Cranford

Cranford is a novel written by Elizabeth Gaskell, first published in 1851. The story is set in the fictional town of Cranford in rural England, and follows the lives and social customs of its predominantly middle-aged female inhabitants. The novel is a series of vignettes, each depicting a particular event or episode in the lives of the residents of Cranford. The main character is Miss Matty Jenkyns, a spinster who lives with her elderly sister, Miss Deborah Jenkyns. The two sisters are part of a tight-knit community of women who pride themselves on their refinement and gentility. The novel explores the relationships between the women of Cranford, as well as their interactions with the few men who are part of their social circle. The themes of the novel include the role of women in Victorian society, the importance of social class and status, and the changing nature of rural life in England. The novel is notable for its gentle humor and its sympathetic portrayal of its characters, particularly the women. Cranford has been adapted for television and film several times, and is considered a classic of Victorian literature. It is widely regarded as one of Gaskell's best works, and is praised for its warmth, humor, and insight into the lives of women in the 19th century.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.