Ruth (Penguin Classics) by Elizabeth Gaskell

by Angus Easson

First published in 1979, this book looks at every aspect of the life and work of Elizabeth Gaskell, including her lesser known novels and writings -- especially those concerning life in the industrial north of Victorian England. It shows how her work springs from a culture and society which pervades all she thought and wrote. An opening chapter explores her religion, culture, friendships and family. The major works are considered in turn and background material relevant to the novels' industrial scenes is presented. The process of literary creation is charted in material drawn from letters and by examination of the manuscripts. Her short stories, journalism and letters are also considered.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Matthew Gatheringwater · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an introductory section, this slim biography is arranged by Gaskell's works. I like this way of organizing the book, because it allows me (and perhaps you) to read it in sections that parallel a reader's progress through Gaskell's novels.

Easson's biography illuminates several areas of interest for me, including:
* the way religion shaped the themes of her fiction (both Gaskell's father and husband were Unitarian ministers)
* her relationships with other authors (especially Dickens) and the way these relationships affected her writing life
* intersections between Gaskell's own middle-class life and the lives of poor working men and women that informed her writing about social and labor issues
* resonances between Gaskell's own role as a woman writer and the life of Charlotte Bronte as Gaskell writes Bronte's biography.

This is a reference book I have used many times to help me get more out of Gaskell's fiction.