The International Magazine, Volume 2, No. 2, January, 1851

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22694

Title

The International Magazine, Volume 2, No. 2, January, 1851

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This January 1851 issue of The International Magazine offers a rich blend of political history, literary criticism, and fiction. It features a tribute to Edmund Burke, a serialized novel set in a French chateau, and essays on science, art, and social conduct. With elegant prose and diverse topics, it appeals to readers of literature, history, and the fine arts.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in January 1851, Volume 2, No. 2 of *The International Magazine* offers a rich tapestry of mid-19th-century thought, featuring a substantial tribute to Edmund Burke, serialized fiction, and diverse cultural commentary. The issue opens with a reverent article on Burke, hailed as the most illustrious figure in English political history. The piece celebrates his enduring wisdom and moral integrity, recounting his life from his birth in Dublin to his education and early career. It highlights his deep sympathy for the poor and his refusal of patronage, noting his preference for a humble grave in a country churchyard over a grand tomb. The magazine also includes a sermon urging charity and sympathy between the rich and poor, arguing that wealth should be a test of virtue rather than a source of pride. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the serialized novel *The Count Monte-Leone*, set in a French chateau. The narrative focuses on the tumultuous relationship between Monsieur Le Prun and his wife, Lucille, complicated by the presence of the charming but manipulative Blassemare. As preparations for a grand *fête* intensify, underlying tensions surface. Lucille experiences a mysterious agitation, fearing the very celebration she once anticipated. A dramatic scene occurs when Lucille is terrified by her companion Julie, hinting at a secret guilt or trauma she refuses to disclose. The story culminates in a lavish evening of revelry, where public spectacle starkly contrasts with the private anxieties of the protagonists. Beyond fiction and biography, the magazine covers a wide array of contemporary topics. It reports on a temperance meeting where George Cruikshank spoke, noting the irony of cheering for 'The Bottle' despite his anti-drinking address. Scientific notes detail recent discoveries regarding vision, specifically a ginger-based treatment for shortsightedness. The publication also features a detailed guide to ladies' fashions for January, describing evening costumes with profuse trimming, tulle dresses, and specific bridal attire. Additional sections discuss attempts to discover the Northwest Passage, recollections of the violinist Paganini, and recent deaths. Through its blend of political reverence, romantic intrigue, moral instruction, and practical advice, the magazine reflects the broad intellectual and social interests of its Victorian audience.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science
• Literature
• Art