Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist and short story writer of the Victorian era. Born in London, she grew up in Knutsford, Cheshire, which inspired the setting for her most famous work, "Cranford". Gaskell began her writing career as a contributor to "Household Words", a weekly magazine edited by Charles Dickens. Her first novel, "Mary Barton", was published in 1848 and received critical acclaim. "Cranford" followed in 1851, and her other novels include "North and South" and "Wives and Daughters".

Gaskell was a pioneer in her writing, addressing social and political issues of the day such as industrialization, the plight of the working class, and women's rights. Her works often challenged conventional Victorian views on gender and class, and she was known for her compassion and humanism. Gaskell was also active in social causes, particularly in supporting the Irish and the poor in Manchester. She died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential writers of her time. Today, her works are widely read and admired for their portrayal of Victorian life and her insightful commentary on social and political issues.