Lippincott's Magazine, December, 1885

by Various

"Lippincott's Magazine, December, 1885" by Various is a historical periodical written in the late 19th century. This publication is a collection of articles and essays that reflect the literary and cultural tastes of the era, covering topics from agriculture and social commentary to travel and literature, with contributions from various authors. The opening portion of the magazine introduces an article titled "A Tobacco Plantation" by Philip A. Bruce, which provides a detailed account of a Virginia tobacco plantation and the lives of its laborers following emancipation. The author describes the economic structure of the plantation, the labor dynamics, and the social conditions of the African-American workers who primarily cultivate tobacco. This section paints a vivid picture of plantation life, emphasizing both the continuity of traditional practices and the slow transformations in the post-slavery context, while also exploring themes of community, labor, and the lingering effects of history on social relations.