On Crabbe’s poetry
[…] the beauty and poetry of many of the common things and daily events of life in its humblest aspect does not seem to me sufficiently appreciated.
Gaskell to Mary Howitt, 18 August, 1838,
On seaside holidays
Mrs J J. Tayler has got an impromptu baby at Blackpool; – went there and lo & behold a little girl unexpectedly made her appearance and clothes have had to be sent in such a hurry. Bathing places do so much good.
Gaskell to Elizabeth Gaskell, 17 July 1838.
On holiday in Germany
We got to the Rhine at Cologne which smells of the bones of the 3,000 virgins.
We breakfasted at ½ past seven – […] The Ps took a cup of coffee & 2 mouthfuls of bread without butter & their breakfast was done, while we used, hungry & ashamed, to keep stealing one roll after another.
Gaskell to Elizabeth Holland, Late 1841.
On family life
I am writing while I eat my dinner so I dare say it is not very legible.
Gaskell to Marianne and Meta Gaskell, ?1846
Its after dinner & I am drunk.
Gaskell to Marianne Gaskell, [?August 1860]
On the publication of Mary Barton
Some people here are very angry and say the book will do harm; and for a time I have been shaken and sorry; but I have such firm faith that the earnest expression of any one’s feeling can only do good in the long run, – that God will cause the errors to be temporary [,] the truth to be eternal, that I try not to mind too much what people say either in blame or praise.
Gaskell to Miss Lamont, Jan – 5th 1849.
On discussing Sir Walter Scott’s novels on a Sunday
[…] Mrs J. J. Tayler is shocked at such a subject of conversation on a Sunday, – so there I am in a scrape, – well! It can’t be helped, I am myself and nobody else, and can’t be bound by another’s rules.
Gaskell to Catherine Winkworth, Nov. 29th, 1848
On lifestyle
Nature intended me for a gypsy-bachelor; that I am sure of. Not an old maid for they are particular & fidgety, and tidy, and punctual, – but a gypsy-bachelor.
Gaskell to ?Eliza Fox, [?Summer 1854]
On Charlotte Brontë’s marriage
Bridegrooms are always curious; husbands are not.
Gaskell to Geraldine E. Jewsbury, 21 July 1854.
On her visit to Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth’s home with Charlotte Brontë
[,,,] she and I had much of the day to ourselves (with the exception of some lectures on art, and ‘bringing ourselves down to a lower level,’ and ‘the beauty of expediency,’ from that eminently practical man Sir James, who has never indulged in the exercise of any talent which could not bring him a tangible and speedy return. However he was very kind; and really took trouble in giving us, Miss Brontë especially, good advice: which she received with calm resignation.
Gaskell to Eliza Fox, Tuesday [27] Aug: 1850.
On an unwelcome visit
I dare say I was cross, and repelling, as people often tell me I am, where I know in my heart that I have been feeling frightened & miserable.
Gaskell to Emily ?Tagart, [? & 30 December 1851].
On Effie Grey
She really is very close to a charming character; if she had had the small pox she would have been so.
Gaskell to John Forster, [17 May 1854].
On friends of friends
[…] we met Mr Sumner, your American friend. I respected him much; but I don’t think we ‘got on’ together much […] we ‘esteemed’ each other exceedingly, and don’t care if we never see each other again.
Gaskell to Charles Eliot Norton, Monday Decr 7, 1857,
On associations
I do like associations – they are like fragrance, which I value so in a flower. […] I like a smelling and singing world.
Gaskell to Charles Eliot Norton, Monday Decr 7, 1857,
On her publisher
Don’t insult my powers of cooking. You always believe I can do nothing useful. If you will come won’t I make you lobster sauce with Brodignagian [sic] pieces in it, and melted butter for you to wash your hands in like the little boy in the storybook, to say nothing of a Mayonnaise like one I made the other day, and which met with universal cudos.
Gaskell to George Smith, July 30th [?1864]
On heaven
I begin to think Heaven will be a place where all books\& newspapers/ will be prohibited by St Peter: and the amusement will be driving in an open carriage to Harrow, and eating strawberries and cream for ever.
Gaskell to George Smith, Monday, Febry 20 [1865].
Find out more in The Meanings of Home in Elizabeth Gaskell’s Fiction by Carolyn Lambert