The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 12, October, 1858: A Magazine of Literature, Art, and Politics

The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 02, No. 12, published in October 1858, is a literary magazine featuring a collection of essays, poetry, and discussions on significant social, political, and cultural issues of the mid-19th century. Notably, it opens with the essay 'The New World and the New Man,' which examines America's unique identity and destiny, arguing that it is distinct from Europe. The volume reflects the evolving American consciousness and the interplay between individual actions and historical developments, making it a key document in understanding the period's literary and cultural landscape.