St. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 2, December, 1877

In Short

This volume serves as a curated time capsule of Victorian-era literary culture for young readers. It acts as an anthology of short stories, lyrical verse, nature studies, and complex word puzzles, all bound together by a shared ethos of moral instruction and imaginative wonder. Because it functions as a digest rather than a single novel, its longevity stems from its ability to offer a kaleidoscope of experiences—from the somber beauty of holiday carols to the mechanical ingenuity of backyard pin-organs—preserved in the precise, elegant prose of the 1870s.

The Story

The collection opens with the rhythmic, storied journey of the Three Kings, whose quest for the Christ child bridges the gap between ancient prophecy and quiet, domestic reverence. As the narrative scope widens, the tone shifts from the mythic to the visceral; we are transported to a Tunisian terrace where a "Hercules" engages in a life-or-death struggle against a lion. This scene relies on a tense, psychological battle of wills rather than simple brute force, showcasing the period’s fascination with exotic adventure and the display of cool-headed mastery.

The atmosphere then pivots toward the surreal and the domestic. In a whimsical departure, we follow the antics of a child named Bruno, who navigates a world where gardening involves "hunting" snails and finding honor in the menial task of serving cider. This sequence introduces the reader to the gentle, playful subversion of adult seriousness. We are then plunged into the chaotic, warm-hearted preparations for a family charade, where the Peterkin household struggles with bandboxes, costumes, and the looming pressure of seventy tickets sold, only to find harmony in the shared, improvised performance of a Christmas Eve gathering.

The narrative arc continues through smaller vignettes: the mysterious appearance of a performing poodle who fascinates and frightens children with his gymnastic waltzes; the tale of a boy juggler named Ben who hides his true identity to earn a bit of comfort; and the introspective journey of a man who makes a home within a cavernous, crystalline paradise. The collection concludes by circling back to its origins in holiday spirit. A tense, land-based dispute between neighbors is resolved through the intervention of a "minstrel"—revealed to be a long-lost friend—leading to a final, communal hymn. Throughout, the volume is punctuated by the voices of "Young Contributors," who provide their own critiques of classic poems, share their experiments in electrical science, and solve intricate riddles, ensuring the reader never feels like a passive observer, but rather a participant in a grand, ongoing conversation about the world’s wonders.

How It Unfolds

The pilgrimage of faith The volume begins with the journey of the Three Kings, whose observation of a miraculous star leads them through a world of indifference to a humble stable. This sets a tone of contemplative awe that grounds the subsequent, more secular adventures.

The test of character The action shifts to a high-stakes, dramatic confrontation in a desert arena, where a man’s calm resolve overcomes a powerful beast. This beat highlights the cultural appreciation for grace under pressure and the admiration of disciplined strength.

The domestic comedy Focusing on the humor of the everyday, the narrative follows a family’s frantic preparations for a holiday play. The chaos of missing scripts and makeshift stages creates a relatable, lighthearted contrast to the earlier intensity.

The magical transformation The story of the "Condensed Pirate" and his companion introduces a fantastical element, where characters are literally shrunk to solve the problem of unreachable places. This whimsical shift explores the desire for discovery and the joy of finding happiness in small, hidden worlds.

The resolution of conflict The volume concludes with a reconciliation between neighbors, emphasizing the importance of communal bonds. This final note of peace serves to tie together the disparate threads of adventure, humor, and morality.

The People

The figures inhabiting these pages are defined by their desire for order, connection, or discovery. The Three Kings represent the archetype of the seeker, moving from the East to the West, driven by a devotion that transcends the local authority of Herod. In contrast, Bruno is the embodiment of childhood innocence, finding immense, unironic value in the most trivial acts, such as serving cider to a Duke. He serves as a mirror to the reader, asking them to find honor in the small and the strange. Elizabeth Eliza and the Peterkin family represent the bustling, slightly disorganized heart of the domestic sphere; their struggle to coordinate a charade without a script is a masterclass in the anxieties of family life. Ben the Juggler introduces a layer of vulnerability and secrecy, as his hidden talents and assumed names reflect the struggle of a wanderer seeking a home. Finally, the Grumbler stands as a cautionary figure—a man whose life is defined not by his circumstances, but by his inability to find satisfaction. His progression from a miserable youth to a regretful old age serves as a stark moral anchor, contrasting sharply with the joy found by the children and the reconciled neighbors.

In Its Own Voice

"The star was so beautiful, large and clear, That all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And the Wise Men knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy."

The poet describes the star leading the Three Kings through the night toward Bethlehem.

"The lion was too excited and famished to remain long undecided. After more backward steps, which he made as if gaining time for reflection, he suddenly advanced in a sidelong direction in order to charge upon his adversary."

The narrator builds the tension of a confrontation between a man and a beast in an arena.

"I suppose the wise young women--fourteen, fifteen, sixteen years old--who read ST. NICHOLAS, who understand the most complex vulgar fractions, who cipher out logarithms 'just for fun,' will think me frivolous and unaspiring if I beg them to lay aside their science."

An author addresses the high intellectual expectations placed upon the young female readers of the period.

What It's Really About

At its core, this volume explores the tension between the weight of moral duty and the inherent lightness of play. It asks what it means to be "grown" versus "childlike," frequently finding that the latter holds more wisdom, especially when it comes to resolving conflicts or appreciating nature. The text subtly argues that curiosity is a virtue, whether that curiosity is directed toward the stars, the anatomy of a snail, or the mechanics of a pin-organ. Ultimately, it promotes a worldview where the most important things—kindness, honesty, and communal harmony—are found not in great wealth or status, but in the quiet, often overlooked corners of the home and the natural world.

Why Read It Today

Readers who find comfort in the measured, deliberate prose of the nineteenth century will find this volume a delightful companion. It is a slow, rhythmic reading experience that rewards those who appreciate the beauty of a well-turned phrase or the earnestness of a child’s inquiry into "shooting stars." It is not a fast-paced thriller; rather, it is a collection of moments—vignettes that ask you to sit with them, to puzzle over a rebus, or to imagine the life of a pirate condensed to the size of a cat.

The modern reader should be prepared for the period’s specific sensibilities. The tone is frequently didactic, and the views on children—often addressing them as "darlings" or "wise young women"—reflect a paternalistic era that viewed youth as a project to be improved. The language, while beautiful, is formal and occasionally utilizes archaic references that require a bit of patience. However, those who look past the surface will find a surprisingly vibrant, democratic space. The "Young Contributors" section, in particular, remains refreshing, showing that children in 1877 were just as sharp, inquisitive, and eager to share their own knowledge as any reader today. It is a book about the joy of learning, and that remains a timeless, universal pleasure.