‘In the first place, Cranford is in possession of the Amazons; all the holders of houses above a certain rent are women.’

Have you ever wanted to read Cranford or wondered why it’s one of Elizabeth Gaskell’s most popular novels? Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford is famed for its portrayal of picture-perfect English village life and has never been out of print since it was first published in 1853.

Now Libby Tempest, Vice Chair of the Gaskell Society, tells us about how she came to know and love the work of Elizabeth Gaskell and the ‘excellent women’ of Cranford in particular. A warm, funny and engaging talk which suggests there may be more to Cranford than the idyllic image suggests.

Join Libby Tempest, Vice Chair of the Gaskell Society, for an introduction to this well-loved classic of Victorian literature.

Part of our Short Stories Season