The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 20, No. 122, December, 1867a Magazine of Literature, Science, Art, and Politics

A literary magazine published in the late 19th century. It features a compilation of essays, articles, stories, and poetry from diverse contributors, showcasing topics ranging from art, literature, and science to politics and social commentary. The magazine serves as a reflection of contemporary issues and literary culture of its time. The opening of this issue introduces a serialized fictional work, ''The Guardian Angel,'' focusing on character dynamics and social relationships within a village setting. It begins with the character of Myrtle Hazard, who is caught in emotional turmoil between her admirer, Murray Bradshaw, and another suitor, Clement Lindsay. As tensions rise, Bradshaw reveals his ambitions and despair regarding Myrtle's affections, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that raises the stakes of their relationships. The narrative sets the stage for themes of love, ambition, jealousy, and the complexities of human emotions, drawing readers into the lives of its characters and the challenges they face.