Set in the mid-nineteenth century and written from the author's first-hand experience, North and South follows thestory of the heroine's movement from the tranquil but moribund ways of southern England to the vital but turbulent north. Elizabeth Gaskell's skilful narrative uses an unusuallove story to show how personal and public I ves were woven together in a newly industrial society. This is a taleof hard-won triumphs - of rational thought over prejudice and of humane care over blind deference to the market.Readers in the twenty-first century will find themselvesabsorbed as this Victorian novel traces the origins of problems and possibilities which are still challenging a hundredand fifty years later: the complex relationships, public andprivate, between men and women of different classes.

 Wordsworth Classics are inexpensive editions designed to appeal to the general reader and students. We commissioned teachers and specialiststo write wide ranging, jargon-free introductions and to provide notes that would assist the understanding of our readers rather than interpret the stories for them. In the same spirit, because the pleasures of readingare inseparable from the surprises, secrets and revelations that allnarratives contain, we strongly advise you to enjoy this book before naming to the Introduction.

PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION

Haste to the Wedding

Roses and Thorns

The More Haste the Worse Speed

Doubts and Difficulties

Decision

Farewell

New Scenes and Faces

Home-Sickness

Dressing for Tea

Wrought Iron and Gold

First Impressions

Morning Calls

A Soft Breeze in a Sultry Place

The Mutiny

Masters and Men

The Shadow of Death

What is a Strike?

Likes and Dislikes

Angel Visits

Men and Gentlemen

The Dark Night

A Blow and its Consequences

Mistakes

Mistakes Cleared Up

Frederick

Mother and Son

Fruit-Piece

Comfort in Sorrow

A Ray of Sunshine

Home at Last

Should Auld Acquaintance be Forgot?

Mischances

Peace

False and True

Expiation

Union Not Always Strength

Looking South

Promises Fulfilled

Making Friends

Out of Tune

Tbe Journeys End

Alone! Alone!

Margarets Flittin

Ease Not Peace

Not All a Dream

Once and Now

Something Wanting

Neer to be Found Again

Breathing Tranauillity

Changes at Milton

Meeting Again

Pack Clouds Away