The Life of Charlotte Brontë by Elizabeth Gaskell
Elizabeth Gaskell's The Life of Charlotte Bronte (1857) stands as a pioneering biography of one great Victorian woman novelist by another. This Oxford World's Classics edition presents Gaskell's intimate portrait of her friend and fellow author, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the life of the woman behind Jane Eyre and Villette.
A Biography Written by a Friend
Gaskell was personally acquainted with Charlotte Brontë and received an invitation to write the official biography following Brontë's death. Determined to both honor her friend and present the truth, Gaskell crafted a biography that balances respect with honesty, providing readers with an unparalleled perspective on Brontë's life, struggles, and literary achievements.
Comprehensive Scholarly Edition
This edition distinguishes itself by collating all three previous editions alongside the original manuscript. Readers benefit from fuller information about Gaskell's writing process and more detailed textual explanations than any previous edition has offered. The comprehensive approach makes this the definitive version for scholars, students, and literary enthusiasts.
Oxford World's Classics Features
For over 100 years, Oxford World's Classics has delivered the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text combined with valuable supplementary features. This edition includes expert introductions by leading authorities, extensive notes to clarify the text, and up-to-date bibliographies for further study.
Essential Reading for Victorian Literature Students
This biography serves as essential reading for anyone studying 19th-century British literature, women's writing, or the Brontë family. Gaskell's firsthand account illuminates the social and cultural context in which Charlotte Brontë wrote, offering insights into the challenges faced by female authors in Victorian England.
About This Paperback Edition
Published by Oxford University Press, this affordable paperback edition makes Gaskell's important biographical work accessible to a wide readership while maintaining the scholarly rigor expected from Oxford World's Classics.
