Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 62, Number 361, November, 1845.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27611

Title

Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 62, Number 361, November, 1845.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This 1845 issue of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine features a vivid narrative of two young Spanish travelers seeking a woman in Navarre, alongside a scathing critique of utilitarian education and a passionate defense of existing railway monopolies against speculative rivals. The collection blends romantic adventure with sharp social commentary on national character, economic policy, and the requirements for great travel literature.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in November 1845, this issue of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine presents a diverse collection of essays and fiction. The literary centerpiece is 'The Student of Salamanca,' Part I, a romantic narrative set in Navarre in 1833. The story follows two contrasting young men, one melancholic and the other jovial, as they journey to Tudela to seek a woman named Doña Rita. Their path leads them to a roadside inn where they witness a spirited game of pelota between a dragoon and a muleteer. This scene vividly illustrates regional rivalries and the rugged, vibrant life of the Spanish countryside, establishing the travelers' urgent quest against a backdrop of local color and cultural tension. The magazine also features a critical essay on travel literature and education. The author argues that prevailing English university systems, whether focused on dead classical languages or purely utilitarian sciences, fail to cultivate the broad minds necessary for great travel writing. True travel literature requires a poet's soul, a painter's eye, and knowledge of history and politics—qualities stifled by narrow specialization. The text praises continental travelers for their varied accomplishments while lamenting that English youth, despite their courage, lack the mental training to produce enduring works. The author suggests that while classical and scientific education has merit for specific professions, it leaves students ill-equipped to appreciate the grandeur of nature or the nuances of foreign societies. Finally, the issue addresses the 'Railway Mania.' The author advocates for a moderate approach to railway expansion, warning against the waste of capital on rival lines that duplicate existing routes. He argues that the state should prioritize opening neglected regions like the Scottish Highlands and Ireland rather than fostering competition in saturated markets. The essay critiques the 'filching spirit' of independent companies building short branches and suggests taxing 'scrip' (private currency) to fund public works. The author calls for prudence, urging Parliament to regulate speculation while supporting genuine social improvement and employment for the poor, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, to prevent depopulation and unrest. The piece concludes by noting that while the speculative spirit cannot be entirely suppressed, it must be tempered with prudence to ensure steady national progress.

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