Women growing up in 19th Century Massachusetts were not expected to be particularly influential, or to fight for human rights, but Louisa May Alcott, one of the best-known female authors of the time, was rarely one to conform to type.

Alcott, who was born 184 years ago on Tuesday, became a famous feminist and campaigned for the abolition of slavery. She is best known, however, for writing Little Women, the iconic children's book that inspired millions.

Google has commemorated her birthday with a special Doodle displaying the characters of Little Women, who were based on Alcott's own family.