information
Literature Network: Louisa May Alcott – http://www.online-literature.com/alcott/