A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Gaskell, Mrs. L. E
GASKELL, MRS. L. E.
In the year 1848, appeared anonymously, a most graphic picture of Manchester operative life, entitled "Mary Barton;" it was at once recognised as the work of an acute and powerful mind, and attained great popularity, nor was it long before the name of the author transpired; Mrs. Gaskell, the wife of a Unitarian Minister, residing at Manchester. In 1850 appeared from her pen, a little Christmas story, called "The Moorland Cottage," and two years after, "Ruth," a novel Since then this author has contributed to Dickens's "Household Words," some sketches of village life, under the title of "Cranford;" and a tale entitled "North and South," in which "we are taken to the manufacturing districts of Yorkshire, while a "strike" Is in operation, and shown the disastrous effects, both moral and physical, which result from a digression of the great principles of justice, both on the part of master and man. All through Mrs. Gaskell's works is evinced an earnest desire to vindicate, and to elevate the poor and oppressed, and to teach those who have wealth and power, to use it wisely and beneficently; she has embodied in them the result of much close observation of the every-day life of those around her, and deep reflection on the causes of our social and political evils, and. writing for a great moral end and purpose, deserves to be listened to, as she is, with attention and respect.