Showing results by author "Elizabeth Gaskell" in All Categories

In North and South, we delve into the life of Margaret Hale, who is uprooted from her serene rural home in the South and thrust into the gritty, industrial town of Milton in Northern England. As she navigates the harsh realities of the industrial revolution, Margaret witnesses the fierce struggles between employers and workers, culminating in the first organized strikes. With a compassionate heart, she befriends the courageous working class, but her ideals clash with those of John Thornton, a wealthy cotton mill owner whose disdain for his workers ignites her fury. This compelling tale ...

In this captivating tale, Molly and her father have been living a quiet life since the passing of her mother. However, Mr. Gibson believes that a new marriage will be beneficial for Mollys future. Enter the glamorous new Mama, who brings with her a beautiful step-sister, Cynthia, and a whirlwind of changes to their household. As Mrs. Gibson schemes to secure Cynthia a match with one of the local squires sons, she remains oblivious to her step-daughter’s true feelings and the secret meetings Molly has with Mr. Preston in the woods. This enchanting social commentary by Mrs. Gaskell, the author...

Join Elizabeth Gaskell as she weaves captivating tales across the pages of Charles Dickens Household Words, where she published 18 short works between 1850 and 1858. This collection is a delightful continuation of the Librivox series, featuring recordings of 7 pieces from 1854 to 1858. Within these stories, youll encounter two of Gaskells most significant shorter works Half a Lifetime Ago, which transports you to the picturesque English Lake District, and The Poor Clare, where a bewitched heroine is relentlessly pursued by her mischievous double. Additionally, The Sin of a Father and The ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Elizabeth Gaskells early short stories, a captivating collection that showcases her literary prowess. Following the success of her novel Mary Barton in 1848, Gaskell contributed numerous short works to Charles Dickenss Household Words magazine between 1850 and 1858. Her earlier tales found homes in various notable publications, including Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine (featuring Sketches among the Poor), William Howitts Visits to Remarkable Places (Clopton Hall), and many more. This anthology includes gems like Libbie Marsh, The Sextons Hero, and Bessy’s ...

Delve into the poignant world of Ruth, a social novel that explores the Victorian attitudes towards sin and illegitimacy. This surprisingly compassionate tale focuses on Ruth Hilton, a young seamstress and orphan who faces the harsh realities of society after being seduced and abandoned by the gentleman Henry Bellingham. Alone and pregnant, Ruth finds refuge with a kind minister and his sister, who help her navigate the stigma of her situation by masquerading her as a widow. As she strives to build a respectable life as a governess, her past threatens to unravel everything when Bellingham ...

Mary Barton, the debut novel by English author Elizabeth Gaskell, was published in 1848 and paints a vivid portrait of life in 1830s and 1840s Manchester. This powerful narrative delves into the harsh realities faced by the Victorian working class, centering around two families—the Bartons and the Wilsons. As John Barton grapples with the loss of his wife and son, he becomes a passionate advocate for social justice, questioning the inequities of wealth and the struggles between the rich and the poor. The disappearance of his sister-in-law Esther adds to the familys turmoil, pushing John ...

Dive into the compelling world of Elizabeth Gaskell, a prominent voice in Victorian literature and a key contributor to Charles Dickenss weekly magazine, Household Words, from 1850 to 1853. This collection features all of the short stories and non-fiction pieces that Gaskell published during this period, showcasing her remarkable talent. Included are her beloved serialized novels, Cranford, North and South, and My Lady Ludlow, alongside 18 shorter works that solidified her status as Dickenss most significant literary collaborator. Explore Gaskells poignant reflections on the working classes of...

Set in the picturesque coastal town of Monkshaven during the 1790s, Sylvias Lovers tells the poignant story of Sylvia Robson, a young woman caught between two worlds. While she lives a simple life on her familys farm and has the affections of her earnest but uninspiring Quaker cousin Philip, her heart truly belongs to Charlie Kinraid, a dashing sailor from a whaling ship. Their secret engagement promises a bright future, but fate intervenes when Charlie is forcibly taken to sea, leaving Sylvia heartbroken and longing for a love she can’t fully claim.

Step into the enchanting world of Round the Sofa, a collection of captivating tales by the remarkable Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell, whom Charles Dickens affectionately dubbed his “dear Scheherazade” for her extraordinary storytelling prowess. This 1859 work begins with a delightful short story that serves as a frame for six previously published narratives, all woven together through the interactions of a group of characters sharing their stories during a cozy soirée. Discover the compelling plight of Lady Ludlow, a widowed aristocrat fiercely resisting change, as seen through the eyes of one of...

"Mary Barton: A Tale of Manchester Life" was Mrs Gaskell's first full-length novel. It was published anonymously in that tumultuous year of political change, 1848 - only a few months after the Communist Manifesto co-authored by her fellow Manchester-resident, Friedrich Engels. Engels's experience as agent in his father's cotton-spinning factory motivated him to write "The Condition of the Working Class in England", a classic account of the sufferings of the poor under the factory-system. Elizabeth Gaskell's own personal contact with the plight of the poor cotton workers of Lancashire also ...

Cousin Phillis, written by Elizabeth Gaskell in 1864, tells the poignant story of Paul Manning, a seventeen-year-old boy who relocates to the countryside and forms a deep bond with his mothers family, particularly his second cousin, Phillis Holman. As Phillis navigates the complexities of adolescence, the narrative unfolds with an enchanting simplicity that showcases Gaskells masterful storytelling. Critics often herald this work as Gaskells finest short novel, celebrated for its delicate character development and captivating prose. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Victorian life as "Moorland Cottage" serves as a thematic anchor for this rotating audiobook collection. Each episode invites listeners to explore narratives that delve into the complexities of love, family loyalty, and the struggle for personal freedom against the backdrop of societal expectations. These stories highlight the resilience of characters who navigate the delicate balance between duty and desire, offering poignant reflections on self-worth and the human experience. With every episode featuring a new complete audiobook, this series presents ...

An audio anthology of Victorian ghost stories to chill you to the bone this holiday season. “What Was It?” by Fitz-James O’Brien “The Blue Room” by Lettice Galbraith “Smee” by A.M. Burrage “Old Nurse’s Story” by Elizabeth Gaskell “A Strange Christmas Game” by Charlotte...

In this volume we examine Gothic short stories from the woman’s point of view. More usually in this genre the main examples are almost always given as male. Well, in this volume we prove that view needs severely testing. Here we explore works by classic women authors who, with the sheer breadth of their talents and narratives, can make mere men seem tame by comparison.

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. If you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your reading and listening pleasure.

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. Whatever the reasons given or proffered the reality and known facts are that if you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your listening pleasure.

This collection of tales transports the listener to a time when staircases creaked in old manor houses, and a candle could be blown out by a gust of wind—or by a passing ghost. Penned by some of the greatest Victorian novelists and masters of the ghost story genre, each comes to life in this vivid rendition.

The Greatest Female Writers Classics Collection is a stunning compilation of fifteen (audio)books by some of the most legendary women writers throughout history. From Mary Wollstonecraft’s groundbreaking call for women’s rights to Austen’s unparalleled witty romance...

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic fiction read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly abridged and remastered stories are now available to download for the first...

William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic fiction read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly abridged and remastered stories are now available to download for the first...