Understanding Melville's Short Fiction

Herman Melville is best known as the author of Moby-Dick, but most students first become acquainted with his works by reading Bartleby the Scrivener and Billy Budd. This reference locates these two works in their economic, social, and cultural contexts and relates them to contemporary issues. Through insightful literary and historical commentary and a generous selection of primary documents, this companion locates Bartleby the Scrivener and Billy Budd in their economic, social, and cultural contexts. The first part of the book discusses Bartleby, while the second examines Billy Budd. Each section includes chapters on specific issues, accompanied by a wide range of documents. These include the will of John Jacob Astor, 19th-century newspaper articles, excerpts from the works of Charles Dickens and other writers, and modern historical, psychological, and political works, including the Patriot Act. The volume relates Melville's works to contemporary social concerns, lists works for further reading, and suggests topics for papers and classroom discussions.