Understanding Melville's Short Fiction: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents

Herman Melville is best known as the author of but most students first become acquainted with his works by reading and 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 in their economic, social, and cultural contexts. The first part of the book discusses while the second examines 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.