Charlotte Perkins Gilman, born Charlotte Anna Perkins on July 3, 1860, in Hartford, Connecticut, was a prominent American author, feminist, and social reformer. She spent her early years in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits, which greatly influenced her later work. Her father, a scholar, left the family when Charlotte was young, and her mother, who struggled to support the family, instilled in Gilman a strong sense of independence and self-reliance.

Gilman's literary career began in the late 19th century, a time when women were expected to adhere to traditional roles. She is best known for her short story "The Yellow Wallpaper," published in 1892, which explores themes of mental illness and the oppression of women. This groundbreaking work is often cited as a seminal piece of feminist literature, highlighting the consequences of societal restrictions on women's autonomy. Other notable works include "Women and Economics" (1898), where she argued for women's economic independence, and "Herland" (1915), a utopian novel envisioning a society composed entirely of women.

In her personal life, Gilman faced significant challenges, including a troubled marriage to Charles Walter Stetson, which ended in divorce. She was a strong advocate for women's rights, often speaking publicly about the need for women to break free from domestic confines. Gilman's later years were marked by her advocacy for social change, and she became a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman passed away on August 17, 1935, in Pasadena, California. Her legacy endures through her writings and activism, which continue to inspire discussions about gender roles and women's rights today.