The Train (magazine)

The Train (magazine). *The Train* was a short-lived but influential British literary periodical published in London during the mid-19th century. It served as a platform for satire, poetry, and serialized fiction, attracting a roster of notable contributors from the Victorian literary scene. Though its run was brief, the magazine is historically significant for publishing the early work of several authors who would later achieve considerable fame.

History and publication

*The Train* was launched in 1856 and ceased publication in 1858, spanning a total of just over two years. It was published on a monthly basis from offices in the capital, operating during a period of flourishing for literary magazines in the United Kingdom. The publication was founded and edited by Edmund Yates, a journalist and novelist who was also a member of the Dickens circle of writers. Its brief existence coincided with a vibrant era for periodicals that included competitors like Household Words, edited by Charles Dickens.

Content and features

The magazine's content was diverse, featuring a mix of humorous sketches, literary criticism, and serialized novels. A typical issue might contain satirical commentary on contemporary London society, reviews of the latest theatrical productions in the West End, and original poetry. Serialized fiction was a staple, with multi-part stories designed to maintain reader engagement across issues. The publication also included illustrations, a common practice for magazines of the era like *Punch*, to complement its literary offerings.

Editorial stance and influence

Under the editorship of Edmund Yates, *The Train* adopted a generally liberal and reformist tone, often employing wit to critique social conventions and political figures of the Victorian era. Its influence was felt primarily within literary circles, where it was recognized for its quality and for providing a venue for emerging talent. The magazine's stance and style were part of a broader tradition of periodical journalism that sought to both entertain and provoke thought among the educated middle classes in Britain.

Notable contributors

The magazine's most historically significant contributor was the poet and critic Matthew Arnold, who published several early poems within its pages. Another key figure was the novelist Anthony Trollope, who contributed fiction. The editor, Edmund Yates, was a regular contributor of prose and commentary. Other writers associated with the publication included George Augustus Sala, a prominent journalist of the period, and the poet Mortimer Collins. The involvement of such figures linked *The Train* to the major literary networks of mid-19th century England.

Reception and legacy

Contemporary reception of *The Train* was generally positive within literary circles, though it never achieved the mass circulation of some of its more famous contemporaries. Its legacy is secured almost entirely by its role in publishing the early work of Matthew Arnold, whose contributions are now studied as part of his poetic development. For scholars of Victorian literature and periodical studies, the magazine serves as a valuable case study of the mid-century literary marketplace and the early careers of major British authors. It remains a footnote in literary history, but a significant one for understanding the ecosystem of London publishing during the 1850s.

Category:British literary magazines Category:Publications established in 1856 Category:Publications disestablished in 1858