The Old Nurse's Story and Other Tales

The works of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell provide a vivid exploration of Victorian society, highlighting the experiences of various social classes, particularly the impoverished. Her background as the wife of a Unitarian minister in industrial Manchester influenced her narratives, which often reflect the complexities of social issues. Gaskell gained prominence with her debut novel, Mary Barton, and is celebrated for her other significant works, including Cranford, North and South, and Wives and Daughters, making her a key figure in both literature and social history.