With an Introduction and Notes by Dr Patsy Stoneman, University of Hull

Set in the mid-19th century, and written from the author's first-hand experience, this work follows the story of the heroine's movement from the tranquil setting of rural southern England to the turbulent industrial north.Elizabeth Gaskell`s skilful narrative uses an unusual love story to show how personal and public lives were woven together in a newly industrial society.This is a tale of hard-won triumphs-of rational thought over prejudice and of humane care over blind deference to the market.