Part of the Chiltern Classics range.The residents of Cranford are regimented aristocrats who "practice 'elegant economy.'" The ladies go calling only during prescribed times, serve one another inexpensive foods, pretend not to notice each other's poverty, and go to bed early. The narrator is a young woman with familial ties to Miss Jenkyns and Miss Matty who are two spinsters who have lived in Cranford their entire lives. Elizabeth Gaskell's witty, episodic novel examines a society on the cusp, a beautifully observed, exquisitely crafted slice of 19th century English provincial life.Part of the Chiltern Classics range.Chiltern are publishers of exquisitely crafted editions of the world's finest classic literature. These beautiful books are a perfect mix of tradition and the very latest in printing techniques. With wonderful original, detailed and embossed covers, sparkling gilt edges, cream art paper, ribbon markers and stitched binding they are simply the most beautiful classics ever published.