The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 105, July 1866 / A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22927

Title

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 18, No. 105, July 1866 / A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1866 issue of The Atlantic Monthly presents a diverse collection of essays, fiction, and reviews. Highlights include a harrowing Civil War memoir by a physician, a travelogue of Normandy, geological musings on bones, and a poignant anti-slavery novel. The volume offers a rich tapestry of literature, science, and politics from leading American and European voices.

Summary up to 500 words

The July 1866 issue of *The Atlantic Monthly* presents a harrowing first-person account by a physician serving in the Civil War. After being ambushed while delivering supplies, he is captured by Confederate guerrillas and subjected to brutal torture; his right arm is shot through, leaving it alive only to excruciating pain. Transported to a Rebel hospital near Atlanta, he is treated kindly by Dr. Oliver Wilson, who admits the arm is beyond saving. The narrative delves into the psychological horror of his condition, highlighted by a chilling sermon comparing his suffering to eternal damnation. Beyond this gripping story, the issue features an essay on the geological history of bones, arguing that fossils reveal the deep past of life and offer moral lessons through their decay. A travelogue of Normandy describes its English-like scenery and Norman customs, while also addressing the political tensions between France and England, including the sanctuary of Channel Islands for political refugees. Additionally, a review of a biography of Benjamin Silliman celebrates his scientific contributions and moral character, noting his transition from law to science and his lifelong devotion to Yale and the abolition of slavery. The volume also includes a fictional extract titled "Fifteen Days," which critiques the institution of slavery through the tragic death of a Northern abolitionist in the South, examining the system's devastating effects on both the oppressed and the oppressor. The issue concludes with extensive literary reviews covering poetry, novels, and historical works, reflecting the era's intellectual and cultural currents. Together, these pieces illustrate the magazine's commitment to literature, science, art, and politics during a pivotal moment in American history.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Periodicals