Short Stories (Household Words 1850-53)

Written by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Narrated by Phil Benson

"Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Victorian England through the captivating short stories of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell. In this audiobook collection, you'll discover a treasure trove of narratives that originally graced the pages of 'Household Words' between 1850 and 1853, a periodical edited by Charles Dickens.

Gaskell's stories are windows into the daily lives, social issues, and human dramas of the 19th century. Her keen observation and empathetic storytelling paint vivid pictures of a bygone era. From the struggles of working-class individuals to the complexities of family dynamics and the ever-present themes of love and class, these narratives are timeless in their relevance.

As you listen, you'll be transported to the bustling streets of Victorian towns, and you'll meet a diverse array of characters who reflect the rich tapestry of society. Gaskell's narrative prowess shines through, making these stories not just historical relics but enduring literary gems.

This audiobook is a journey into the heart of Victorian storytelling, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and unforgettable characters."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erika
• Release date: Dec 7, 2023

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Mrs Gaskell was born Elizabeth Stevenson in London in 1810. Her mother Eliza, the niece of the potter Josiah Wedgwood, died when she was a child. Much of her childhood was spent in Cheshire, where she lived with an aunt at Knutsford, a town she would later immortalise as Cranford. In 1832, she married a Unitarian minister, William Gaskell (who had a literary career of his own), and they settled in Manchester. The industrial surroundings offered her inspiration for her novels. Gaskell's first novel, Mary Barton, was published anonymously in 1848. The best-known of her other novels are Cranford (1853) and North and South (1855). Elizabeth met Charlotte Brontë in 1850, and they struck up a great friendship. After Charlotte's death in 1855, her father, the Reverend Patrick Brontë, asked Gaskell to write her biography to counteract gossip and speculation. The Life of Charlotte Brontë was published in 1857. Gaskell was also a skilled proponent of the ghost story. Her last novel, Wives and Daughters, said by many to be her most mature work remained unfinished at the time of her death in 1865.