Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888) was an American author most known for her celebrated novel, Little Women. In addition to her novel writing, Louisa May Alcott was an avid poet and short story writer. Following the success of Little Women, Alcott wrote, Little Men and Jo's Boys, which were equally well received. Having grown up in New England and raised by parents believing firmly in the transcendentalist movement, much of Alcott's writing was based loosely on the facts of her own life;. Louisa May Alcott was not afforded a life of luxury from an early age. Working very hard, it was known that her writing became a place of refuge, showcasing with distinct clarity the hardships she faced to make her stories both relatable and visceral to nearly all who read them.