The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 2, No. 14, December 1858: A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics

In Short

This historical issue of The Atlantic Monthly brings together an eclectic range of mid-nineteenth-century American writing. It spans abstract aesthetic philosophy, classical myth, political analysis of Thomas Jefferson, sea-faring memoirs, social satire, short prose reflections, nature study, and serialized fiction. Through its diverse essays, fiction, and literary reviews, the collection captures the intellectual debates, spiritual anxieties, and creative impulses of its era. It endures as a fascinating, multifaceted portrait of American thought on the eve of profound national transformation.

The Story

The issue opens with an essay on "The Ideal Tendency," which argues that Art offers a pure, infinite expansion of life that stands far above the practical, tool-like measurements of science or philosophy. This high-minded ideal transitions into a mythological narrative set in ancient Greece, where a young woman named Evadne interacts with a glowing, noble youth named Hylas near a secluded temple and a father's villa overlooking the sea.

From ancient myths, the collection turns abruptly to American political history through a critical examination of Thomas Jefferson and his biographer, Mr. Randall. The text addresses the long-standing grievances between Jefferson and the Federalists, attempting to view both sides with historical temperance. It examines Jefferson's peculiar character—his vast intellectual sympathy, his lack of traditional imagination, his practical eye for form over sentimental association, and his quiet personal griefs.

The narrative voice shifts again to the ocean as sailors aboard a damp, rain-soaked vessel exchange maritime stories. A mate named Mr. Pitman recounts his time on Pacific whaling ships, contrasting his current desire to return home to his family with the brutal, single-minded focus of New Bedford whalers who measure dangerous sea monsters in barrels of oil. Following this maritime interlude is a series of short, incisive aphorisms addressing themes like the ancient origins of daily events, the necessity of cheerfulness, the cowardice of deserters, and the true purpose of art criticism.

Fiction and social comedy follow in a studio scene between two artists, Greenleaf and Easelmann, discussing an upcoming art sale and the irresistible, flirtatious Marcia. Marcia subsequently recounts her long list of rejected, broken-hearted suitors to her companion Lydia, who gently lectures her on the need for constancy. This social satire gives way to a defense of the British humor magazine Punch, praising its earthy, convivial wit against over-serious moralists.

The latter portion of the issue turns toward spiritual and natural reflection. A narrator describes a mind-bending dialogue with a mysterious "dæmon" regarding subjective reality, imagination, and the absolute laws governing human destiny. This mystical atmosphere settles into a tranquil study of nature, detailing the secretive, evening song of the Veery thrush in solitary woods. In stark contrast, a dramatic narrative follows George, an honest sailor whose horrific experience on a slave ship makes him abhor the trade's blood-stained profits, complicating his standing among money-minded peers. Nearby, a pious young woman named Mary quietly dresses in her modest home, singing hymns before a tea gathering. Finally, the issue concludes with conversational remarks from a fictional Professor, a poem celebrating a merciful woman named Avis, and brief reviews of recent illustrated books and atlases.

How It Unfolds

The ideal elevated An essayist posits that Art provides an infinite, ungraspable expansion of human life that defies the narrow bounds of science and practical utility.

An ancient myth Evadne listens to the glowing youth Hylas as he tells tales of Rome, local fables, and hidden temples beside the sea.

Reassessing Jefferson An essay analyzes Thomas Jefferson’s complex personality, evaluating his vast intellectual curiosity, his coldness toward sentimental associations, and his conflicts with the Federalists.

Voices from the sea Sailors shelter from the rain below deck while mate Mr. Pitman shares dry, humorous anecdotes about the perils and absurdities of Pacific whaling.

Reflections and studio banter Brief philosophical notes on art and temperance yield to a conversation between painters Greenleaf and Easelmann regarding the dazzling, coquettish Marcia.

Flirtations and social critiques Marcia proudly lists her many defeated suitors to her friend Lydia, who warns her that true romance requires personal constancy.

Mystics and wood-thrushes A narrator wrestles with a ghostly dæmon over the nature of creation, followed by a serene observation of the retiring, nocturnal song of the Veery.

Morality and quiet devotion The honest sailor George revolts against the horrors of the slave trade, while young Mary Scudder quietly prepares for tea while singing a traditional hymn.

Closing notices The volume winds down with informal editorial reflections, a poetic tribute to a charitable woman, and concise reviews of newly published books.

The People

• Hylas: A radiant, storytelling youth living near a hidden temple, who charms the young Evadne with tales of ancient gods, kings, and local fables.
• Evadne: A humble, impressionable girl who listens in awe to Hylas's stories while bringing him gifts at sunrise.
• Thomas Jefferson: The historical statesman, portrayed as a man of immense intellectual sympathy and broad curiosity, who nevertheless lacks sentimental imagination and views the world with practical directness.
• Mr. Pitman: A pragmatic ship's mate and family man who gave up long Pacific whaling voyages to stay closer to his wife and two sons.
• Greenleaf: An earnest young painter who clings to a miniature portrait of his true love as a talisman against the charms of a famous coquette.
• Easelmann: Greenleaf's witty, observant fellow artist who teasingly predicts his friend will fall victim to a captivating woman.
• Marcia: A brilliant, fascinating flirt who takes lighthearted pleasure in recounting her long history of rejected lovers.
• Lydia: Marcia's thoughtful companion who acts as a gentle moral guide, urging Marcia to develop constancy if she wishes to win a worthy man.
• George: An uncommonly honest, generous sailor whose traumatic voyage on a slaver permanently revolts him against making money off human suffering.
• Mary: A devout, simple-living young woman who spends her quiet hours reading, praying, and dressing modestly while singing hymns.

In Its Own Voice

"Philosophy will present the definite; Art refers always to the vast,--to that which cannot be comprehended, but only enjoyed and adored."

An essayist establishes the central premise that artistic expression transcends rigid intellectual systems.

"He had drifted broadside square into Boston Harbor, past Nahant, the Graves, Cohasset Rocks, and everything."

A sailor recalls an extraordinary, improbable tale of a ship drifting safely through hazardous waters.

"He shuns the exhibitions of art, and reserves his wild notes for those who frequent the inner sanctuary of the groves."

The author depicts the Veery thrush as a shy, solitary songbird that avoids human settlements.

What It's Really About

At its core, this collection explores the tension between material practicality and spiritual ideality. Across various genres, the pieces ask how human beings can preserve their morality, artistic wonder, and emotional integrity in a world driven by trade, politics, and cold utility. The political commentary urges historians to abandon partisan advocacy for balanced truth. The fiction and personal essays highlight the conflict between shallow social games and genuine, constant devotion. Meanwhile, the nature studies and philosophical dialogues seek a deeper, harmonious connection with the universe, pushing back against the deadening effects of commercialism and rigid dogma.

Why Read It Today

This issue offers a captivating, authentic cross-section of mid-nineteenth-century American cultural and intellectual life. Readers who enjoy literary history, historic periodicals, or transcendentalist-era philosophy will find rich material here. The writing style varies pleasantly from high-minded prose and lyrical mythology to sharp social satire and salty maritime banter.

Modern readers should be prepared for the formal, dense syntax characteristic of Victorian-era periodical literature, as well as period-specific political references regarding early American history. Additionally, the text reflects nineteenth-century racial and social attitudes, particularly in its casual references to historical atrocities like the slave trade, though it treats the trade with explicit moral condemnation. What stays with the reader is the incredible diversity of thought packed into a single publication—a seamless blend of lofty aesthetic theory, quiet nature appreciation, and sharp human observation that feels remarkably vivid despite the passage of time.