The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 10, August, 1858   By: Various

This collection of essays, articles, and reviews in The Atlantic Monthly offers a diverse and thought-provoking look at various topics of interest during the month of August in 1858. From discussions on the political landscape and social issues of the time to literary critiques and scientific discoveries, this volume provides readers with a thorough examination of the intellectual climate of the 19th century. While some essays may feel dated or obsolete in their viewpoints, many still resonate with relevance and offer valuable insights into the historical context of the period. Overall, this edition of The Atlantic Monthly serves as a fascinating snapshot of the intellectual pursuits and debates of the mid-19th century.

First Page:

It is to be lamented that antiquarian zeal is so often diverted from subjects of real to those of merely fanciful interest. The mercurial young gentlemen who addict themselves to that exciting department of letters are open to censure as being too fitful, too prone to flit, bee like, from flower to flower, now lighting momentarily upon an indecipherable tombstone, now perching upon a rusty morion, here dipping into crumbling palimpsests, there turning up a tattered reputation from heaps of musty biography, or discovering that the brightest names have had sad blots and blemishes scoured off by the attrition of Time's ceaseless current. We can expect little from investigators so volatile and capricious; else should we expect the topic we approach in this paper to have been long ago flooded with light as of Maedler's sun, its dust dissipated, and sundry curves and angles which still baffle scrutiny and provoke curiosity exposed even to Gallio llke wayfarers... Continue reading book >>