Mrs. Gaskell is a biographical work written in the early 20th century, focusing on Elizabeth Gaskell's influence as a prominent female author of the 19th century. The work highlights her literary legacy, centered on her empathetic depictions of social justice, poverty, and industrial issues. The introduction provides a background for exploring Gaskell's life, works, and literary impact, mentioning notable works such as Mary Barton and Cranford. It particularly emphasizes her deep compassion for marginalized individuals.
In the opening part, the work underscores Gaskell's unique position among her contemporaries, such as Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens, explaining the significance of her legacy. Gaskell’s novels, rich in content that addresses socio-economic issues, continue to resonate with readers today, and the biography emphasizes this aspect. It also covers the losses she experienced in her early life and how those experiences shaped her writing. This narrative celebrates Gaskell not merely as a storyteller but as a socially conscious figure who sought to raise her voice for those suffering from the hardships of the industrial age.

Introduction
Calendar of Principal Events in Mrs. Gaskell’s Life
I. Poetry
Sketches among the Poor. No. 1.
Articles and Sketches
Clopton Hall.
A Greek Wedding.
Tenir un Salon.
On Furnishing, Conversation, and Games.
On Books.
French Receptions.
Description of Duncombe (Knutsford).
The Sexton’s Hero.
Advice to a Young Doctor.
The Choice of Odours.
St. Valentine’s Day.
Whit-Monday in Dunham Park.
II. Novels
SOCIAL QUESTIONS
Poor versus Rich.
Working Men’s Petition to Parliament, 1839.
Meeting between the Masters and their Employees.
John Barton joins the Chartists.
The Trial for Murder.
John Barton’s Confession.
Job Legh defends John Barton.
A Manchester Strike in the “Hungry Forties.”
North versus South
Nicholas Higgins discusses Religion with the Retired Clergyman.
HUMOROUS
The new Mamma?Mrs. Gibson.
Calf-Love.
Heart Trouble.
The Young Doctor’s Dilemma.
Family Prayer at Hope Farm.
Miss Galindo.
London as John Barton saw it.
Major Jenkyns visits Cranford.
Mrs. Gibson visits Lady Cumnor.
Mrs. Gibson’s Little Dinner Party.
A Visit to an Old Bachelor.
Marriage.
A Love Affair of Long Ago.
The Cat and the Lace.
Small Economies.
Elegant Economy.
Sally tells of her Sweethearts.
Sally Makes her Will.
Betty’s Advice to Phillis.
Practical Christianity.
Betty Gives Paul Manning a Lecture.
DESCRIPTIVE
Green Heys Fields.
A Lancashire Tea-party in the Early Forties.
Babby’s Journey from London to Manchester.
A Dissenting Minister’s Household.
The Chapel at Eccleston.
The Dawn of a Gala Day.
A Manchester Mill on Fire.
In Pursuit of the John Cropper.
Hobbies among the Lancashire Poor.
The Press-gang in Yorkshire during the latter part of the Eighteenth Century.
The Sailor’s Funeral at Monkshaven.
A Press-gang Riot at Monkshaven.
A Game of Blind-man’s Buff.
Philip Hepburn Leaves the New Year’s Party.
Kinraid’s Return to Monkshaven.
Roger Hamley’s Farewell.
Cousin Phillis.
The Dawn of Love.
III. Stories
AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL
Preface to Mary Barton.
Edinburgh Society in 1830.
Cumberland Sheep-shearers.
My French Master.
Introduction to Mabel Vaughan.
BIOGRAPHICAL
Description of Charlotte Bronte.
Patrick Bronte’s Views on the Management of his Children.
Visit to Charlotte Bronte at Haworth Vicarage.
On Reviewers.
The Marriage of Charlotte Bronte.
Charlotte Bronte’s Funeral.
SHORTER EXTRACTS
Old Maids.
Mercy for the Erring.
A Clergyman’s Soliloquy.
My Lady Ludlow’s Tea-party.
The Foxglove.
A Tonic for Sorrow.
A New Commandment.
Virtue has its own Reward.
Thomas Wright.
Do the Right whatever the Consequences.
Appreciations and Testimonia
Bibliography
Iconography