Reprinted in its entirety for the first time since its original publication in 1862, Somebody's Luggage is a rediscovered gem from Dickens's later life.
Stumbling upon some luggage that has been left behind in the hotel where he works, a waiter searches through it to identify its owner. He fails to discover this, but he does find, secreted away in different parts of the luggage, quite a number of stories. Impressed by their quality, he succeeds in getting them published, although the identity of their author remains a mystery until a visitor comes calling. Written with Dickens's characteristic wit and descriptive skill--and boasting contributions by eminent Victorian writers Wilkie Collins, Adelaide Anne Procter, and Elizabeth Gaskell--Somebody's Luggage is a wonderful composite of tales. Charles Dickens (1812-70) is one of England's most important literary figures. His works enjoyed enormous success in his day and are still regarded as among the most popular and widely read classics of all time.

When John Barton's wife dies, he is forced to raise his daughter, Mary, alone, while he grieves the love of his life. Though he is a hard-working man, John struggles to provide for his family. Realizing how unfair his financial situation is, John becomes very resentful towards the unethical distribution of wealth between the social classes. Against John's wishes, when Mary comes of age, she decides to help support their family by working in a dressmaking factory. Neither John nor Mary are happy with the unsafe working conditions in the factory, but soon, Mary is presented with a way out when Henry Carson, the handsome son of a wealthy mill owner, takes an interest in her. Mary knows that marrying Henry would secure a comfortable life for her and her father, but she is conflicted when Jem Wilson, a respectful and hardworking man also declares his love for her. Though Mary reciprocates his feelings, she is conflicted. Mary rejects Jem and avoids Henry while she tries to decide whether to embrace her love for Jem or accept the financial comfort Henry would provide as a husband. While Jem respectfully accepts Mary's rejection, he decides to give her space. However, when someone warns him of the possible ill intent Henry has for Mary, he tries to defend her honor. After a fight between Jem and Henry is broken up by the police, Jem decides to spend time with his cousin, a sailor. But when a dead body is found soon after, and Jem becomes the prime suspect, Mary must solve the murder and leave home to help clear Jem's name before it's too late. Set in Manchester, England, Mary Barton follows the Barton family as they witness and experience the hardships faced by Victorian working-class families, providing thoughtful insight on the social conditions of the 19th century. With murder, love, and discussions of serious social issues, Mary Barton depicts a powerful narrative that resonates even with modern audiences. This edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's debut novel, Mary Barton features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font, making the classic assessible and desirable to modern readers.

Ruth is a young orphaned girl who works in a sweatshop. Mrs. Mason, Ruth's boss, runs the sweatshop in a respectable manner, earning a sterling reputation among her employees and society. However, the comfort and acclaim of Ruth's job is threatened when she attends a ball to repair any dresses that get torn during dancing. There, she meets an aristocratic man named Henry Bellingham, who is infamous for his immoral treatment of women and frivolous spending. Ruth, however, is blinded by his charm, and after they have another chance encounter, befriends the man. When they are spotted together, Ruth's reputation is at stake as rumors start to fly. Worried about the gossip harming her sweatshop Mrs. Mason fires Ruth, leaving her with nowhere to go. With no other viable options, Ruth accepts Henry's invitation to go to London. Now considered a fallen woman, Ruth's reputation seems to be in a state beyond repair, though, while she stays with Henry, she is protected by his privilege. Held to lower standards by society, Henry is slightly looked down on, but his wealth and gender protects him from actual consequence. Perhaps that is why he finds it so easy and acceptable to leave Ruth, stranding her in Wales with a small allowance and tarnished reputation. Hopeless and pregnant, Ruth slips into a deep despair. It is only at the mercy of a kind local family, the Benson's, that Ruth is able to continue living. With their help, Ruth creates a new alias and backstory to live under, and is able to get a job and start to rebuild her social status. However, when Henry makes a surprise return, and rumors start to grow once again, Ruth must overcome illness and social disgrace to provide a better life for her son, and for herself. With strong characterization and themes of morality, gender, and sexuality in Victorian society, Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell provides a compelling glimpse into the hypocrisies of social expectations while depicting a moving narrative that captures both the audience's mind and heart. This edition of Ruth by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is now presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover design. With these accommodations, modern audiences are provided a lavish and accessible reading experience.

Originally published as a serial story, Wives and Daughters is told with an episodic narrative, following a young woman named Molly Gibson as she comes of age. Molly is the only child of a widowed doctor. Raised in an English provincial town, Molly's childhood is filled with trips to aristocratic mansions and bonding experiences with her father. As she grows older however, men become more interested in her because of her attractive appearance. When Dr. Gibson discovers a creepy crush one of his apprentices has on his daughter, he sends her away to live with another family. Though she misses her father, Molly enjoys her life with the Hamley family. Treated as if she were their daughter, Molly grows very close with Mrs. Hamley and the youngest son, Roger. Meanwhile, as domestic drama unfolds at the Hamley's, Dr. Gibson entertains the idea of remarrying. Thinking that another woman would have a good influence on Molly, Dr. Gibson decides to marry Miss Claire, who Molly had met once as a child. Though he had good intentions, Dr. Gibson was mistaken in his assumption that Molly and his new wife would get along. Already shy and a little awkward, Molly does her best to keep the peace, but feels that her stepmother is selfish and too social ambitious. Even though Molly misses living with the Hamley's, she soon finds joy in her new homelife as she grows close to her stepsister, Cynthia, who has a nearly opposite personality compared to Molly. Despite their differences, Molly and Cynthia form a unique bond that they must nurture as they grow together, enduring the unfair social expectations of 19th century England. With secret proposals, family drama, abusive men, and hurtful gossip, Wives and Daughters is a thrilling account of life as a woman in 19th century England. While Gaskell provides fascinating insight on home life and societal expectations during this period, Wives and Daughters also features strong and intriguing characters that have captured the hearts of readers for centuries. Regarded as one of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's most popular novels, this edition of Wives and Daughters features an eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With these accommodations, modern readers are able to experience this gripping classic with ease.

When her father has a crisis of conscious, Margaret Hale's life is turned upside down. Because her parents decide to move away from southern London, Margaret must leave behind the tranquil, rural life she's always known to settle in an industrial town called Milton. Though she does her best to assimilate, Margaret cannot help but feel trapped and hopeless in Milton, as she witnesses the brutal effects industrialization has on the environment and the individual. Used to fresh air and open spaces, Margaret notices the stark difference between her country home and Milton. While the air feels thick and the streets feel too crowded, Margaret's compassion is captured by the plight of the lower classes. Befriending many poor laborers, Margaret learns of the unsafe conditions they work in, while they are making pennies on the boss's dollar. While Margaret witnesses and supports her friends as they navigate toxic employer and worker relationships, she becomes involved in their struggles and gradually begins to brainstorm solutions. But when she meets John Thornton, a newly rich cotton mill owner, Margaret's loyalty is tested. Initially clashing with John because of his occupation and his opinions on workers, Margaret begins to slowly develop strong feelings for John, avoiding him when she can out of respect for her underprivileged working friends. But as tensions grow in Milton, Margaret realizes that she cannot hide from John forever, and that she must navigate her intense feelings for the man; is it contempt, or something more? With themes of class, social norms, and clashes between rural and urban environments, North and South is a sophisticated romance novel. Through the use of strong central characters and the set to the backdrop of the industrial revolution, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell defies the tradition of romance, and portrayed topics left unexplored by other women of her time. First published in 1854, North and South features an entertaining narrative while providing valuable insight on the life and society of the 19th century Industrial Revolution in England. This edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's North and South is printed in a modern font and features a new, eye-catching cover design, making it both contemporary and accessible.

Featuring five works of short gothic fiction, Curious, If True delivers peculiar stories that incite spine-chilling reactions. Depicting a classic ghost tale, The Old Nurse's Story follows a nurse named Hester as she tells a group of children about her ancestry. The Poor Clare, depicts an intriguing narrative as a pragmatic lawyer uses his position to investigate the records and history of strange women said to have supernatural abilities. . Primarily told through a letter, The Grey Woman follows a young woman named Anna who was rushed into a terrible marriage. Soon Anna discovers how horrible her husband is proving the doubts she had before the she was pressured into the union. When his murderous rage makes Anna a target, her handmaid, Amante rushes to her safety. On the run and in disguise, Anna and Amante work together to outsmart and overcome Anna's abusive and violent husband. Depicting a change of scene, Lois the Witch features a compelling and unexpected narrative set during the Salem Witch Trials. Following a woman accused of witchcraft, Lois the Witch tells a dark tale that leaves readers on the edge of their seats. Finally, the title piece, Curious, If True reexamines fairy tales and folk lore with a mysterious and dark lens, answering the question-what happens after "happily ever after"? First each published separately between the years of 1852-1861, the short works of fiction within Curious, If True can be read as stand-alone pieces while still working together to create a chilling tone and mood. Typically known for her biographies and Victorian fiction depicting homelife, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell breaks from her mold to deliver these delightfully spooky stories. With intricate prose, strong characterization, and compelling plots, Gaskell proves that her merit extends across many genres, and that her work remains to be applicable even to modern audiences. Now presented in an easy-to-read font and featuring a stunning new cover design, this edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's Curious, If True, is catered to modern readers, updating the classic to be accessible and conformed to contemporary standards while preserving the original genius of the work.

When Paul Manning begins working as an engineer clerk for the railroad, he decides to move in with his mother's family on their farm. There, he is able to be closer to his job as the railroad paves the way for further industrialization of rural areas. While Paul is advancing in his career and settling in his new home, his attention is held by his cousin, Phillis. Paul and Phillis become quick friends and confidants. Worried for her, Paul keeps a close eye on Phillis as she comes of age. Because of Phillis' beauty and high intelligence, she does not seem to fit into any social circles. Many other women feel that she is not lady-like enough, and men are threatened by her superior intellect. However, as Paul and Phillis grow closer, Phillis meets his boss, and quickly falls in love with him. Edward Holdsworth, Paul's boss, is a very intelligent man, and is not intimidated by Phillis' equal intellect. Though, as their relationship continues, Paul becomes uneasy about the match, feeling uncomfortable about the age gap between his cousin and Holdsworth. Despite his objections and guidance, Phillis ultimately must decide her place in the world by herself. As she grows older, this only becomes more confusing as the Industrial Revolution rises alongside her, changing a world that she never yet had the chance to gain footing in. Separated into four parts, Cousin Phillis contains a narrative the spans throughout both Paul and Phillis' coming of age as they grow, find occupations, love, and navigate the rigid social expectations of the Victorian era. Considered by literary critics and professionals to be one of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's crowning achievements, Cousin Phillis is a moving narrative filled with drama, sentiment, and humor. While Cousin Phillis reveals thoughtful perspectives on Victorian life, especially regarding gender dynamics and social changes amid the Industrial Revolution, it also portrays the universally relatable experience of coming-of-age, creating a narrative with both historical significance and timeless relatability. This edition of Cousin Phillis by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell features a striking new cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font, making it both readable and modern.

All set in 19th century England, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's The Grey Woman and Other Tales feature thrilling tales of suspense and morality. Disappearances follows the investigation of a case of six men disappearing without a trace. Unsure whether to suspect a runaway, foul play, or the supernatural the case unfolds to reveal even more disappearances. Adopting a tone similar to a documentary, Disappearances sheds light on the methods of Victorian detectives in a time when DNA profiling was considered science fiction. The eerie tone is lightened by Christmas Storms and Sunshine, a heart-warming holiday tale of tolerance and positivity. Two families find themselves at odds as they each run a newspaper for a different political party, often trying to discredit the other. This animosity is especially strong between the wives. However, when one of their children fall ill, the wives team up to care for the baby, nurturing a new relationship in the process. Finally, the title story, The Grey Woman, tells a thrilling tale of murder and narrow escapes. Primarily told through a letter, The Grey Woman follows a young woman named Anna who was rushed into a terrible marriage. Soon Anna discovers how horrible her husband is proving the doubts she had before the she was pressured into the union. When his murderous rage makes Anna a target, her handmaid, Amante rushes to her safety. On the run and in disguise, Anna and Amante work together to outsmart and overcome Anna's abusive and violent husband. Exploring a variety of genres, The Grey Woman and Other Tales is a thrilling collection of short fiction that remains to be a testament to Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's genius and talent. While the narratives range from heart-pounding horrors to heart-warming holiday tales, each story within The Grey Woman and Other Tales feature a lesson of morality and raises reflective questions that leaves the audience pondering long after the narrative is finished. This edition of The Grey Woman and Other Tales by the prolific and esteemed 19th century author, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a stylish font, making it both readable and modern.

Set in a coastal English town during the early phases of the Napoleonic Wars in the 1790s, Sylvia's Lovers follows the complicated love life of a young woman. Sylvia Robson lives a very happy life with her parents on a farm. Her cousin, a kind but dull Quaker man named Philip, loves her dearly, but Sylvia's heart is captured by a handsome sailor named Charlie. As they grow closer, Charlie and Sylvia become secretly engaged. However, when Charlie is forced into enlisting in the Navy, he tells Philip, who witnesses the event, about their engagement and asks him to give Sylvia a message. Jealous and heartbroken, Philip decides not to tell Sylvia what happened. After a while, Sylvia assumes that Charlie's abrupt disappearance must mean that he had died. Filled with sorrow, Philip helps Sylvia through her mourning. Thankful for his support, Sylvia decides to marry Philip and together they have a daughter. They live a happy life together until the inevitable happens-Charlie returns. After hearing Charlie's story, Sylvia is enraged and rejects Philip, kicking him out of their house. He becomes desperate to redeem himself, though Sylvia is deeply hurt by the manipulation and betrayal, feeling unable to forgive him. However, as she reunites with Charlie, entertaining the idea of the two living their life together as planned, something feels off. Realizing that both she and Charlie have changed, Sylvia is conflicted as her choices each feel wrong in different ways. As the Napoleonic wars rage on, tensions grow as Sylvia tries to decide between her lovers. Featuring beautiful and dramatic prose, Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a powerful and moving piece of literature. Though it is lesser known than some of her other work, Gaskell's mastery shines through with the novel's incredible heart and interesting and authentic depictions of working-class characters. With themes of love and sacrifice, Sylvia's Lovers continues to reach even modern-day audiences. This edition of Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is now presented in an easy-to-read font and features a striking new cover design. With these accommodations, modern audiences are provided a lavish and accessible reading experience.

When her father has a crisis of conscious, Margaret Hale's life is turned upside down. Because her parents decide to move away from southern London, Margaret must leave behind the tranquil, rural life she's always known to settle in an industrial town called Milton. Though she does her best to assimilate, Margaret cannot help but feel trapped and hopeless in Milton, as she witnesses the brutal effects industrialization has on the environment and the individual. Used to fresh air and open spaces, Margaret notices the stark difference between her country home and Milton. While the air feels thick and the streets feel too crowded, Margaret's compassion is captured by the plight of the lower classes. Befriending many poor laborers, Margaret learns of the unsafe conditions they work in, while they are making pennies on the boss's dollar. While Margaret witnesses and supports her friends as they navigate toxic employer and worker relationships, she becomes involved in their struggles and gradually begins to brainstorm solutions. But when she meets John Thornton, a newly rich cotton mill owner, Margaret's loyalty is tested. Initially clashing with John because of his occupation and his opinions on workers, Margaret begins to slowly develop strong feelings for John, avoiding him when she can out of respect for her underprivileged working friends. But as tensions grow in Milton, Margaret realizes that she cannot hide from John forever, and that she must navigate her intense feelings for the man; is it contempt, or something more? With themes of class, social norms, and clashes between rural and urban environments, North and South is a sophisticated romance novel. Through the use of strong central characters and the set to the backdrop of the industrial revolution, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell defies the tradition of romance, and portrayed topics left unexplored by other women of her time. First published in 1854, North and South features an entertaining narrative while providing valuable insight on the life and society of the 19th century Industrial Revolution in England. This edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's North and South is printed in a modern font and features a new, eye-catching cover design, making it both contemporary and accessible.

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell nee Stevenson (1810-1865), often referred to simply as Mrs. Gaskell, was an English novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era. She is perhaps best known for her biography of Charlotte Bronte. Her novels offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and as such are of interest to social historians as well as lovers of literature. She married William Gaskell, the minister at Cross Street Unitarian Chapel in Manchester. They settled in Manchester, where the industrial surroundings would offer inspiration for her novels. Her first novel, Mary Barton: A Tale of Manchester Life, was published anonymously in 1848. The best known of her remaining novels are Cranford (1853), North and South (1855), and Wives and Daughters (1866). She became popular for her writing, especially her ghost story writing, aided by her friend Charles Dickens, who published her work in his magazine Household Words. Her other works include The Grey Woman (1865), Lois the Witch and The Old Nurse's Story and Other Tales.

Set in a small English town during the 19th century, Cranford depicts the lives of women, centering on the elderly, the widowed, and the unmarried. The social expectations and customs of Cranford are mostly enforced by three older women. Rowena Fowler is a wealthy woman who takes pride in her luxury items and has outlived all of her kin. Betsy Barker is a sweet, but a bit odd lady who has a pet cow that she loves so dearly that she sews pajamas for the animal. Deborah Jenkyns possesses the most social power. While the other two ladies help her police other townspeople, Deborah is the one who establishes the norms and customs that the town is expected to abide by. The town have more or less agreed to the standards these leading ladies set, which has set a balanced dynamic in Cranford. With vigorous gossip and a close-knit community, Cranford is a picturesque rural town. However, Cranford is shaken when a new family moves into town. Captain Brown and his two daughters unknowingly challenge Cranford's rules soon after they arrive. First, Captain Brown openly admits that he is poor. Traditionally, he is expected to keep up appearances to appear well-off, but Captain Brown, who is unfamiliar with such a custom freely admits his financial troubles. Next, he disagrees with Deborah over who is the best author of the time, which Deborah sees as a personal attack. As the town of Cranford witnesses every quirk and flaw of the Brown family, tearing them apart with gossip, they notice something else too. Captain Brown is an incredibly kind man, who makes homemade gifts and emphatically listens to others. This glowing virtue paired with all of Brown's social inadequacies challenge the town of Cranford like never before, forcing the townspeople to decide what merits really matter. Told through a series of satirical sketches, Cranford provides an intimate narrative that allows readers to experience the life and people of the 19th century, especially the women. Often excluded from narratives, Gaskell has created strong and memorable female characters, giving the women a well-deserved spotlight. Filled with humor and sentiment, Cranford is a tranquil and fun read. This edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell's Cranford is printed in a modern font and features an eye-catching cover design, creating an assessible reading experience for a contemporary audience.