Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. V, October, 1850, Volume I.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

33452

Title

Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. V, October, 1850, Volume I.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This October 1850 issue of Harper's New Monthly Magazine offers a rich anthology of Victorian literature, featuring essays on Wordsworth and Carlyle, gothic tales of possession and identity, historical anecdotes of Mirabeau, and fashion reports. With a blend of intellectual discourse, supernatural suspense, and social commentary, it appeals to readers seeking diverse narratives and cultural insights from the mid-19th century.

Summary up to 500 words

Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. V, October 1850, Volume I, presents a rich tapestry of mid-19th-century intellectual and cultural life through a curated collection of essays, fiction, and practical articles. George Gilfillan offers biographical sketches of the literary giants William Wordsworth and Thomas Carlyle, illuminating their distinct geniuses and characters. The issue features a chilling gothic narrative, 'The EBook of Harper's New Monthly Magazine,' which follows a narrator haunted by a Poltergeist. Terrified by moving objects and a corpse sitting upright, the narrator eventually discovers the horrifying truth: he is dead, having lost his identity entirely. Historical interest is provided by an anecdote of Mirabeau's release from the Vincennes dungeon and his subsequent visit to the Limousin gentry, where his brilliant mind and passionate nature captivate a rustic nobility, challenging their traditional views on religion and society. The magazine also explores scientific topics such as terrestrial magnetism and the early history of coal usage, alongside a charming profile of the celebrated singer Jenny Lind. Literary notices praise new works by Edward Everett, Henry Christmas, W. Gilmore Simms, and Charles W. March, highlighting their contributions to American and European literature. Beyond the written word, the publication captures the era's social aesthetics with detailed fashion illustrations. These depict evening costumes in white muslin and tulle, as well as morning attire in lavender satin, reflecting popular colors like maroon and sea-green. By balancing serious literary criticism, supernatural storytelling, and practical advice, this issue offers a comprehensive snapshot of the era's social and intellectual currents.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• American Literature
• Civilization
• Culture