This collection of short stories by Elizabeth Gaskell offers a fascinating glimpse into the early works of a renowned Victorian author. Each story is a gem in its own right, showcasing Gaskell's talent for capturing the complexities of human relationships and emotions in a concise and engaging manner.

From tales of love and loss to stories of social injustice and moral dilemmas, Gaskell's writing is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. Her characters are vividly drawn, and her descriptive prose brings the settings to life with vivid detail.

While some of the stories may feel quaint or dated to modern readers, Gaskell's keen observations of human nature and her timeless themes ensure that many of them remain relevant and resonant today. Overall, this collection is a must-read for fans of classic literature and anyone looking to explore the early works of a talented and influential writer. Highly recommended.

Book Description:
A collection of Elizabeth Gaskell's early short stories. Following the publication of Mary Barton in 1848, Gaskell published many of her short works for Charles Dickens's Household Words magazine between 1850 and 1858. Her earlier works were published in a variety of venues including Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine , William Howitt's Visits to Remarkable Places , Howitt’s Journal of Literature and Popular Progress , the Sunday School Penny Magazine , Sartain’s Union Magazine and the Ladies Companion and Monthly Magazine . Summary by Phil Benson