The International Monthly Magazine, Volume 5, No. 1, January, 1852

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20955

Title

The International Monthly Magazine, Volume 5, No. 1, January, 1852

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1852 anthology blends literature, science, and art, featuring fiction, poetry, and reviews. It chronicles the magazine's merger with Harper's Monthly, offering a rich snapshot of mid-19th-century culture, fashion, and intellectual discourse.

Summary up to 500 words

The International Monthly Magazine, Volume 5, No. 1, published in January 1852, serves as the final distinct issue of its run before merging with Harper's Monthly Magazine. This concluding volume presents a rich tapestry of American and international literature, science, and social commentary. A standout feature is Nathaniel Hawthorne's supernatural tale, 'Feathertop,' which explores themes of transformation and identity. The magazine also delves into romantic and dramatic narratives, including a forbidden love story between Giovanni, a nobleman, and Gina, his servant, set within the confines of a castle. This tale is interwoven with the perspective of Signora Lucrezia, a shrewd observer who suspects a conspiracy between the lovers. Additionally, the volume features a first-person narrative by a 'bill discounter,' an attorney who navigates the high-stakes world of lending money to the extravagant. In this story, the narrator exposes a forgery committed by an aristocratic woman, highlighting the tension between character and financial necessity. Beyond fiction, the magazine offers extensive reviews of German and international literature, covering works by authors such as Gutzkow, Dumas, and various German poets and historians. It provides updates on European royalty, including the blindness of King Ernest Augustus of Hanover and the death of Augusta Byron, Lord Byron's half-sister, who was known for her deep affection for her famous brother. The text also includes detailed reports on fashion trends in London and Paris, noting the prevalence of furs like sable and ermine, as well as elaborate bonnet styles and mantelets. Scientific discoveries, historical accounts of figures like Marshal Soult and Cardinal d'Astes, and obituaries of notable contemporaries further reflect the era's broad intellectual interests. Ultimately, the volume captures the diverse cultural and social landscape of the early 1850s, blending literary art with practical news and fashion commentary before its integration into the larger Harper's Monthly enterprise.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science
• Literature
• Art