Elizabeth Gaskell, born Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson on September 29, 1810, in London, England, is renowned as one of the most significant novelists of the Victorian era. She was raised in a liberal, intellectual environment, which greatly influenced her literary endeavors. After her mother passed away when Elizabeth was just a child, she was sent to live with her relatives in Knutsford, Cheshire. This quaint town and its surroundings would later serve as the backdrop for many of her stories, infusing her works with rich local color and detail.

Gaskell's literary career began in earnest in the 1840s when she began writing short stories and sketches for various periodicals. Her first novel, "Mary Barton," published in 1848, explored the struggles of the working class and set the tone for her future works, which often addressed social issues. Gaskell gained significant acclaim with her subsequent novels, including "Cranford" (1851), "North and South" (1854-1855), and "Wives and Daughters" (1865), showcasing her ability to merge social commentary with engaging narrative.

In her personal life, Gaskell married the Unitarian minister William Gaskell in 1832, and they had six children together. Her marriage was characterized by mutual respect and intellectual companionship, which provided her a stable home life conducive to her writing. Gaskell’s experiences as a mother and her observations of societal norms profoundly shaped her narratives, often emphasizing the roles and struggles of women in Victorian society.

Gaskell passed away on November 12, 1865, in Alton, Hampshire. Her legacy endures through her insightful exploration of class, gender, and morality, making her an enduring figure in English literature. Today, her works continue to be celebrated for their empathy, realism, and social critique, securing her place among the luminaries of Victorian literature.