Harper’s Magazine is one of the classics in the vast library of
monthly publications. Magazines, like people, have their periods of
elevation and depression. But Harper’s has maintained a steady level of
high-class individuality, this being due in no small degree to the work
of Henry Mills Alden, who, since 1869, has been its editor-in-chief.
Mr. Alden was born at Mount Tabor, near Danby, Vermont, November 11,
1836. He attended public school at Hoosick Falls, New York, graduated
from Williams college in 1857, and from the Andover theological
seminary in 1860, but he never took orders. His literary bent was made
manifest early in life, and, after much general work with his pen, he
became managing editor of Harper’s Weekly, which position he held until
he was put in charge of the magazine. For some time he was lecturer at
the Lowell institute, Boston. He is the author of some religious books,
and also of Harper’s Pictorial History of the Great Revolution, Mr. A.
H. Guernsey being associated with him in the production of that work.
Mr. Alden’s life story is that of a man who, having a purpose, hopes on
and works on, ceasing not until his hopes are lost in full fruition.