The Arena, Volume 4, No. 22, September, 1891

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22419

Title

The Arena, Volume 4, No. 22, September, 1891

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

September 1891's *The Arena* Volume 4, No. 22 presents a diverse collection of essays addressing the era's intellectual and social currents. Featuring contributions from Rev. Geo. C. Lorimer, Frederic W. H. Myers, and B. O. Flower, the issue explores 'The Newer Heresies,' fashion's constraints on women, university extension movements, and Japan's constitutional government. With sharp wit and earnest advocacy, the volume challenges orthodoxy, critiques restrictive clothing, and champions educational reform, offering readers a compelling snapshot of late Victorian thought and...

Summary up to 500 words

Published in September 1891, *The Arena* Volume 4, No. 22 presents a collection of essays dedicated to intellectual freedom, social progress, and the application of reason to both religious and secular life. The issue opens with Rev. Geo. C. Lorimer's 'The Newer Heresies,' which argues that modern theological debates are not dangerous defections but necessary steps toward a more rational faith. Lorimer contends that truth withstands criticism and that creeds prepared by fallible men should not bind the conscience, urging the church to embrace enlightenment rather than fear 'heterodoxy.' Frederic W. H. Myers follows with 'Harvest and Laborers in the Psychical Field,' discussing the burgeoning field of psychical research. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to B. O. Flower's 'Fashion's Slaves,' a scathing critique of restrictive women's clothing. Using illustrations to contrast the 'slave of toil' with the 'slave of fashion,' Flower advocates for dress reform, citing severe health risks to mothers and children caused by tight corsets and heavy skirts. He highlights the growing acceptance of practical attire like knickerbockers and bicycles as signs of women's liberation, noting that such reforms represent a revolt against 'oriental slavery and prudery.' Other notable contributions include Kuma Oishi's 'Extrinsic Significance of Constitutional Government in Japan,' which praises Japan's new constitution as a beacon for Asia, and Prof. Willis Boughton's 'University Extension.' Boughton details a movement to bring higher education to busy adults through lectures, syllabi, and traveling libraries, aiming to provide systematic study for those unable to attend traditional universities. The issue also features discussions on the Austrian postal banking system, Cardinal Newman's legacy, inter-migration, and a humorous sketch, 'He Came and Went Again.' Collectively, these essays reflect a publication committed to advancing society through critical thought and practical reform.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• American Literature
• Periodicals