North and South: A Norton Critical Edition: 0 (Norton Critical Editions)

Second hand copy arrived as described. Have only skim read sections so far. How can I review Elizabeth Gaskell? Other than to say, magnificent portrayal of the sharp divide in Victorian Society.

Arrived early, excellent condition- very pleased

Granddaughter loves the bookIt was bought for her as it had been suggested she read it as part of her background reading for university

It was the first-rate BBC adaptation of 'North and South' that led me to the book and, from there, to a biography of Mrs. Gaskell, a quite remarkable woman. I wish I had come across her years ago! This is a splendid book in itself, with a strong andinvolving plot and a most attractive social conscience played out through the main characters. It is no surprise that Dickens admired this writer and comissioned work from her. There is the same generosity of spirit and concern for the human and moral rights of people in society (oh dear! this makes it sound like a doctrinaire tract - it isn't!). She is a good storyteller and knows how to hold her reader. It is never heavy but always weighty and worthwhile and she shows real understanding and psychological skill. Thanks, BBC!

I know it sounds like a cliché - promoting one book by comparing it to another - but I can't help telling that "N&S" resembles Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" a bit.N&S is about Hampshire-born(the South)Margaret Hale forced to leave her beloved home in the southern countryside as his father - a former parson - resigns his parsonage because of religious doubts and takes his family to Milton in Darkshire (the North). There Margaret makes friends with Nicholas Higgins, a poor, but hones and upright weaver and union man and his mortally ill daughter, Bessy. Their circumstances make her even more prejudiced against the North.She is appalled at the industrial, noisy, polluted and cruel milieu embodied in John Thornton, a proud, successful northern mill-owner, her father's pupil. Although Thornton is a straightforward man of honour and decency, Margaret condemns him as ungentleman-like, greedy for profit and cruel to workers. Their different principles clash right from the start.Thornton is aware of Margaret's dislike and contempt for him and his ways but he cannot help falling passionately in love with her feeling all the while that he "is not good enough for her". Dramatic events - the riotous workers on strike threaten his life and Margaret shields him with her own body when they start to throw things at him - make him confess his love for Margaret which is indignantly rejected by the girl (she has acted upon pure and general charity and would have done the same for all her fellow-men).The drastic change of scenery and circumstances affect the whole family very badly, especially Margaret's mother, Mrs Hale, whose health is continuously failing her. Margaret struggles to keep up family peace, to help out in household chores - as no proper servant can be found - and to be a son and a daughter in one for her parents.There is a family secret hidden from public knowledge: Margaret's brother, Frederic Hale, former officer of the Navy, is in hiding and wanted for having been the ringleader of a mutiny. His return would surely cost him his life, however, Margaret writes him a letter begging his return as their mother's last wish is to see him once more before she dies.Frederic arrives and spends some time with his beloved family, but is compelled to go away as he is threatened with discovery.Mr Thornton sees him & his sister saying their goodbyes at the station and takes them for lovers. That is the first time that Margaret realizes she cares about the possible loss of his good opinion of her.Unfortunately he is not the only one they encounter at the station endangering not only Frederic's life (he is able to escape) but Margaret's reputation as well. It is John Thornton, the magistrate who helps to save both (the latter directly, the former indirectly).A chain of events change both Thornton's and Margaret's life taking Margaret back to the south, to London, and financial disaster is looming over Thornton, but they are fated to meet again ...So, this summary is meant to be a kind of "teaser-trailer". Although this novel is not so witty and light as "P&P", it is still a very enjoyable read. I recommend the book to everyone who likes classic Victorian drama whether they have seen the stunning BBC mini series or not.

Prompt service. Great story

edizione molto buona, come altre della Norton.

Font too small but readable

I'll leave reviewing the wonderful book to others (but it gets five stars as well!) and I'll just focus on this edition.It has footnotes that cover slang terms, and bits of historical information that pertain to the story. I found them extremely helpful and interesting.There are also critical essays in the back, which I have not read.Also included are letters to and from Elizabeth Gaskell, to and from several other people, including Charles Dickens (who worked for the magazine that was publishing her story serially), other people with whom she discussed ideas for the book as she was writing, and other authors of the day (Charlotte Bronte, Harriot Beecher Stowe) writing to congratulate her and tell her how much they enjoyed her book. I found the letters very interesting and full of personality.Enjoy reading this wonderful book! I will definitely be looking for more of Norton's critical editions!

Not up to the level of Dickens or Eliot but interesting. At times verbose or slow.