Blogs & News

: Online Talk: Cranford For Beginners

'In the first place, Cranford is in possession of the Amazons; all the holders of houses above a certain rent are women.' Have you ever wanted to read Cranford or wondered why it’s one of Elizabeth Gaskell’s most popular novels? Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford is famed for its portrayal of picture-perfect English village life and has never been out of print since it was first published in 1853. Book now Now Libby Tempest, Vice-Chair of the Gaskell Society, tells us about how she

: Online Talk: Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell- A Friendship

This introductory talk explores the relationship between two giants of nineteenth-century literature. Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell were opposites in many ways. Yet they were profoundly interested in each other’s work and lives. Their first meeting in the Lake District in 1850 led to a real friendship. Book now Charlotte had written the instant classic Jane Eyre and then Shirley, while Elizabeth’s astounding debut novel Mary Barton had been well-received. This talk uses letters, writing and contemporary accounts

: Online Event: Valentine’s – Romantic Moments

In this lively Valentine's online event we take a closer look at your favourite romantic moments from literature and TV adaptations, including Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. Sit back and enjoy a Valentine's treat as our speakers go head to head to celebrate the most romantic scenes that literature has to offer. Swoon as Thornton and Margaret master their feelings in North and South. Gasp as Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet overcome all

: Online Talk: Cranford – A TV Classic

The BBC TV adaptations Cranford (2007) and Return to Cranford (2009) were hailed as rich and funny portrayals of Victorian provincial life. The series featured a wealth of stars including Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton and Francesca Annis. Heidi Thomas's screenplay reflected both the gentle humour and the pathos of rural life in a Cheshire town on the cusp of industrial change. Book now The series detailed the private and public lives of the middle-aged women of Cranford, a town ‘in

: Online Talk: North and South across the Atlantic – Elizabeth Gaskell’s Influence in Nineteenth-Century America

 Elizabeth Gaskell wrote her classic ‘Condition of England’ novel, North and South, set in Manchester for a readership living through intense industrial and social change. Characters like the Byronic John Thornton and independent Margaret Hale showed her groundbreaking novel grappling with industrial conflict and sexual politics. Book now So how was it received across the Atlantic? What impact did it have on writers such as Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and Frances Hodgson Burnett? Can we talk of their novels