Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, December 1878

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26945

Title

Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, December 1878

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This December 1878 issue of Lippincott's Magazine offers a rich tapestry of travelogue, fiction, and literary criticism. Readers journey through the Danubian states, explore the emotional depths of Italian convent life, and engage with post-Civil War Southern reconciliation. Featuring diverse voices and a blend of serious social commentary with charming provincial sketches, the collection appeals to those seeking historical insight and compelling storytelling.

Summary up to 500 words

The December 1878 issue of Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science offers a rich tapestry of travelogues, fiction, and literary criticism. The travelogue "Danubian Days" chronicles a journey from Belgrade to Pesth, contrasting the romantic history of the Danubian Slavs with their arduous struggle for emancipation from Ottoman and Austrian influence. The author depicts Belgrade as grimy yet spirited, noting the "Skull Tower" in Nisch, which displays the skulls of Servians slain by Turks. The narrative highlights the slow process of civilizing the region, observing the encroachment of modernization on traditional national costumes and the serious, unjolly nature of the Servian people. The issue also features the poignant fiction piece "Sister Silvia," set in Italy. The story explores forbidden love between Claudio, a young priest, and Silvia, a novice nun. Their secret correspondence, facilitated by songs and notes passed via a thread, reveals a deep spiritual connection that threatens Silvia's vows. Despite her brother Matteo's strict supervision and fear of punishment, Silvia eventually agrees to leave for Rome, ending their correspondence and exploring themes of duty, repression, and the conflict between personal desire and religious obligation. In the literary reviews, Sherwood Bonner's novel "Like unto Like" is praised for its humor and dispassionate tone as it depicts the awkward reconciliation between North and South in a Mississippi town during the Reconstruction era. Another review highlights "His Heart's Desire," a novel centered on Nora St. John, a forty-year-old woman struggling with pride and past passion. The book is noted for its dramatic scenes and complex characterizations, though some minor figures are considered highly colored. The issue concludes with a list of received books, ranging from religious tracts to scientific texts on bridges and French history, reflecting the magazine's broad scope of interest.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science
• Literature