The humour in ‘Cranford’ (1853) is so sly it can be difficult to believe it was written over 150 years ago. Originally published in instalments and edited by Charles Dickens, the novel follows a delightful group of women in a small town who are united by all being single, poor, and proud. Written with acute observation, ‘Cranford’ is in equal parts affectionate, moving and darkly satirical.