Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 56, Number 347, September, 1844

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25208

Title

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 56, Number 347, September, 1844

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1844 issue of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine presents a scathing critique of Louis Blanc's history of the French Revolution, contrasting it with a humorous narrative of American backwoodsmen. The collection blends sharp political commentary on democracy and the middle class with lively frontier anecdotes involving elections, cholera rumors, and tavern brawls.

Summary up to 500 words

In the September 1844 issue of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, the volume opens with a scathing review of M. Louis Blanc's *Histoire de Dix Ans*. The reviewer, writing from an Edinburgh perspective, argues that Blanc's work is not a true history but a partisan scandal steeped in the vitriol of a democratic journalist. Blanc is depicted as a man whose party spirit has permanently stained his judgment; he offers a vague, idealized vision of a future democracy while expressing deep contempt for the current people, the bourgeoisie, kings, and aristocrats. The review highlights Blanc's radical views on state intervention, the community of goods, and his assertion that monarchy and representative government are fundamentally incompatible. The text suggests that Blanc's narrative relies on the 'bile of journalism,' distilling sarcasm and political animosity rather than correcting it. While the reviewer acknowledges Blanc's eloquence and ability to entertain, he warns readers that the work is unreliable, presenting a shadowy monster of a democracy defined more by hatreds than distinct principles. The magazine then transitions to a fictional story, 'A Night on the Banks of the Tennessee.' Two travelers, Richards and the narrator, find themselves entangled in a heated local election in Alabama. Their journey is complicated by the presence of Mr. Isaac Shifty, a suspicious Yankee who initially misleads them about their location and political affiliations. The travelers are subjected to rough humor and betting games involving their portmanteaus by a group of backwoodsmen. Tension escalates when the local candidate, Bob Snags, delivers a fiery speech attacking the federal administration and claiming the government supplies arms to the Creeks. This speech incites the crowd, leading to a brawl when a spy from the opposing party sneaks in. The conflict is abruptly halted by the arrival of a constable. The travelers spend a chaotic night in a tavern, sharing a bed with Bob, before departing the next morning to continue their journey to Florence. The story captures the rough humor, political fervor, and chaotic atmosphere of the American frontier during an election season.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Periodicals