Elizabeth Gaskell and friends


Elizabeth Gaskell was born 1810 and died in 1865. She was an author during the Victoria era and weaved through her books the plight of the very poor and the consequences of the Industrial Revelation on these people plus an insight into the class system of Britain at the time.

Several of her books have been made into mini series and they are all excellent. My favourite would have to be North and South, a gritty portrayal of northern England during the height of the British cotton industry.  Cranford is lovely, I thought  it was much more gentle that "North and South" but so beautifully made with some of England's best actors including Judy Dench. 

And on the weekend I watched Wives and Daughters as recommended by my brother. Another wonderful BBC production by Andrew Davies. Interestedly, Gaskell never finished "Wives and Daughters", she died before she wrote the ending.  However she had told a friend how it would end and who Molly would marry. 

For anyone looking for well made, well performed, beautiful costumes set in lovely locations, these are all perfect. 

Did you know that:

* Elizabeth Gaskell wrote the biography of Charlotte Bronte on the request of Bronte's father.

* Charles Dickson's released Cranford as a serial in his magazine "Household Words".  He loved Cranford, but strongly disliked North and South. 

* Elizabeth Gaskell died while having tea with friends.

***

Now I look forward to watching Season 3 of Downtown Abby. It arrived in the post on Thursday and I am going to watch it soon.  Another great series with brilliant costumes and sets. 

And I can't wait for the next season of Call the Midwife and I just noticed the BBC have made a Christmas special which will be available on DVD in January 2013.  

And whilst on the topic of film, I am looking forward to the musical of Les Miserables and the Hobbit, both due out in December.  However I doubt Les Miserables will beat the four part French production made in 2000 (400 mins). This version is considered the truest to the novel by Victor Hugo and my son and I loved it. 

Watch have you been watching lately?  Can you recommend anything?


Comments

  1. Call the Midwife is one of my all-time favourite shows, I think. I'm looking forward to the next season, too.
    I enjoy the historical ones a lot - love the costumes!
    I haven't seen Wives and Daughters - might have to do something about that... ;)

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    1. I have bought the first book as it is meant to have far more detail in it and looking forward to reading it.

      You would certainly love Wives and Daughters (Nick loved it!) - but North and South will always be my fav:)

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  2. I never heard of Call the Midwife, but we have seen all the Gaskell films you mentioned. I like Cranford the best with all its comedy. They really are so well done.

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    1. Call the Midwife is set in the 1950s in the very poor West End of London and based on the books of the main character of the series (Jenny Worth) - and being based on true stories of the life of a midwife makes it all the more interesting. Its so beautifully done and the stories of the mothers and babies and dads is delightful.

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  3. ah so agree call the midwife was one of the best BBC protections was very interested to read oF your titbits on Mrs Gaskell thanks for sharing :D Shaz in Oz.x

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  4. PS read the book of Cranford after seeing the series and found it even better still :D

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    1. I haven't read the books but must when I find the time (I have so much to read already) . My to-read basket is currently overflowing.

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  5. We enjoyed north and south and cranford too. Hadn't heard of wives and daughters. Will have to look out for that one. We just started an old black and white "Francis the talking mule " with Rebekah for our movie nights. Not sure if its your cup of tea though :) a friend lent it to us as she knew we enjoy "Mr Ed " :)

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    1. No, I haven't heard of the B&W movie you mention, I will have to look out for it. I think you would enjoy Wives and Daughters - its a lovely story.

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  6. I love Wives and Daughters! I really like the dresses in that period compared to Regency. You're lucky to watch season 3 of Downton! Have a very blessed week.

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    1. I'm going to keep Downton Abby until Christmas when I am on holidays so I can watch it throughout the week - all eight episodes!!! Should be fun as I hear it has some weddings in it.

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  7. I love the same series. And also... I've nominated you for a Liebster Award. Your blog is encouraging to me, so please take a look at
    http://eigenwijslandelijkgeinspireerd.blogspot.nl/2012/11/liebster-blog-award.html
    Hope you like it!

    Greetings,
    Annemieke

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