Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
- Born:
- 29 September 1810, Chelsea, London, England
- Died:
- 12 November 1865, Holybourne, Hampshire, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Novelist, Biographer, Short Story Writer
Early Life and Education
- Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson was raised primarily by her aunt, Hannah Lumb, in Knutsford, Cheshire, following her mother's death shortly after her birth.
- Her education was largely informal, fostering a love of reading and a strong sense of social justice.
Career and Major Achievements
- In 1832, she married William Gaskell, a Unitarian minister in Manchester.
- Her writing career began with short stories and articles, often published anonymously.
- The industrial city of Manchester deeply influenced her work, particularly her social novels.
- She gained prominence as a novelist, tackling complex social issues of Victorian England.
- Published anonymously her first novel, Mary Barton, in 1848, achieving immediate success.
Notable Works
- Mary Barton (1848)
- Cranford (1851-53)
- North and South (1855)
- The Life of Charlotte Brontë (1857)
- Sylvia's Lovers (1863)
- Wives and Daughters (1866) - unfinished
Legacy and Impact
Elizabeth Gaskell's novels offer valuable social commentary on Victorian England, particularly concerning class divisions, industrialization, and the lives of women. Her biography, 'Elizabeth Gaskell biografia' shows her work remains relevant for its insightful portrayal of social realities and its exploration of human relationships. As a biographer, her life of Charlotte Brontë cemented her position as one of the leading authors of her era.