Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American author and activist. She advocated for abolition and women's rights, including suffrage, and served as a nurse during the Civil War. Alcott was best known for her literary work. She wrote several short stories and poems, and used a pen name to write passionate adult novels. Alcott's most acclaimed work to date is Little Women, which has since inspired many film adaptations, and was well-received both critically and commercially when it was first published.