Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, March 1844 Volume 23, Number 3   By: Various

Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, March 1844 Volume 23, Number 3 is an exceptional collection of literature, encompassing a diverse assortment of stories, essays, and poems that reflect the spirit of New York during the mid-19th century. Compiled by Various authors, this edition of the magazine weaves a rich tapestry of literary works, illuminating the social, intellectual, and political climate of that era.

One of the standout pieces in this volume is the short story "The Asylum" by James K. Paulding. Set in New York City, the story delves into the lives of the mentally ill and their treatment in an asylum. Through vivid descriptions and insightful characterizations, Paulding provides a haunting and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues at the time.

Additionally, the essay "The Dreamer of Dreams" by Lewis Gaylord Clark offers an introspective exploration of the human imagination and its ability to shape and influence reality. Clark's intellectual depth and lyrical prose make this piece a captivating read, inspiring readers to contemplate the power of their own dreams.

Poetry enthusiasts will find joy in the various verses featured in this volume. "The Pearl of the Andes" by Anna Cora Mowatt beautifully captures the essence of love and longing, while Thomas Holley Chivers' "To a Spirit" evokes a sense of melancholy and profound introspection.

What makes this collection so compelling is the range of perspectives it presents. From the light-hearted satire of John Neal's "Etiquette Extraordinary" to the moral exploration of Robert T. Conrad's "A Tale for the Times," readers are exposed to an array of compelling narratives that reflect the diverse voices of the time.

While some literary works in this volume may not resonate as strongly with modern readers due to their cultural and historical context, the overall quality and breadth of the compilation make it a valuable piece of literature to be savored by enthusiasts of the 19th-century American literary landscape.

In summary, Knickerbocker, or New-York Monthly Magazine, March 1844 Volume 23, Number 3 is a captivating compilation of literary works that offer a window into the vibrant and complex spirit of mid-19th century New York. Whether it's the insightful short stories, thought-provoking essays, or evocative poems, this volume promises an enriching reading experience for lovers of literature and history alike.

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This question has often been asked but seldom answered satisfactorily. Newspaper editors and correspondents have frequently attempted a practical elucidation of the mystery, by quoting from their own brains the rarest piece of absurdity which they could imagine, and entitling it 'Transcendentalism.' One good hit of this kind may be well enough, by way of satire upon the fogginess of certain writers who deem themselves, and are deemed by the multitude, transcendental par excellence . COLERIDGE however thought that to parody stupidity by way of ridiculing it, only proves the parodist more stupid than the original blockhead. Still, one such attempt may be tolerated; but when imitators of the parodist arise and fill almost every newspaper in the country with similar witticisms, such efforts become 'flat and unprofitable;' for nothing is easier than to put words together in a form which conveys no meaning to the reader. It is a cheap kind of wit, asinine rather than attic, and can be exercised as well by those who know nothing of the subject as by those best acquainted with it. Indeed, it is greatly to be doubted whether one in a hundred of these witty persons know any thing of the matter; for if they possess sense enough to make them worthy of being ranked among reasonable men, it could be proved to them in five minutes that they are themselves transcendentalists, as all thinking men find themselves compelled to be, whether they know themselves by that name or not... Continue reading book >>