Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) was an American author born in Philadelphia, USA. She began her career writing short stories under pen names, including A. M. Barnard. Alcott is best known for her children’s novel Little Women, 1868, and its subsequent sequels: Good Wives, 1869, Little Men, 1871, and Jo’s Boys, 1886. She received great critical acclaim during her lifetime and was able to support herself and her family through her writing career. Alcott was also a determined activist and was heavily involved in abolitionism and feminist movements.