Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol IV. No. XX. January, 1852

In Short

This varied volume brings together an array of mid-nineteenth-century literature, political analysis, natural history, and popular entertainment. It presents detailed biographical narratives of figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Louis-Adolphe Thiers alongside serialized historical fiction, detailed observations of nature, reportage on international democratic movements, and gentle satires of contemporary social customs. By pairing high-minded moral essays with practical news and fashion trends, the work preserves the intellectual interests, artistic tastes, and everyday anxieties of its era. It remains a valuable historical artifact, offering modern readers an unvarnished look into how the Victorian public understood progress, ambition, and global politics.

The Story

The volume opens with a detailed biographical study of Benjamin Franklin, emphasizing how his personal character—built upon industry, frugality, and practical foresight—exerted a transformative effect on the American identity. It recounts his early life as an ambitious printer's apprentice in London and Philadelphia, tracing how his rising work ethic led to conflicts with demanding employers like Mr. Keimer and established his lifelong reputation for independence and thrift.

From individual self-improvement, the narrative scope broadens to military ambition and sweeping European political history. A lengthier, dramatic account follows Napoleon Bonaparte's grand Mediterranean expedition to Egypt in 1798. The narrative details his massive naval fleet departing Toulon, his passionate relationship with Josephine, and his stirring proclamations to the Army of Italy. The account reaches a dramatic peak during the Battle of the Pyramids, depicting the disciplined French infantry squares standing firm against fierce charges by thousands of Mameluke cavalry on the Egyptian sands.

Alongside these major historical narratives, the text introduces shorter historical sketches and dramatic tales set in earlier centuries. One narrative explores the uncompromising, stern rule of Pope Sixtus V in Rome, following the swift arrest and planned execution of the young nobleman Ranuccio, the son of the Duke of Parma. Imprisoned in the Fort St. Angelo, Ranuccio faces his impending sentence alongside the chess-loving Bishop Ruy Lopez, using a final game of chess to pass his remaining hours while allies attempt a last-minute rescue.

The volume then shifts toward mid-nineteenth-century European politics, documenting the rise of French statesman Louis-Adolphe Thiers. It tracks his journey from a poor law student to a radical journalist who drafted the pivotal protest against royal press censorship, sparking the 1830 Revolution, before eventually transitioning into a conservative defender of the state. It also provides detailed reportage on contemporary political figures, notably Hungarian revolutionary leader Lajos Kossuth, recounting his speeches in Birmingham disavowing socialism and pleading for British support for Hungarian independence against Russian interference.

Interspersed throughout these historical and political accounts are natural history studies, fictional installments, and cultural essays. A natural history segment offers meticulous observations of animal behavior, describing the intricate web construction of the labyrinthic-spider and the trap-door mechanisms of the West Indian mason-spider, as well as the nocturnal hunting habits of South American jaguars preying on horses, turtles, and crocodiles. Fictional narratives depict dramatic personal conflicts, including sea-side dialogues between young lovers grappling with symbolic crosses and ink-tattooed anchors, alongside suspenseful domestic dramas set within grand Italian palazzos. The volume concludes with reflections on modern religious life in New York, satirical commentary on social rivalries and aristocrat duels, literature reviews of recent books, and detailed illustrated summaries of current European fashion trends.

How It Unfolds

The exemplar of industry The opening entry examines the legacy of Benjamin Franklin, focusing on how his individual character, personal habits, and early career choices shaped the American work ethic.

The grand Egyptian campaign The narrative moves to Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1798 military expedition, recounting the departure of his massive fleet from Toulon and the dramatic military clashes against the Mamelukes beneath the pyramids.

Justice at Fort St. Angelo A historical dramatic account depicts Pope Sixtus V ordering the execution of the young nobleman Ranuccio, who spends his final hours playing chess with Bishop Ruy Lopez while desperate rescue plans unfold.

Political turnarounds in France The biographical profile of Louis-Adolphe Thiers traces his transformation from a young radical journalist whose press protest sparked the 1830 Revolution into a polished, conservative French minister.

Observations of the natural world A dedicated scientific section details the complex structural engineering of spider webs and the predatory behaviors of South American jaguars hunting turtles and confronting crocodiles.

Foreign struggles and local satires The concluding sections report on Lajos Kossuth’s speeches for Hungarian liberty, critique modern operatic culture, poke fun at formal dueling etiquette, and review contemporary winter fashions.

The People

Benjamin Franklin An ambitious American printer whose life story serves as the volume's central model of civic virtue. He seeks financial independence and personal self-improvement, contending with difficult employers like Mr. Keimer and navigating uncertain business partnerships to become a cornerstone of national character.

Napoleon Bonaparte A brilliant, restless French general driven by an intense desire for military glory and imperial expansion. He commands a vast army and scientific corps into Asia, battling formidable regional forces while managing intense personal devotion to his wife, Josephine.

Pope Sixtus V An unyielding, stern pontiff who prioritizes impartial legal justice over political compromise or aristocratic pity. Confronted with pleas from influential cardinals, he refuses to grant clemency to high-born offenders, insisting that the law apply equally to all.

Ranuccio The young heir to the Duke of Parma, whose arrogance initially leads him to mock his death sentence. Imprisoned in Fort St. Angelo, his levity gives way to quiet resignation as he accepts a final game of chess with his confessor while awaiting execution.

Louis-Adolphe Thiers A highly adaptable French politician who begins his career as a radical young journalist writing in a garret. After initiating the press protest that ignites a revolution, he systematically maneuvers through various parliamentary factions to become a powerful conservative minister.

Lajos Kossuth A passionate Hungarian revolutionary leader seeking international sympathy and diplomatic aid for his nation's independence. He speaks across England, clarifying his democratic stance and warning free nations about imperial despotism.

In Its Own Voice

"It is generally true in respect to great statesmen that they owe their celebrity almost entirely to their public and official career."

A biographical essay opens by contrasting traditional political leaders with Benjamin Franklin, whose enduring fame rests primarily on his personal character and private virtues.

"The squares stood as firm as the pyramids at whose base they fought."

A vivid military chronicle describes the unwavering discipline of French infantry units as they withstand furious cavalry charges during the Battle of the Pyramids.

"Life is a game of chess."

Facing imminent execution in his prison cell, young Don Guzman quotes Cervantes to his confessor before requesting one final match to pass his remaining hours.

What It's Really About

At its core, the volume explores the tension between personal character and historical necessity. Across its biographical sketches, political reports, and fictional narratives, it asks what truly shapes human destiny—whether it is individual moral discipline, aggressive personal ambition, or sweeping systemic change.

The text repeatedly contrasts the quiet, enduring influence of civic virtue, as exemplified by Benjamin Franklin, with the explosive, transient power of military conquerors like Napoleon or opportunistic politicians like Thiers. It weighs the demands of strict moral law against human mercy, and examines how societies maintain order amid revolutionary political shifts. Ultimately, the collection asserts that genuine human progress relies not merely on technological advancement or military conquest, but on the moral development, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual resilience of individual citizens.

Why Read It Today

This volume offers an authentic, fascinating window into the mid-nineteenth-century mind. Rather than presenting a single retrospective history, it allows readers to experience history as it felt in real time—a dynamic mix of emerging political crises, changing aesthetic tastes, scientific curiosity, and popular entertainment.

Readers will appreciate the striking range of styles, moving effortlessly from high-stakes military history and intense dramatic dialogue to meticulous natural science and witty social satire. The prose is confident, articulate, and rich in detail, reflecting an era when popular literature assumed a high level of literacy and broad cultural curiosity from its audience.

While modern readers may occasionally find the prose prose dense, the historical depictions formal, or the period moralizing somewhat Victorian, these elements accurately reflect the intellectual climate of 1852. It is an ideal read for historians, literary enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how nineteenth-century society viewed its own rapid transformation.