Cranford by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

by Elizabeth Gaskell

Overview

Cranford is a charming novel by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell that tells the story of the rural English town of Cranford in the early 19th century. The novel is a humorous and affectionate portrayal of the customs and manners of a small, tightly-knit community of middle-class women.

At the heart of the novel is Miss Matty Jenkyns, a kind and generous woman who has lived in Cranford her entire life. Along with her sister Deborah and a group of close friends, including Miss Pole and Mrs. Forrester, Miss Matty navigates the social intricacies of their small town, where everyone knows everyone else's business.

As the story unfolds, we see the women of Cranford grapple with the changes that come with the modern world, including the arrival of the railroad and the rise of new industries. Despite the challenges they face, however, the women of Cranford remain steadfast in their friendships and their commitment to each other.

The novel is a delightful mix of humor, wit, and warmth, with memorable characters and a charming setting that will transport readers to another time and place. Gaskell's writing captures the spirit of a bygone era, and her insights into the lives and concerns of women in the early 19th century make Cranford a timeless classic.

Filled with memorable characters and gentle humor, Cranford is a heartwarming portrait of a small English town and the people who call it home.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161035108
Publisher:	Paul Calamusa
Publication date:	04/09/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	266 KB

About the Author

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English novelist and short story writer who is best known for her portraits of life in Victorian England. She was born in Chelsea, London, and grew up in Knutsford, Cheshire, where she was educated by her aunt. Gaskell's upbringing in a small, provincial town would later serve as the inspiration for her writing.

Gaskell began writing in the 1840s, at a time when women writers were still relatively rare. Her first novel, Mary Barton, was published in 1848 and dealt with the difficult lives of working-class people in Manchester. The novel was an instant success and established Gaskell as a writer of social realism.

In addition to her novels, Gaskell also wrote numerous short stories, many of which were published in Charles Dickens' magazine, Household Words. Gaskell's writing often dealt with social issues such as poverty, class, and gender roles, and her works were known for their sympathy and understanding of working-class people.

Gaskell was also involved in various social causes, including the campaign for women's suffrage and the fight against slavery. She was a close friend of Charlotte Bronte, and after Bronte's death, Gaskell wrote a biography of her friend that helped to cement Bronte's reputation as a great writer.

Today, Gaskell's novels and short stories are still widely read and celebrated for their vivid portrayals of Victorian life. She is considered one of the most important and influential writers of the 19th century, and her work continues to be studied and enjoyed by readers around the world.