Harper's New Monthly Magazine, February, 1852

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

32945

Title

Harper's New Monthly Magazine, February, 1852

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This February 1852 issue of Harper's New Monthly Magazine offers a rich tapestry of American and European life, featuring tales by Charles Dickens, essays on Benjamin Franklin and Giuseppe Mazzini, satirical sketches from Punch, and detailed fashion plates. With its blend of historical narrative, social commentary, and literary fiction, the volume captures the intellectual and cultural spirit of mid-19th century America.

Summary up to 500 words

Harper's New Monthly Magazine, February 1852, presents a rich tapestry of literature and commentary reflecting the cultural currents of the mid-19th century. The issue opens with "The Legend of the Weeping Chamber," a poignant tale set in Beirut that explores themes of family duty and social responsibility. The story follows Fadlallah Dahân, an elderly merchant who marries the beautiful Selima despite his age. Their union brings prosperity and numerous children, but neglect ensues as the couple focuses on their youngest offspring. This oversight leads to tragedy: their eldest son, Halil, is sent away to learn commerce only to fall in love with Miriam, the Sultan's betrothed. Upon discovery, both are imprisoned. Simultaneously, a devastating plague sweeps through Beirut, claiming Selima's remaining children one by one. Left grieving alone, she eventually remembers her neglected son and weeps for him, illustrating the harsh consequences of parental indifference. The narrative shifts to wartime Paris, offering a stark contrast between the grim reality of military siege and the city's continued social frivolity. Amidst bloodshed on the Boulevards and soldiers bivouacking in the Champs Elysées, citizens continue to dance, flirt, and attend theaters. The author describes this jarring juxtaposition with wit before traveling via sea to London. In London, Charles Dickens contributes three Christmas-themed pieces: "My Novel; Or, Varieties in English Life," "The Orphan's Dream of Christmas," and "What Christmas Is In The Company Of John Doe," alongside "What Christmas Is, As We Grow Older" and "Helen Corrie—Leaves from the Note-Book of a Curate." These essays explore holiday sentiments through varied perspectives. Dickens also includes a whimsical essay titled "What Becomes Of The Rind?" which humorously investigates the massive consumption of orange peels in British plum puddings, calculating that millions of pounds of rinds are used annually to bind families together. Historical profiles include Jacob Abbott's "Public Life of Benjamin Franklin," detailing his final years in France and his triumphant return to America after securing independence. John S. C. Abbott contributes biographical sketches of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Syrian Expedition. The magazine also features satirical sketches from Punch, such as "A Horrible Business" regarding a butcher's orders, and fashion descriptions for February, including walking dresses, evening gowns, and a parody of Hamlet debating the Bloomer costume. Overall, the issue serves as both entertainment and education, offering readers a glimpse into global events while reinforcing domestic values. It captures the tension between tradition and change, national identity, and the enduring power of family bonds amidst the backdrop of war, plague, and social evolution.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• American Literature
• Civilization
• Culture