Elizabeth Gaskell took inspiration from letters sent by Charlotte to Ellen Nussey to write this biography of her friend. The first edition was published in 1857 to popular acclaim, and remains the most significant study of the famous author. Charlotte was the eldest of the three Brontë sisters and whose novels became classics of English literature such as Jane Eyre and Villette. This captivating biography takes the reader from Charlotte's early childhood with her sisters, explores her writings, her marriage and her tragic death.