Gaskell

Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn (1810-1865), an English novelist, was born at Chelsea. Her early days were not very tranquil, and she was brought up by an aunt. At 15 she went to Stratford-on-Avon, and here she learnt Latin, French anrl Italian. In 1832 she married the Rev. W. Gaskell, an Unitarian minister at Manchester. In 1848 she published Mary Barton, which dealt with one phase of life from the worker's point of view. This was very well received, and brought her the acquaintance of Dickens. Carlyle, and Thackeray. She wrote in Household Words, and in the Cornhill Magazine. In 1853 appeared Ruth, and scattered fragments were gathered up into Cranford. In 1855 North and, South, which presented the question of Mary Barton from another point of view, appeared in Household Words. In 1857 she wrote the Life of Charlotte Bronte, one of the most charming of biographies, though certain statements in it given on the authority of Miss Bronte brought Mrs. Gaskell into some annoyance. In 1863 appeared Sylvia's Lovers, and the idyllic Cousin Phillis. Her last work, unfinished, Wives and Daughters, appeared in the Cornhill Magazine.