The Atlantic Monthly, 1857-1909: Yankee Humanism at High Tide and Ebb : Book Review

"The Atlantic Monthly 1857-1909," edited by Ellery Sedgwick, is a captivating and comprehensive book that provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into the history and evolution of one of America's most esteemed literary and cultural magazines. Spanning over five decades, Sedgwick carefully curates a selection of essays, stories, and poems that were originally published in The Atlantic Monthly, allowing readers to explore the diverse range of voices and ideas that helped shape American literature during this important time period.

Sedgwick expertly highlights the enduring legacy of The Atlantic Monthly and its significant role in shaping intellectual and literary discourse in America. This collection features the works of literary giants such as Mark Twain, Henry James, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, as well as influential thinkers like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. These pages are filled with thought-provoking and impactful works that beautifully reflect the cultural and political climate of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the notable strengths of this collection is Sedgwick's insightful introductions to each piece. By providing historical context and offering readers a deeper understanding of the significance of these works, Sedgwick enhances the overall reading experience. Whether it's a commentary on social issues, reflections on the human experience, or beautiful poetry, each selection in this book is a testament to the power of literature to ignite conversations and challenge conventional thinking.

"The Atlantic Monthly 1857-1909" is not only a captivating read but also a valuable historical resource. Through this book, readers can gain insight into the literary landscape of America during this pivotal time and witness the growth and development of The Atlantic Monthly as a publication. Sedgwick's curation and commentary make this book an engaging and informative journey through the literary history of America, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of American literature and culture.

The book "The Atlantic Monthly 1857-1909" by Ellery Sedgwick has garnered a mixed reception from readers. Offering an array of essays, articles, and poems from the distinguished literary magazine of that period, the book has elicited a variety of opinions. Here's a summary of the reviews:

The majority of readers lauded the book's historical significance, highlighting the chance it provided to delve into the literature and intellectual discussions of the 19th century. Many found it captivating to explore the thoughts and ideas of renowned authors from that era.

Some readers praised the book's diverse range of content, which blended poetry, fiction, and non-fiction pieces, enhancing the depth and variety of their reading experience. They found it to be a valuable resource for understanding the social, political, and cultural aspects of the time.

Numerous reviewers appreciated the anthology's beautiful prose and skillful writing. They found the language to be eloquent and sophisticated, adding to their enjoyment of the book. Sedgwick's curation was applauded for presenting a wide range of authors while maintaining a consistent quality throughout.

However, some readers expressed a desire for a more balanced selection of writings in the book. They observed that certain authors were overrepresented, while voices from marginalized groups were largely absent. This was seen as a missed opportunity to highlight a more diverse range of perspectives from the period.

TheAtlanticMonthly ClassicLiterature MagazineArchive