Afterwards she moved to Boston, Massachusetts and continued publishing more works that followed the characters from Little Women. She was also the first woman to register to vote in Concord, Connecticut.Īlcott never married nor had any children, however, when her sister died, she adopted her niece. Throughout her life, she would contribute to several publications which promoted women’s rights. She also joined the women’s suffrage movement. There she published, another classic Little Men. In 1870, with one successful book, Alcott moved to Europe with her sister May. Little Women was an instant success and the book cemented Alcott as one of the foremost novelist of the 19 th and early 20 th century. The novel was published in a series of short stories, but was eventually compiled into one book. In 1868, Alcott published her most popular work, Little Women. To do so, she simply reflected back on to her childhood with her sisters. Barnard.ĭuring this time, one of Alcott’s publishers asked her to write a novel for young women. She also released many of her earlier works under the name, A.M. Her audience included both adults and children. After the war, Alcott published several other works and gained a following. Her experience in the hospital as a patient and a nurse, inspired the novel Hospital Sketches. Unfortunately, in the middle of her assignment she contracted typhoid fever. When the Civil War started in 1861, Alcott served as a nurse in a Union hospital. Her first book, a compilation of short stories, was published in 1854. Her first poem, “Sunlight,” was published in a magazine under a pseudonym. She turned to writing for both emotional and financial support. She took many jobs to help alleviate financial struggles, working as teacher and washing laundry. Many times, Alcott’s family suffered from financial woes, forcing her to attend school irregularly. Much like her novel Little Women, Alcott was one of four daughters and she remained close with her sisters throughout her life. While most of her schooling came from her parents she also studied under famed philosopher Henry David Thoreau and popular authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathanial Hawthorne. Therefore, at an early age, Alcott took to reading and writing. Her father, Bronson Alcott, was a popular educator who believed that children should enjoy learning. Their religious and political beliefs deeply inspired Alcott as child. Alcott’s parents were a part of the 19 th century transcendentalist movement, a popular religious movement. As a result, her writing style greatly impacted American literature.Īlcott was born on Novemin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her work introduced readers to educated strong female heroines. Famed author Louisa May Alcott created colorful relatable characters in 19 th century novels.

Hospital sketches