The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 104, June, 1866 / A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22375

Title

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 17, No. 104, June, 1866 / A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A poignant collection of Civil War-era stories and essays from *The Atlantic Monthly*, featuring narratives of soldiers' aid circles, tragic love, religious reflection, and post-war Southern reconstruction, blending emotional depth with social commentary.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in June 1866, *The Atlantic Monthly*, Volume 17, No. 104, presents a collection of fiction, non-fiction, and reviews that reflect the intellectual and moral concerns of mid-19th-century America. The volume opens with the story 'Quicksands,' set in a New England village where women knit for Union soldiers. The narrative follows a widow who grapples with her nephew Robert's unrequited love for the bereaved Percy Lunt. Through this romance, the story explores themes of duty, grief, and the harsh realities of the Civil War, contrasting the North's resolve with the lingering prejudices of the South. Other fictional pieces include 'The Mountain,' a spiritual journey of a dying man finding peace through faith, and 'Giotto's Tower,' a historical sketch. The collection also features 'Passages from Hawthorne's Note-Books,' offering literary insights into the works of the renowned author. Beyond fiction, the issue includes significant non-fiction reviews. Sidney Andrews' travelogue on post-war Georgia provides a candid look at Reconstruction, highlighting the challenges of rebuilding the South and the persistence of social prejudices. The review praises Andrews' honesty despite the crudity of some sections, noting that while the beaten bully remains a bully, there is a growing desire for regeneration through education and justice. Another review covers Rev. Justus Doolittle's exhaustive account of Chinese life. While described as a 'dry book' filled with unvarnished facts, it is commended for its truthfulness regarding Chinese customs, religion, and the slow progress of missionary work. Finally, a review of 'Hans Brinker' praises its vivid depiction of Dutch life, from its unique geography to its wholesome moral lessons. Together, these diverse pieces balance personal emotion with broader social and political observations, capturing the spirit of a nation in transition.

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• Periodicals