The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 86, December, 1864   By: Various

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 86, December, 1864 is a collection of essays, stories, and poems from various authors that offer a glimpse into the intellectual landscape of the mid-19th century.

The essays cover a wide range of topics, from politics and history to literature and philosophy, providing readers with a rich tapestry of thought-provoking ideas. One standout piece is an essay on the political climate of the Civil War era, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of the time.

The stories and poems in this volume are equally engaging, showcasing the talent and creativity of the writers of the period. From haunting tales of lost love to playful rhymes, each piece captivates with its unique voice and perspective.

Overall, The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 14, No. 86, December, 1864 is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intellectual and cultural history of the mid-19th century. Its diverse range of voices and perspectives make it a compelling read for both scholars and casual readers alike.

First Page:

This light house, known to mariners as the Cape Cod or Highland Light, is one of our "primary sea coast lights," and is usually the first seen by those approaching the entrance of Massachusetts Bay from Europe. It is forty three miles from Cape Ann Light, and forty one from Boston Light. It stands about twenty rods from the edge of the bank, which is here formed of clay. I borrowed the plane and square, level and dividers, of a carpenter who was shingling a barn near by, and, using one of those shingles made of a mast, contrived a rude sort of quadrant, with pins for sights and pivots, and got the angle of elevation of the bank opposite the light house, and with a couple of cod lines the length of its slope, and so measured its height on the shingle. It rises one hundred and ten feet above its immediate base, or about one hundred and twenty three feet above mean low water. Graham, who has carefully surveyed the extremity of the Cape, makes it one hundred and thirty feet. The mixed sand and clay lay at an angle of forty degrees with the horizon, where I measured it, but the clay is generally much steeper... Continue reading book >>