This unique introduction explores Herman Melville as he described himself in Billy Budd-"a writer whom few know." Moving beyond the recurring depiction of Melville as the famous author of Moby-Dick, this book traces his development as a writer while providing the basic tools for successful critical reading of his novels. Using the extraordinary "Agatha" correspondence with Nathaniel Hawthorne as a key to Melville's writing practices, beliefs and inclinations, the volume introduces Melville as a writer who constantly reflected on his craft and experimented with new forms and genres.
Arranged chronologically, the volume focuses on Typee, Moby-Dick, and Billy Budd, as well as other novels, short fiction, and poems as appropriate, to explore Melville's distinctive narrative style. A biography, summaries of key works, interpretation, commentary, and an extensive bibliography are all included.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Texts and Abbreviations. List of Illustrations.
Acknowledgments.
Preface.
Part I: Introduction.
1. Melville's Life.
2. 'Agatha' and the Invention of Narrative.
Part II: Melville's Early Yarns.
3. 'Making Literary Use of the Story': Typee and Omoo.
4. 'A Regular Story Founded on Striking Incidents': Mardi, Redburn, and White-Jacket.
Part III: Writing New Gospel in Moby-Dick and Pierre.
5. 'So Much of Pathos & So Much of Depth': Moby-Dick.
6. 'All Tender Obligations': Pierre.
Part IV: Turning a New Leaf: Short Fiction, Israel Potter, and The Confidence-Man.
7. 'A Leaf from Professional Experience': Short Fiction of the 1850s.
8. 'Peculiarly Latitudinarian Notions': Israel Potter and The Confidence-Man.
Part V: Melville's Later Career.
9. 'Fulness & Veins & Beauty': Battle-Pieces and Clarel.
10. 'Different Considerations': Late Poetry.
11. 'Instinct with Significance': Billy Budd.
Afterword: 'Restoring To You Your Own Property': Owning Melville.
Appendix: The 'Agatha' Correspondence.
Notes.
Bibliography.
Index
