Louisa May Alcott herself was profoundly affected by the war. She was desperate to enlist, but as a woman she was forbidden. So, as soon as she became 30 and it was legal, she became a war nurse.

Born on November 29, 1832, Louisa May Alcott led a fascinating life. Besides enchanting millions of readers with her novel Little Women, she worked as a Civil War nurse, fought against slavery, and ...