Cranford

Cranford is a novel written by Elizabeth Gaskell that was first published in 1851. Set in the fictional English town of Cranford during the early 19th century, the book follows the lives of the town's inhabitants, particularly the women. The story is narrated by Mary Smith, a young woman who comes to live with her elderly spinster friends, Miss Matty and Miss Deborah Jenkyns.The novel is a portrait of a small, close-knit community, where the social conventions and traditions of the time are strictly adhered to. The women of Cranford are the focus of the story, and their daily lives, concerns, and relationships are explored in detail. The book is a commentary on the role of women in society during the Victorian era, and the limitations and restrictions placed upon them.Throughout the novel, the characters face a number of challenges and crises, including financial difficulties, illness, and the changing social and economic landscape of the time. Despite these challenges, the women of Cranford remain steadfast and supportive of one another, demonstrating the strength of their community and the importance of friendship and loyalty.Cranford is a charming and humorous novel that offers a fascinating glimpse into life in a small English town during the Victorian era. Gaskell's vivid descriptions of the town and its inhabitants, combined with her sharp wit and keen observation of human nature, make this book a timeless classic.In the first place, Cranford is in possession of the Amazons; all the holders of houses above a certain rent are women. If a married couple come to settle in the town, somehow the gentleman disappears; he is either fairly frightened to death by being the only man in the Cranford evening parties, or he is accounted for by being with his regiment, his ship, or closely engaged in business all the week in the great neighbouring commercial town of Drumble, distant only twenty miles on a railroad. In short, whatever does become of the gentlemen, they are not at Cranford.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.