Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

This book "" Half a Life-Time Ago "" has been considered important throughout the human history. It has been out of print for decades. So that this work is never forgotten we have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies and hence the text is clear and readable.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1863.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1863.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1863.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1863.

This best-known episodic book ''Cranford'' is written by an English author, Elizabeth Gaskell. It was first published as a series of articles in the magazine Household Words before being turned into a book with the working title Cranford and being on sale in 1853. The play gradually gained popularity, and at the turn of the 20th century, it received a variety of dramatic adaptations for the stage, radio, and television. A little Cheshire hamlet from Elizabeth Gaskell's upbringing served as the inspiration for her book Cranford. It was initially written as a short story, and it was released in 1851 under the title "Our Society in Cranford." She also authored Ruth, a three-volume book that was published in January 1853, during this time. The eight different titles were originally issued for the episodes that were discussed in Cranford. In the first, a society of women known as "Amazons" who live in affluent poverty are introduced. Being forced to host a visit from her cousin Major Jenkyns stresses out Matty. Mary Smith hires and trains Martha as a new maid. The Great Panic of Cranford (chapters 9-11). In order to take care of Signor Brunoni, where Lady Glenmire meets and marries him.

First published in England in 1853, this social novel by Elizabeth Gaskell received controversial reviews among readers of the Victorian era because of its candid portrayal of the "fallen woman". Ruth Hilton, an orphaned young seamstress, falls prey to the wiles of the young, wealthy and bored Henry Bellingham. The affair is short-lived when Ruth, carrying Bellingham's unborn child, is abandoned and left unemployed, homeless, and utterly without hope. She is saved by the minister, Thurstan Benson, who takes pity on Ruth and her illegitimate child, and helps to establish for her a respectable place in society. Upon the unforeseen return of Bellingham, the young mother must make a decision: to retain her personal pride and endure the chastisement of her community, or to succumb once again to Bellingham's advances. One of the first works to explore the social stigmas of the "fallen woman" in the context of 19th Century England, "Ruth" has remained a socially impactful work in literary history. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1867.

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1867.

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1867.

Unver nderter Nachdruck der Originalausgabe von 1867.

When her father has a crisis of conscious, Margaret Hale’s life is turned upside down. Because her parents decide to move away from southern London, Margaret must leave behind the tranquil, rural life she’s always known to settle in an industrial town called Milton. Though she does her best to assimilate, Margaret cannot help but feel trapped and hopeless in Milton, as she witnesses the brutal effects industrialization has on the environment and the individual. Used to fresh air and open spaces, Margaret notices the stark difference between her country home and Milton. While the air feels thick and the streets feel too crowded, Margaret’s compassion is captured by the plight of the lower classes. Befriending many poor laborers, Margaret learns of the unsafe conditions they work in, while they are making pennies on the boss’s dollar. While Margaret witnesses and supports her friends as they navigate toxic employer and worker relationships, she becomes involved in their struggles and gradually begins to brainstorm solutions. But when she meets John Thornton, a newly rich cotton mill owner, Margaret’s loyalty is tested. Initially clashing with John because of his occupation and his opinions on workers, Margaret begins to slowly develop strong feelings for John, avoiding him when she can out of respect for her underprivileged working friends. But as tensions grow in Milton, Margaret realizes that she cannot hide from John forever, and that she must navigate her intense feelings for the man; is it contempt, or something more? With themes of class, social norms, and clashes between rural and urban environments, North and South is a sophisticated romance novel. Through the use of strong central characters and the set to the backdrop of the industrial revolution, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell defies the tradition of romance, and portrayed topics left unexplored by other women of her time. First published in 1854, North and South features an entertaining narrative while providing valuable insight on the life and society of the 19th century Industrial Revolution in England. This edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s North and South is printed in a modern font and features a new, eye-catching cover design, making it both contemporary and accessible.

Originally published as a serial story, Wives and Daughters is told with an episodic narrative, following a young woman named Molly Gibson as she comes of age. Molly is the only child of a widowed doctor. Raised in an English provincial town, Molly’s childhood is filled with trips to aristocratic mansions and bonding experiences with her father. As she grows older however, men become more interested in her because of her attractive appearance. When Dr. Gibson discovers a creepy crush one of his apprentices has on his daughter, he sends her away to live with another family. Though she misses her father, Molly enjoys her life with the Hamley family. Treated as if she were their daughter, Molly grows very close with Mrs. Hamley and the youngest son, Roger. Meanwhile, as domestic drama unfolds at the Hamley’s, Dr. Gibson entertains the idea of remarrying. Thinking that another woman would have a good influence on Molly, Dr. Gibson decides to marry Miss Claire, who Molly had met once as a child. Though he had good intentions, Dr. Gibson was mistaken in his assumption that Molly and his new wife would get along. Already shy and a little awkward, Molly does her best to keep the peace, but feels that her stepmother is selfish and too social ambitious. Even though Molly misses living with the Hamley’s, she soon finds joy in her new homelife as she grows close to her stepsister, Cynthia, who has a nearly opposite personality compared to Molly. Despite their differences, Molly and Cynthia form a unique bond that they must nurture as they grow together, enduring the unfair social expectations of 19th century England. With secret proposals, family drama, abusive men, and hurtful gossip, Wives and Daughters is a thrilling account of life as a woman in 19th century England. While Gaskell provides fascinating insight on home life and societal expectations during this period, Wives and Daughters also features strong and intriguing characters that have captured the hearts of readers for centuries. Regarded as one of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s most popular novels, this edition of Wives and Daughters features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, modern readers are able to experience this gripping classic with ease.

Featuring five works of short gothic fiction, Curious, If True delivers peculiar stories that incite spine-chilling reactions. Depicting a classic ghost tale, The Old Nurse’s Story follows a nurse named Hester as she tells a group of children about her ancestry. The Poor Clare, depicts an intriguing narrative as a pragmatic lawyer uses his position to investigate the records and history of strange women said to have supernatural abilities. . Primarily told through a letter, The Grey Woman follows a young woman named Anna who was rushed into a terrible marriage. Soon Anna discovers how horrible her husband is proving the doubts she had before the she was pressured into the union. When his murderous rage makes Anna a target, her handmaid, Amante rushes to her safety. On the run and in disguise, Anna and Amante work together to outsmart and overcome Anna’s abusive and violent husband. Depicting a change of scene, Lois the Witch features a compelling and unexpected narrative set during the Salem Witch Trials. Following a woman accused of witchcraft, Lois the Witch tells a dark tale that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Finally, the title piece, Curious, If True reexamines fairy tales and folk lore with a mysterious and dark lens, answering the question—what happens after “happily ever after”? First each published separately between the years of 1852-1861, the short works of fiction within Curious, If True can be read as stand-alone pieces while still working together to create a chilling tone and mood. Typically known for her biographies and Victorian fiction depicting homelife, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell breaks from her mold to deliver these delightfully spooky stories. With intricate prose, strong characterization, and compelling plots, Gaskell proves that her merit extends across many genres, and that her work remains to be applicable even to modern audiences. Now presented in an easy-to-read font and featuring a stunning new cover design, this edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s Curious, If True, is catered to modern readers, updating the classic to be accessible and conformed to contemporary standards while preserving the original genius of the work.

All set in 19th century England, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s The Grey Woman and Other Tales feature thrilling tales of suspense and morality. Disappearances follows the investigation of a case of six men disappearing without a trace. Unsure whether to suspect a runaway, foul play, or the supernatural the case unfolds to reveal even more disappearances. Adopting a tone similar to a documentary, Disappearances sheds light on the methods of Victorian detectives in a time when DNA profiling was considered science fiction. The eerie tone is lightened by Christmas Storms and Sunshine, a heart-warming holiday tale of tolerance and positivity. Two families find themselves at odds as they each run a newspaper for a different political party, often trying to discredit the other. This animosity is especially strong between the wives. However, when one of their children fall ill, the wives team up to care for the baby, nurturing a new relationship in the process. Finally, the title story, The Grey Woman, tells a thrilling tale of murder and narrow escapes. Primarily told through a letter, The Grey Woman follows a young woman named Anna who was rushed into a terrible marriage. Soon Anna discovers how horrible her husband is proving the doubts she had before the she was pressured into the union. When his murderous rage makes Anna a target, her handmaid, Amante rushes to her safety. On the run and in disguise, Anna and Amante work together to outsmart and overcome Anna’s abusive and violent husband. Exploring a variety of genres, The Grey Woman and Other Tales is a thrilling collection of short fiction that remains to be a testament to Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s genius and talent. While the narratives range from heart-pounding horrors to heart-warming holiday tales, each story within The Grey Woman and Other Tales feature a lesson of morality and raises reflective questions that leaves the audience pondering long after the narrative is finished. This edition of The Grey Woman and Other Tales by the prolific and esteemed 19th century author, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a stylish font, making it both readable and modern.

Ruth is a young orphaned girl who works in a sweatshop. Mrs. Mason, Ruth’s boss, runs the sweatshop in a respectable manner, earning a sterling reputation among her employees and society. However, the comfort and acclaim of Ruth’s job is threatened when she attends a ball to repair any dresses that get torn during dancing. There, she meets an aristocratic man named Henry Bellingham, who is infamous for his immoral treatment of women and frivolous spending. Ruth, however, is blinded by his charm, and after they have another chance encounter, befriends the man. When they are spotted together, Ruth’s reputation is at stake as rumors start to fly. Worried about the gossip harming her sweatshop Mrs. Mason fires Ruth, leaving her with nowhere to go. With no other viable options, Ruth accepts Henry’s invitation to go to London. Now considered a fallen woman, Ruth’s reputation seems to be in a state beyond repair, though, while she stays with Henry, she is protected by his privilege. Held to lower standards by society, Henry is slightly looked down on, but his wealth and gender protects him from actual consequence. Perhaps that is why he finds it so easy and acceptable to leave Ruth, stranding her in Wales with a small allowance and tarnished reputation. Hopeless and pregnant, Ruth slips into a deep despair. It is only at the mercy of a kind local family, the Benson’s, that Ruth is able to continue living. With their help, Ruth creates a new alias and backstory to live under, and is able to get a job and start to rebuild her social status. However, when Henry makes a surprise return, and rumors start to grow once again, Ruth must overcome illness and social disgrace to provide a better life for her son, and for herself. With strong characterization and themes of morality, gender, and sexuality in Victorian society, Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell provides a compelling glimpse into the hypocrisies of social expectations while depicting a moving narrative that captures both the audience’s mind and heart. This edition of Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is now presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover design. With these accommodations, modern audiences are provided a lavish and accessible reading experience.