Gaskell's first novel, Mary Barton, was published anonymously in 1848.
The best-known of her remaining novels are Cranford (1853), North and South (1854), and Wives and Daughters (1865).
She became popular for her writing, especially her ghost stories, aided by Charles Dickens, who published her work in his magazine Household Words.
Her ghost stories are in the "Gothic" vein, making them quite distinct from her "industrial" fiction.

Even though her writing conforms to Victorian conventions, including the use of the name "Mrs. Gaskell", she usually framed her stories as critiques of contemporary attitudes.
Her early works focused on factory work in the Midlands.
She usually emphasized the role of women, with complex narratives and realistic female characters.
Gaskell said she was influenced by the writings of Jane Austen.
 She then felt qualified to write a book on one of the greatest authors of all time, smoothing over patches in her life that were too rough for the sophisticated society woman.
Her treatment of class continues to interest social historians as well as fiction lovers.
Gaskell's first novel, Mary Barton, was published anonymously in 1848. The best-known of her remaining novels are Cranford (1853), North and South (1854), and Wives and Daughters (1865). She became popular for her writing, especially her ghost stories, aided by Charles Dickens, who published her work in his magazine Household Words. Her ghost stories are in the "Gothic" vein, making them quite distinct from her "industrial" fiction.
Even though her writing conforms to Victorian conventions, including the use of the name "Mrs. Gaskell", she usually framed her stories as critiques of contemporary attitudes. Her early works focused on factory work in the Midlands. She usually emphasized the role of women, with complex narratives and realistic female characters. Gaskell said she was influenced by the writings of Jane Austen.  She then felt qualified to write a book on one of the greatest authors of all time, smoothing over patches in her life that were too rough for the sophisticated society woman. Her treatment of class continues to interest social historians as well as fiction lovers.
Elizabeth Gaskell