History's Best Selling Products of 1886

Revisiting 1886 presents a grand parade of items history, marked by swell Yankee ingenuity and home-front craftsmanship and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including The Bostonians, Black tie, and essential classics took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Henry James and Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. The Bostonians

   Released in 1886 by Henry James, Macmillan and Co.

   Published in 1886, Henry James's 'The Bostonians' stands as a profound literary artifact, capturing the zeitgeist of post-Civil War America, specifically the cultural and social ferment within Boston, a bastion of reform and intellectualism. This novel is historically significant for its incisive portrayal of the burgeoning women's rights movement, or what was then termed 'the Boston marriage' and the 'New Woman' phenomenon, presenting a nuanced, albeit satirical, look at the motivations and conflicts within these circles. Its release sparked immediate debate, challenging readers to confront the shifting landscape of gender politics and the often-uncomfortable realities of social change, thereby offering a crucial lens through which to understand late 19th-century American societal anxieties and aspirations concerning women's roles and autonomy.

2. Black tie

   Released in 1886 by Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), James Potter

   The 'Black tie' dress code, commonly known for its sophisticated elegance, made its debut as a revolutionary comfort piece for evening wear, marking a significant departure from the rigid formality of the tailcoat. Its initial adoption by high society for less formal private dinners quickly cemented its place as an essential alternative. Offering a refined yet relaxed aesthetic, Black tie embodied a new era of elegance and social ease, making it an instant cultural and commercial hit within the upper echelons who valued both style and comfort. This pivotal shift democratized evening wear slightly, while still maintaining an air of exclusivity and distinction for special occasions.