Publisher's Synopsis
Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was a prolific Victorian author known for her insightful and compassionate portrayals of English society. Her works, which include novels, short stories, and biographical studies, were celebrated for their vivid depictions of Victorian life and the complex social issues that defined the era. Gaskell's life was as interesting and varied as her writing. Born in London but raised in Cheshire, she married a Unitarian minister and lived in Manchester for many years, where she was an active participant in the city's social and cultural life. Her literary career began in her thirties, and she went on to publish numerous works that established her as a leading voice in Victorian literature.
This book is a literary portrait of Elizabeth Gaskell, focusing on her life, works, and legacy. It aims to explore the themes, styles, and influences that characterize her writing, as well as to provide insight into the Victorian era in which she lived. The chapters that follow will examine Gaskell's major works, including Mary Barton, Cranford, Ruth, North and South, and Sylvia's Lovers, as well as her lesser-known pieces. They will consider her literary achievements and the controversies surrounding her work, from her sympathetic portrayals of working-class life to her exploration of taboo topics such as unmarried motherhood. In addition to analyzing Gaskell's writing, this book will examine her life and the historical context in which she lived. It will explore her relationships with other writers and intellectuals, including Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, and Harriet Martineau, and consider the impact of her work on Victorian society and beyond. It will also examine the adaptations and interpretations of Gaskell's novels on stage, screen, and in popular culture, and the ways in which her work has been commemorated through literary tourism and other means. Overall, this book seeks to provide a comprehensive and engaging portrait of Elizabeth Gaskell, one of the most important and influential writers of the Victorian era.