Two short stories, from the English novelist and short story writer Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, whose writings can be seen as critiques of Victorian era attitudes, particularly those toward women, with complex narratives and dynamic women characters. Some of Gaskell's best known novels are Cranford (1851-53), North and South (1854-55), and Wives and Daughters (1865).

Six years before she wrote Little Women, Louisa May Alcott, in financial straits, entered "Pauline's Passion and Punishment," a novelette, in a newspaper contest. Not only did it win the $100 prize, but, published anonymously, it marked the first in the series of "blood & thunder tales" that would be her livelihood for years. In Behind a Mask, editor Madeleine Stern introduces four Alcott thrillers: "Pauline's Passion and Punishment," "The Mysterious Key," "The Abbot's Ghost," and the title story, "Behind a Mask." First published in one volume in 1975, they are regarded as Alcott's finest work in this genre.

A fascinating and complex tale of love, poverty, crime, and workers' rights in Manchester during the Industrial Revolution, Gaskell's novel provides an intriguing insight into the lives of workers ground down by long working hours and poor conditions. Helpful footnotes are given when the local dialect becomes too incomprehensible. A socially conscious work, like her subsequent novel, North and South, Mary Barton was highly praised upon publication. Despite being written well over a century ago, it remains as gripping and enjoyable today as it would have been then.This meticulous edition from Heritage Illustrated Publishing is a faithful reproduction of the original text and is beautifully illustrated with a number of atmospheric historical paintings that reflect the mood of the novel.

Risen from the Ranks contains the further history of Harry Walton, first introduced in Bound to Rise. Those who are interested in learning how far he made good the promise of his boyhood, may here find their curiosity gratified. For the benefit of those who may only read the present volume, a synopsis of Harry's previous life is given in the first chapter. Horatio Alger, Jr. authored about seventy books. He was the son of a clergyman, graduated from Harvard. His stories are pure, inspiring and as endearing today as they were when first published.

The 2nd edition of the book has added details, definitions, and research sources that apply directly to private label product development.