Student Companion to Herman Melville

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Student Companion to Herman Melville provides a critical introduction to the life and literary works of Herman Melville, the nineteenth-century American author of Moby-Dick, as well as nine other novels and numerous short stories and poems. In addition to providing an overview of Melville's life in relation to his literary works, the book places his writings within their historical and cultural contexts, and then examines each of his major works fully, at the level of the nonspecialist and generalist reader. The chapters that address major works by Melville feature close readings of the literary texts that include analysis of point of view, setting, plot, characters, symbolism, themes, and historical contexts when appropriate. In addition, the four chapters devoted to individual novels, as well as the chapter on Melville's poetry, feature alternate readings to introduce the reader to postcolonial, feminist, genre, reader response, and deconstructionist approaches to literary criticism. The book concludes with an extensive bibliography that includes lists of Melville's published works, biographies, contemporary reviews, and recent critical studies. -Early Narratives, from Typee to White Jacket -Moby Dick -Pierre -The Piazza Tales -Other magazine tales: I and My Chimney, The Paradise of Bachelors and the Tartarus of Maids, and Israel Potter -The Confidence-Man -Poetry, including

Reviews

Talley provides a student companion to the works of Herman Melville that is also intended for general readers. The volume is meant to help readers critically analyze his literature in a non-intimidating way. Beginning with a chapter on biography, the book discusses Melville's contributions to American literature, his influence, genres, and major works: Typee, Omoo, Mardi, Redburn, White-Jacket, Moby-Dick, Pierre, The Confidence Man, and Billy Budd, in addition to his short fiction, serialized novels, and poetry. Plot and character development and major themes are examined, as well as literary devices, style, narrative point of view, and setting. Each chapter incorporates an alternative critical perspective, such as feminist, postcolonial, genre, reader response, and deconstructionist criticism. * Reference & Research Book News *

Author Bio

Sharon Talley is an Associate Professor of English at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, where she teaches Early American literature and cultures. Special research interests include Death and Dying in American Literature, and the American Renaissance.