Wives and Daughters (Wordsworth Classics)

With an Introduction and Notes by Dinny Thorold, University of Westminster

Gaskell’s last novel, widely considered her masterpiece, follows the fortunes of two families in nineteenth century rural England.  At its core are family relationships – father, daughter and step-mother, father and sons, father and step-daughter – all tested and strained by the romantic entanglements that ensue.

Despite its underlying seriousness, the prevailing tone is one of comedy.  Gaskell vividly portrays the world of the late 1820s and the forces of change within it, and her vision is always humane and progressive.

The story is full of acute observation and sympathetic character-study:  the feudal squire clinging to old values, his naturalist son welcoming the new world of science, the local doctor and his scheming second wife, the two girls brought together by their parent’s marriage…

Title - Wives and Daughters (Wordsworth Classics)

Edition -

Author - Elizabeth Gaskell

ISBN 13 - 9781840224160

Imprint - Wordsworth Editions Ltd

Publisher - Wordsworth Editions Ltd

Date Published - 05/11/1999

Prize -

No. of pages - 624

Binding Type - Paperback

Dimensions - 129 x 198 x 31mm

Weight - 385 g

Languages - English