Elizabeth Gaskell was a prominent 19th-century English novelist and short story writer known for her detailed portrayal of Victorian society. Born in 1810, Gaskell gained acclaim with works like "North and South" and "Cranford," which explored themes of class, gender, and industrialization. Her nuanced characters and social commentary made her a key figure in Victorian literature, and she contributed significantly to the genre with her empathetic and realistic narratives.