The yellow book, an illustrated quarterly. Vol. 3, October, 1894

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

78082

Title

The yellow book, an illustrated quarterly. Vol. 3, October, 1894

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1894 anthology presents a diverse collection of literature and art, featuring essays on women's roles, poetry, translations of French verse, and illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley and others. The volume explores themes of superstition versus modernity, romantic longing, and social commentary, offering a rich glimpse into the aesthetic and intellectual currents of the late Victorian era.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in October 1894, Volume III of *The Yellow Book* stands as a vibrant compilation of essays, poetry, and art criticism that captures the transitional spirit of the fin de siècle. The literary section opens with Ella D'Arcy's 'White Magic,' a story set in the Channel Islands that juxtaposes scientific rationality with enduring folk superstitions. The narrative follows a young woman, Elsie Mahy, who, after a rift with her suitor, attempts to reconcile their broken romance through a dubious love potion recipe provided by a reputed local witch, Mère Todevinn. The story highlights the tension between modern education and the innate poetry of woman, as well as the persistence of ancient beliefs in a seemingly prosaic world. Other literary contributions include William Watson's 'Tell Me not Now,' Kenneth Grahame's 'The Headswoman,' and Arthur Symons' 'Credo.' The poetry section features works by William Watson, Henry Harland, Ernest Dowson, and others, ranging from melancholic reflections on time and loss to vivid nature imagery. The art section showcases illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley, P. Wilson Steer, and Walter Sickert, depicting scenes ranging from the macabre to the domestic. The volume also includes a poignant study of sentimentality by Hubert Crackanthorpe. This piece follows a clergyman visiting a grieving mother after her young child drowns, exploring themes of faith, suffering, and the mysterious workings of divine will. Throughout the collection, the text balances the intellectual rigor of the era with a deep appreciation for the aesthetic and the emotional. From the detailed account of a child's funeral to the dreamlike visions of a nun seeking redemption, the volume captures a world where the boundaries between the rational and the mystical are porous, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of the late Victorian age.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Literature
• Periodicals