The Argosy

About this issue

Edited by Charles W. Wood and published by Richard Bentley & Son, this volume contains serialized fiction, short stories, poetry, and illustrated travel pieces. The primary serialized work is "The Village Blacksmith" by Darley Dale, illustrated by William Small, which occupies substantial space across multiple chapters (XIX-XXXVI). The narrative tracks domestic tensions within a clergy household following the protagonist's honeymoon: his new wife intercepts and burns a letter from his brother regarding his daughter Vera's intended marriage to a Catholic officer, prompting him to establish locked postal baskets. She subsequently modifies her husband's ecclesiastical vestments, leading to church conflict. Katherine Carr's serialized story "Divided" runs throughout the volume. Additional stories include pieces by Emily H. Huddleston, Mrs. Henry Wood (author of East Lynne), Anne Beale, and others. Charles W. Wood contributes travel articles on Jersey, Rome, and climate observations. The volume includes poetry by E. Nesbit, Julia Kavanagh, and others. Notable contributors address educational and geographical topics alongside domestic fiction typical of Victorian periodical literature.