<p>First published in 1848, &ldquo;Mary Barton&rdquo; is a moving account of poverty and the working class by English author Elizabeth Gaskell. Set in the early 1840s in the English city of Manchester, Gaskell&rsquo;s first novel follows the young and beautiful Mary Barton, daughter of a factory worker, who is eventually caught up in the class struggle of her time. She attracts the attention of a wealthy mill-owner&rsquo;s son, Henry Carson, although she soon discovers her love for the poor, hard-working Jem Wilson. When a brutal shooting leaves a man dead, Mary must decide if she wishes to help in Jem&rsquo;s defense, as he is accused of the murder, and she is certain she knows the identity of the true culprit. Gaskell weaves Mary&rsquo;s story of romance and hope amidst a moving account of the grinding poverty of England&rsquo;s working class, who often risked much with little regard or appreciation from the wealthy. Gaskell makes a compelling case for increased communication between workers and employers, greater equality between the rich and the poor, and the importance of the possibility of redemption and forgiveness. &ldquo;Mary Barton&rdquo; makes it clear why Gaskell is often called Great Britain&rsquo;s social conscience of the Industrial Revolution. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.</p>