The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 20, No. 118, August, 1867: A Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

In Short

This August 1867 collection gathers serialized fiction, travel essays, literary criticism, and historical reflections to map the mind of a rapidly changing America. Through a tapestry of distinct voices, it explores the tension between provincial traditions and urban sophistication, the psychological lingering of trauma, the mechanics of modern industry, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. Its enduring appeal lies in its vivid slice of nineteenth-century life, capturing how a culture processed its past, observed its surroundings, and debated its future through the refined lens of period periodical literature.

The Story

The volume opens in the emotional terrain of serial fiction, tracking young Clement Lindsay as he wrestles with romantic disappointment and the internal struggle to master his own passions. His journey intersects with the arrival of Myrtle Hazard at a refined boarding school, where rural roots collide with the rigid social hierarchies of wealthy pupils from New York and Boston. The narrative focus shifts from individual romantic turmoil to the collective trauma of wartime hospital service. A devoted female nurse oversees the care of wounded soldiers, managing everything from delicate diets to spiritual comfort amid the stark realities of illness, sudden turnarounds, and midnight deaths in the aftermath of Civil War violence.

The perspective broadens further as a military commander recounts the grueling work of clearing Southern river obstructions under fire, contrasting the arduous realities of combat operations with encounters along the tide-dependent waterways. This tension between emotional depth and external duty carries into intimate domestic scenes, where characters debate whether love or religious conviction serves as the ultimate anchor when facing difficult circumstances.

Moving into cultural critique, the text examines the trajectory of William Shakespeare’s dramatic genius, tracing his rise from an obscure actor rewriting older plays to a master of human psychology. It highlights his singular ability to portray female characters with unprecedented depth, elevating his creations into timeless ideals of womanhood while grounding them in human warmth. The volume then pivots to Italian literature, offering parallel translations and close readings of Dante's poetic depictions of ancient history, divine justice, and moral suffering.

Personal memory takes center stage as a narrator recalls childhood visits to a stern grandfather, whose evening routines and aristocratic acquaintances reveal stories of high-spirited young women, equestrian skill, and strict rural upbringings. The narrative then shifts overseas to a journey through the Swiss Canton of Appenzell. The traveler navigates difficult alpine dialects and observes the democratic traditions of the local assembly, documenting the physically demanding lives, municipal governance, and religious divides of the mountain people.

Returning to American soil, the narrative investigates the industrial engine of Cincinnati. It details the city's smoky atmosphere, its complex suburban governance, and the relentless precision of its massive pork-packing operations, where division of labor creates an efficient line of production. Finally, the collection turns to remote solitude, reflecting on the psychological toll of isolation on an island governor and evaluating contemporary travel literature, offering sharp critiques on the balance between authentic humor and mere theatrical grins.

How It Unfolds

The struggle within Clement Lindsay returns to his daily labors fighting a renewed mental battle against past heartbreak, realizing his self-mastery is an illusion. Meanwhile, Myrtle Hazard makes a dramatic entrance at a fashionable school, provoking snobbish commentary from wealthy classmates.

In the hospital wards A dedicated nurse navigates early morning duties in a Union hospital, distributing spirits, managing specialized diets, and comforting dying men in the shadow of recent wartime conflict.

Navigating the obstruction Troops toil along a Southern river drawing out piles and dodging enemy skirmishes, while refugees gather on the banks and officers navigate low tides and captured Rebel property.

Testing the heart's anchor Major Luttrel and Gertrude Whittaker discuss the nature of duty, distinguishing between religious obligation and personal devotion as they navigate the terms of their quiet romance.

The growth of genius A critical survey traces Shakespeare’s development from an upstart dramatist adapting older works to a supreme poet capable of shaping the most elevated portrayals of womanhood.

Echoes of the divine Excerpts of Italian verse bring Dante’s vision of Trajan, celestial vengeance, and historical fallen figures into sharp focus through rhythmic verse and close textual analysis.

Memories of Darrow House A narrator reminisces about an old friend's strict habits, leading to stories of Lillie Burton's fearless riding, open-air farm life, and traditional family discipline.

Across the Appenzell A traveler journeys through Swiss cantons, decoding dense guttural dialects and attending the open-air democratic assembly of Outer-Rhoden despite the bleak, stunted physical traits of the working populace.

The machinery of the West An exploration of Cincinnati highlights its soot-choked air, its abundance of local mayors, and the mechanical efficiency of its huge slaughterhouses operating with industrial speed.

Reflections on isolation and art The collection closes with observations on how solitude affects the human mind, alongside a pointed review of contemporary travel writing and its reliance on exaggerated humor.

The People

• Clement Lindsay, a young man seeking emotional stability. He strives to honor his commitments and suppress his passions, but finds his internal victory far less complete than he believed.
• Myrtle Hazard, a new student from the country. Her striking appearance and uncertain social background make her a subject of fascination and snobbery among her wealthy schoolmates.
• Sister Tyler, a dauntless hospital supervisor. She leads a dedicated team caring for wounded soldiers, maintaining order, proper nutrition, and moral support amidst suffering and grief.
• Major Luttrel, a pragmatic soldier. He approaches romance with directness, arguing that love provides a grounding strength to face life's difficult circumstances without confusing it with religious feeling.
• Gertrude Whittaker, a self-possessed woman. She evaluates suitors with quiet composure, demanding genuine love over mere social convention or superficial charm.
• Mr. Erle, an cultured, punctual gentleman. He maintains rigorous personal habits while displaying unexpected tenderness toward animals and sharing stories of rural English life.
• Lillie Burton, an spirited country woman. Unspoiled by city manners, she rides horses recklessly, lives unaffected by worldliness, and thrives under her father's traditional household rule.
• Jakob, a short, limping Swiss guide. Speaking an almost impenetrable dialect of guttural sounds, he exhibits surprising strength, good humor, and dignity as he leads travelers through the mountains.

In Its Own Voice

"If the person is a young man, he has various resources. He can take to the philosophic meerschaum, and nicotize himself at brief intervals into a kind of buzzing and blurry insensibility..."

Clement Lindsay reflects on the temptation to numb emotional pain through distraction or habit rather than confronting grief directly.

"Clean hearts abound in Cincinnati, but not clean hands."

An observer notes how the soft-coal smoke hovering over the burgeoning industrial city coats every surface, forcing residents into a constant struggle with soot.

"...a man's sole refuge from the evils of solitude is to be found in the domestic sentiments."

A traveler considers how isolated environments can wither a person's spirit unless anchored by close human relationships.

What It's Really About

The collection explores the struggle between human emotion and social order. Across its varied pieces, it asks how individuals remain grounded when faced with personal heartbreak, the devastation of war, or rapid industrialization. The text examines the tension between refined urban standards and rugged rural realities, questioning whether true character comes from polite instruction or raw life experience. It also probes the nature of creative genius, arguing that artistic greatness—whether found in Shakespeare’s plays or Dante’s verse—stems from a deep, empathetic understanding of human nature. Underlying every section is a drive to analyze, categorize, and find moral purpose within a rapidly changing nineteenth-century world.

Why Read It Today

Readers fascinated by nineteenth-century history, classic literature, and social observation will find this volume a rich, engaging artifact. Reading it feels like stepping directly into the cultural parlor of 1867, offering an unvarnished look at how educated Americans understood art, labor, and society immediately following the Civil War. The prose is precise and elegant, balancing thoughtful intellectual commentary with vivid detail.

The primary challenge for modern readers lies in its uneven format and dated features. As a magazine issue, it jumps abruptly between serialized romance, dense literary criticism, military logistics, and travel reportage. Some sections demand patience, particularly the lengthy examinations of early modern theater, dialect transcriptions, and the detailed breakdown of regional Swiss politics. Additionally, readers will encounter nineteenth-century social prejudices and class snobbery in the characters' dialogue and travel observations. Yet, for those willing to embrace its varied structure, the text offers a remarkably authentic, articulate snapshot of a nation reflecting on its identity and navigating the dawn of the modern industrial age.