Louisa’s mother, Abigail, was passionate, wise, and generous.

Louisa in particular embodied all these qualities throughout her life. Meet the parentsĪbigail and Bronson raised their four daughters on self-reliance, compassion, and self-expression. She herself said “painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us - and those around us - more effectively.” To understand Louisa’s life and writing, you have to learn about her family and the significant events they shared. Louisa’s world view, life path, and career were all directly influenced by her family. Her family consisted of father Bronson Alcott, mother Abigail May, and sisters Anna, Elizabeth, and Abby May. Louisa Alcott was born on Novemin Germantown, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing, ideals, and experiences came together to form an author unlike any other of her time, or since.

From childhood through adulthood, Louisa Alcott bucked expectations put upon nineteenth century women in America. The woman behind one of the most beloved stories in American literature had a complicated, unconventional, and fascinating life. As cherished as this semi-autobiographical story has become, Little Women isn’t Louisa Alcott’s true story. But you’re likely imagining the Marches, the family at the center of her most famous novel Little Women written in 1868. Her name conjures images of sisters giggling, a house full of love, running through fields with a hiked up petticoat.

May alcott