This classic novel, first published in 1853, is a humorous and affectionate portrayal of small-town life in Victorian England. The book's titular village is home to a cast of quirky characters, including the genteel but impoverished Miss Matty, her loyal servant Martha, and the domineering Lady Glenmire. As the residents of Cranford navigate scandals, romances, and social snobbery, Gaskell captures both the absurdity and charm of rural life. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.