The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, June 1844 / Volume 23, Number 6

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

25475

Title

The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, June 1844 / Volume 23, Number 6

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in plague-stricken Constantinople in 1837, this collection of sketches and stories captures the terror of epidemic disease and the complexities of human emotion. Featuring a harrowing first-person account of quarantine and loss, alongside tales of romantic obsession, cultural misunderstandings, and social satire, the volume offers a poignant blend of gothic horror, sentimental fiction, and witty commentary on contemporary life.

Summary up to 500 words

Published in June 1844, Volume 23, Number 6 of *The Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine* presents a diverse collection of literary works ranging from the macabre to the comic, showcasing the breadth of American literature of the era. The volume's centerpiece is a chilling first-person narrative titled "The Plague at Constantinople," attributed to an eye-witness. Set in Galata during the devastating 1837 epidemic, the story details the grim reality of a city where thousands died, the sick were abandoned, and strict quarantine rituals involving fumigation and isolation became necessary. The narrator describes the tragic infection of his family, including the death of his mother, daughter, and son, culminating in his own descent into delirium and death. This tale of indifference highlights how the world often overlooks individual suffering amidst mass mortality, noting that even the Sultan's household was not immune. Interspersed with this horror are lighter, satirical sketches and sentimental tales. One such story follows a young man who, after a period of misanthropy and self-imposed isolation, falls deeply in love with his cousin Jane. His narrative explores the transition from cold detachment to passionate affection, complicated by the arrival of a rival suitor. This tale of jealousy and heartbreak includes a moment of near-insanity where the protagonist considers revenge, ultimately choosing to suppress his darker impulses. Another piece humorously depicts an Englishman who, due to his impatience and limited Arabic vocabulary, accidentally skips the stop at Cairo and travels far beyond his intended destination, relying on a single phrase, "God-dam your eyes!" to command his crew. The volume also includes various short sketches, such as a poem about a dying child realizing his mother's impending death, and satirical observations on high postage rates, artistic pretensions, and political figures. Through these varied voices, the magazine balances the profound tragedy of the plague with the everyday absurdities and romantic entanglements of its readership.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/25475.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg25475.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-07 08:35 UTC

Categories

• Periodicals