Elizabeth Cleghorn Stevenson, known by her pen name Elizabeth Gaskell, was a prominent English novelist and short story writer of the Victorian era. She is best known for her novels "North and South," "Cranford," and "Wives and Daughters." Gaskell's works often explored social and economic issues, as well as the role of women in society. She was also a close friend of fellow writer Charlotte Brontë. Gaskell's writing is celebrated for its insightful portrayal of characters and its keen observations of the society and culture of her time.