Little Folks (September 1884) / A Magazine for the Young

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27576

Title

Little Folks (September 1884) / A Magazine for the Young

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A Victorian magazine for young readers featuring moral tales, nature puzzles, and practical advice. The narrative follows two orphaned children escaping a cruel guardian, and a young clerk finding purpose and savings under a strict uncle's mentorship.

Summary up to 500 words

The September 1884 issue of 'Little Folks,' a magazine dedicated to the young, presents a rich tapestry of moral tales, educational puzzles, and practical advice. The primary narrative, 'A Little Too Clever,' recounts the harrowing ordeal of siblings Elsie and Duncan, who are hidden by Mrs. Ferguson to exploit their labor and steal their clothing. After enduring hunger, fear, and the loss of their garments, the children attempt a daring escape. Their flight is fraught with terror as they flee the crofter's cottage, only to be intercepted by a wealthy carriage. Contrary to their worst fears, the passengers are kind strangers who offer the children a new beginning, illustrating the theme that fortune often favors the brave. Another significant story, 'Their Road to Fortune,' follows Bertie, a diligent young clerk working for his uncle, Mr. Gregory. Despite the drudgery of office work and isolation from his family, Bertie demonstrates remarkable discipline. He saves his weekly wages, learns foreign languages, and eventually earns a promotion to private secretary. The narrative highlights the virtues of thrift and hard work, as Bertie invests his savings and finds joy in his growing responsibilities. Beyond fiction, the issue serves as an educational tool. It features a 'Questions and Answers' section addressing topics ranging from cookery, such as rendering mutton fat for frying, to natural history inquiries about canaries and dormice. The magazine also engages its young readership through extensive puzzle competitions, word games, and a 'Picture Wanting Words' contest, encouraging participation and practical learning. Through these varied sections, 'Little Folks' aims to foster character development, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of community among its readers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27576.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg27576.epub

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Categories

• Children's Literature
• Periodicals