Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 26, August, 1880

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

24851

Title

Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 26, August, 1880

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1880 volume offers a captivating glimpse into the daring world of American aeronauts, the controversial early days of Mormonism, and the literary landscape of the era. Featuring thrilling accounts of balloon ascensions, historical analyses of Solomon Spalding's influence on the Book of Mormon, and sympathetic critiques of William Cowper's poetry, the collection blends adventure, history, and literary criticism with a tone of enthusiastic exploration and intellectual curiosity.

Summary up to 500 words

August 1880's volume of Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science presents a rich tapestry of nineteenth-century exploration, religious history, and literary criticism. The issue opens with a spirited defense of American aeronauts, celebrating figures like John Wise and Washington H. Donaldson. Wise, who enjoyed a forty-year career of nearly five hundred ascensions, championed ballooning as a sanitarium that revitalized both body and mind. His narrative includes the harrowing yet triumphant story of his son, Johnny, who launched into a storm without ropes or a valve, laughing at the perilous conditions. The text also details the dramatic crash of Donaldson and Grimwood, exploring the psychological rewards of high-altitude travel against the backdrop of inherent dangers. The narrative then shifts to the history of Mormonism, specifically focusing on the Susquehanna Valley settlements. It recounts Joseph Smith's early attempts at miracles, such as praying away frost and walking on water, alongside the community's eventual exodus westward. A significant portion of the volume is dedicated to the origins of the Book of Mormon, tracing its roots to Solomon Spalding's unpublished novel, The Manuscript Found. The text reveals how Sidney Rigdon likely adapted Spalding's work, noting inconsistencies between the original manuscript and the final religious text, suggesting a direct literary lineage between the two. The volume concludes with a substantial literary review of Goldwin Smith's biography of William Cowper. The critic analyzes Cowper's unique style, contrasting his descriptive, eighteenth-century diction with the Romanticism of Wordsworth. While acknowledging Cowper's artificial language and narrow ideas, the review praises his emotional truth and moral beauty, particularly in works like The Task. It highlights Cowper's struggle with mental illness and his enduring appeal. Throughout, the magazine provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of science, religion, and literature in the era, offering detailed accounts of daring exploits, theological controversies, and poetic analysis.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Science
• Literature