Böcker av Herman Melville

With an Introduction and Notes by David Herd, Lecturer in English and American Literature at the University of Kent at Canterbury and co-editor of 'Poetry Review'.Moby Dick is the story of Captain Ahab's quest to avenge the whale that 'reaped' his leg. The quest is an obsession and the novel is a diabolical study of how a man becomes a fanatic.But it is also a hymn to democracy. Bent as the crew is on Ahab's appalling crusade, it is equally the image of a co-operative community at work: all hands dependent on all hands, each individual responsible for the security of each.Among the crew is Ishmael, the novel's narrator, ordinary sailor, and extraordinary reader. Digressive, allusive, vulgar, transcendent, the story Ishmael tells is above all an education:in the practice of whaling, in the art of writing. Expanding to equal his 'mighty theme' - not only the whale but all things sublime - Melville breathes in the world's great literature. Moby Dick is the greatest novel ever written by an American.

'Call me Ishmael.' So begins the author's masterpiece, one of the greatest works of imagination in literary history. As Ishmael is drawn into Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to slay the white whale Moby-Dick, he finds himself engaged in a metaphysical struggle between good and evil.

American writer Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick in 1851 but it took decades before finally it was regarded as a great American novel, and worthy of its place amongst the greatest texts of humankind. This edition offers a specially written introduction to contextualise the book.

With an essay by Alfred Kazin.'The frail gunwales bent in, collapsed, and snapped, as both jaws, like an enormous shears, sliding further aft, bit the craft completely in twain...'Moby-Dick is one of the most expansive feats of imagination in the whole of literature: the mad, raging, Shakespearean tale of Captain Ahab's insane quest to kill a giant white whale that has taken his leg, and upon which he has sworn vengeance, at any cost. A creation unlike any other, this is an epic story of fatal monomania and the deepest dreams and obsessions of mankind.The Penguin English Library - 100 editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century and the very first novels to the beginning of the First World War.

Part of Alma Classics Evergreens series of popular classics, this edition is thoroughly edited and extensively annotated, features an insightful foreword by Jay Parini and includes pictures and a comprehensive section on Melville's life and works.

A sailor called Ishmael narrates the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaler Pequod, for revenge on Moby Dick, a white whale which on a previous voyage destroyed Ahab's ship and severed his leg at the knee.

A new selection of Melville's most electrifying stories, in a beautiful Pushkin Collection edition'Some of the most brilliant stories of his or any other century' Philip Hoare, author of LeviathanHerman Melville produced some of the most singular, enigmatic stories in American literature. From surreally funny tales of office life to claustrophobic accounts of obscure tensions at sea, his darkly modern sensibility produced works of unparalleled narrative inventiveness.A lawyer hires a new copyist, who begins to exhibit a strange, confounding resistance to work. A cynical lightning-rod salesman plies his trade by exploiting fears in stormy weather. After boarding a beleaguered Spanish slave ship, a cheerful American trader is repeatedly struck by paralyzing unease as figures move in the shadows. These are stories of unsettling ironies and absurd humour, where nothing is as it first appears.

For this Sesquicentennial Norton Critical Edition, the Northwestern-Newberry text of Moby-Dick has been generously footnoted to include dozens of biographical discoveries, mainly from Hershel Parker's work on his two-volume biography of Melville.

Teeming with ideas and imagery, and with its extraordinary intensity sustained by mischievous irony and moments of exquisite beauty, Moby-Dick is both a great American epic and a profoundly imaginative literary creation.Part of the Macmillan Collector's Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition features an afterword by Nigel Cliff.On board the whaling ship Pequod a crew of wise men and fools, renegades and seeming phantoms is hurled through treacherous seas by crazed Captain Ahab, a man hell-bent on hunting down the mythic White Whale. Herman Melville transforms the little world of the whale ship into a crucible where mankind's fears, faith and frailties are pitted against a relentless fate.

From A to Z, the Penguin Drop Caps series collects 26 unique hardcovers—featuring cover art by Jessica HischeIt all begins with a letter. Fall in love with Penguin Drop Caps, a new series of twenty-six collectible and hardcover editions, each with a type cover showcasing a gorgeously illustrated letter of the alphabet. In a design collaboration between Jessica Hische and Penguin Art Director Paul Buckley, the series features unique cover art by Hische, a superstar in the world of type design and illustration, whose work has appeared everywhere from Tiffany & Co. to Wes Anderson's recent film Moonrise Kingdom to Penguin's own bestsellers Committed and Rules of Civility. With exclusive designs that have never before appeared on Hische's hugely popular Daily Drop Cap blog, the Penguin Drop Caps series debuted with an 'A' for Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, a 'B' for Charlotte Brönte's Jane Eyre, and a 'C' for Willa Cather's My Ántonia. It continues with more perennial classics, perfect to give as elegant gifts or to showcase on your own shelves.M is for Melville, who wrote of his masterpiece, "It is the horrible texture of a fabric that should be woven of ships' cables and hawsers. A Polar wind blows through it, and birds of prey hover over it." In part, Moby-Dick is the story of an eerily compelling madman pursuing an unholy war against a creature as vast and dangerous and unknowable as the sea itself. But more than just a novel of adventure, more than an encyclopedia of whaling lore and legend, Moby-Dick is a haunting, mesmerizing, and important social commentary populated with several of the most unforgettable and enduring characters in literature. Written with wonderfully redemptive humor, Moby-Dick is a profound and timeless inquiry into character, faith, and the nature of perception.

Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street is a short story written by the American author Herman Melville. It was first published anonymously in two parts in the November and December 1853 issues of Putnam's Magazine. This enigmatic novella is a timeless tale of isolation and defiance in the heart of New York City. Bartleby, a quiet, passive scrivener, refuses to conform to societal norms, challenging the very fabric of the rigidly structured Wall Street world. Through its profound exploration of individual agency and the complexities of human interaction, Melville's masterpiece continues to captivate readers, inviting contemplation on the nature of autonomy, compassion and the inherent contradictions of modern existence.

'Struck dead by an angel of God! Yet the angel must hang!' Outwardly a compelling narrative of events aboard a British man-of-war during the turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, Billy Budd is a nautical recasting of the Fall, a parable of good and evil, a meditation on justice and political governance, and a searching portrait of three extraordinary men. The passion it has aroused in its readers over the years is a measure of how deeply it addresses some of the fundamental questions of experience that every age must reexamine for itself. This edition draws on a new authoritative edition of Billy Budd, Sailor, which corrects the inaccuracies and excesses of former editions of Melville's notoriously incomplete final novella. Accompanied by extensive critical apparatus that draws on a wealth of recent Melville scholarship which highlights his contemporary relevance for questions of economics, ecology, identity, and sexuality and connects it to the key formal and interpretive issues at stake in understanding his art of fiction. It also includes a selection of Melville's short stories, as well as his review of Hawthorne's short fiction, 'Hawthorne and His Mosses'. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

"Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War" by Herman Melville is a poignant and introspective exploration of the American Civil War. Published in 1866, this collection of poems showcases Melville's ability to grapple with the complexities of war, human conflict, and the profound impact of historical events on the collective consciousness. Melville, best known for his novel "Moby-Dick," shifts his literary focus to the battlefield, offering readers a poetic panorama that captures the multifaceted nature of the Civil War. The collection is not a glorification of war but a nuanced examination of its various facets-its brutality, its impact on individuals, and its implications for a nation torn apart. The poems within "Battle-Pieces" serve as lyrical vignettes, each offering a unique perspective on the war's unfolding drama. Melville employs a range of poetic forms and styles to convey the emotional weight of the conflict, from solemn elegies for fallen soldiers to reflections on the moral and existential questions raised by war.

The novel Moby Dick, or, the Whale (1851) by Herman Melville is a classic tale of the voyage of the whaling ship, Pequod and its captain, Ahab, who relentlessly pursues a sperm whale called Moby Dick around the world. Narrated from the perspective of Ishmael, the book tells the story of Ahab's madness and obsessiveness with his hunting pursuit. A novel of adventure and a treatise on whaling, the book is also the author's lifelong meditation on America, brilliantly put together in a peculiar style with dark humour."To convey an adequate idea of a book of such various merits as that which the author of Typee and Omoo has here placed before the reading public is impossible in the scope of a review. High philosophy, liberal feeling, abstruse metaphysics popularly phrased, soaring speculation, a style as many-coloured as the theme, yet always good, and often admirable; fertile fancy, ingenious construction, playful learning, and an unusual power of enchaining the interest, and rising to the verge of the sublime, without overpassing that narrow boundary which plunges the ambitious penman into the ridiculous; all these are possessed by Herman Melville, and exemplified in these volumes."-London Morning Advertiser, October 24, 1851

Herman Melvilles Buch `Vier Monate auf den Marquesas-Inseln' ist eine unglaubliche Erkundung der Inseln und ihrer Kultur. In Zusammenarbeit mit Ludolf Parisius ist dieses Werk ein beeindruckendes Beispiel von Melvilles Fähigkeit, Reisen mit scharfen, bemerkenswerten Einsichten aufzuführen.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

"Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville is a poignant and enigmatic quick story that explores the complexities of human behavior and the dehumanizing effects of current office existence. The narrative is provided through the angle of an unnamed narrator, a Wall Street attorney who employs Bartleby as a scrivener, or copyist. Bartleby, first of all a diligent and efficient employee, surprises the narrator and co-workers through responding to paintings requests with the phrase "I would select no longer to." As Bartleby an increasing number of withdraws from the needs of his activity, his passive resistance demanding situations the traditional expectancies of the place of work. The narrator grapples with how to deal with Bartleby's unconventional conduct, leading to a series of tries to apprehend and accommodate him. The tale unfolds as a meditation on empathy, isolation, and the human circumstance in an industrialized society. Herman Melville, pleasant acknowledged for his novel "Moby-Dick," showcases his narrative mastery in this exploration of the alienation and dehumanization inherent in the place of job. "Bartleby, the Scrivener" stays a traditional of American literature, celebrated for its psychological depth, diffused humor, and incisive critique of societal norms. The character of Bartleby has come to be a long lasting image of resistance and existential contemplation in the face of conformity.

"Embark on a gripping journey to the exotic South Seas with Herman Melville in 'Typee: A Romance of the South Seas.' Penned in the mid-19th century, this novel is a captivating blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and the author's personal encounters in the Marquesas Islands.As Melville's narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in the enchanting world of the Typee Valley, where the protagonist, Tommo, finds himself among the island's indigenous people. Melville's vivid descriptions transport readers to the lush landscapes, vibrant communities, and the allure of Polynesian culture.More than a romantic adventure, 'Typee' stands as a literary exploration that delves into the complexities of cultural exchange and the human spirit. Join Melville on this literary expedition where each page unveils a new facet of South Seas romance, making 'Typee' an essential read for those captivated by tales of exploration, cultural encounters, and the allure of the Pacific islands."

Moby Dick is an epic adventure novel by Herman Melville, published in 1851. It tells the story of Captain Ahab, the monomaniacal captain of the whaling ship Pequod, who is obsessed with hunting down Moby Dick, a giant white whale that took his leg on a previous voyage.Ishmael, the novel's narrator, is a young sailor who joins the Pequod's crew. He is quickly drawn into Ahab's madness, as the captain becomes increasingly consumed by his quest for revenge. The novel follows the Pequod's journey as it hunts for Moby Dick, and explores themes of good and evil, man's relationship with nature, and the limits of human ambition.Moby Dick is considered one of the greatest American novels ever written. It is a complex and challenging book, but it is also a thrilling and unforgettable read. It is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature, adventure stories, or the sea.Here are some of the things that make Moby Dick so special:The characters: Ahab is one of the most iconic characters in literature. He is a complex and fascinating figure, who is both admirable and terrifying. Ishmael is also a well-developed character, who serves as our guide through the novel's world. The rest of the crew is also a rich and diverse group, who come from all over the world.The setting: The novel is set on the open ocean, which is a vast and dangerous place. Melville's descriptions of the sea are both beautiful and terrifying, and they help to create a sense of awe and wonder.The themes: Moby Dick explores a wide range of themes, including good and evil, man's relationship with nature, and the limits of human ambition. These themes are still relevant today, and they make the novel a thought-provoking read.The language: Melville's writing is beautiful and evocative. He uses a wide range of literary devices, including metaphors, similes, and personification, to bring his story to life.If you're looking for a classic adventure novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, then Moby Dick is the book for you.

Forgoing the narratives of the sea that prevailed in his earlier works, Melville's later fiction contains some of the finest and many of his keenest and bleakest observations of life, not on the high seas, but at home in America. With the publication of this Library of America volume, the third of three volumes, all Melville's fiction has now been restored to print for the first time.Pierre; or, The Ambiguities, published in 1852 (the year after Moby-Dick), moves between the idyllic Berkshire countryside and the nightmare landscape of early New York City. Its hero, a young American patrician trying to redeem the secret sins of his father, elopes to the city, discovers Bohemian life, attempts a literary epic, and struggles his way through incest, murder, and madness. Long a controversial work, it is Melville's darkest satire of American life and letters and one of his most powerful books.A pivotal work, both for Melville's career and for American literature, Pierre was followed by Israel Potter, the story of a veteran of the Revolution, victim of a thousand mischances, and a long-suffering exile in England. Along the way are memorable episodes of war and intrigue, with personal portraits of Benjamin Franklin, John Paul Jones, and George III. In the exploits of this touchingly optimistic soldier, Melville offers a scathing image of the collapse of revolutionary hopes.The Piazza Tales demonstrates Melville's dazzling mastery of many styles, including "The Encantadas," about nature's two faces-enchanting and horrific; the famous "Bartleby the Scrivener," about a Wall Street copyist who "would prefer not to"; and the enigmatic "Benito Cereno," about a credulous Yankee sea captain who stumbles into an intricately plotted mutiny aboard a disabled slave ship.The Confidence-Man, Melville's last published novel, is in many ways a forerunner of modernist American fiction. An extended meditation on faith, hope, and charity as these are manifested on board a Mississippi riverboat one April Fools' Day, it presents a menagerie of Americans buying and selling, borrowing and lending, believing and mistrusting, as they are carried toward the auction blocks of New Orleans.Many pieces never before collected are also included: the "Authentic Anecdotes of Old Zack" (burlesque sketches of Zachary Taylor's Mexican campaign), "Fragments from a Writing-Desk" (Melville's earliest surviving prose), reviews of Hawthorne, Parkman, and Cooper, and all the tales Melville published in magazines during the 1850s.Finally, there is the posthumously published masterpiece Billy Budd, Sailor, the haunting story of a beautiful, innocent sailor who is pressed into naval service, slandered, provoked to murder, and sacrificed to military justice. While encouraging questions for which there are no answers, it invites us to meditate on the conflicts central to all Melville's work: between freedom and fate, innocence and civilized corruption.LIBRARY OF AMERICA is an independent nonprofit cultural organization founded in 1979 to preserve our nation's literary heritage by publishing, and keeping permanently in print, America's best and most significant writing. The Library of America series includes more than 300 volumes to date, authoritative editions that average 1,000 pages in length, feature cloth covers, sewn bindings, and ribbon markers, and are printed on premium acid-free paper that will last for centuries.

The Piazza Tales, a classical book, has been considered essential throughout the human history, and so that this work is never forgotten we at Alpha Editions have made efforts in its preservation by republishing this book in a modern format for present and future generations. This whole book has been reformatted, retyped and designed. These books are not made of scanned copies of their original work and hence the text is clear and readable.

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is written by American writer Herman Melville, first published in 1851 during the period of the American Renaissance. It is a story of a ship captain - Captain Ahab who during one of his voyages is bitten by an enormous white whale, Moby Dick. Vengeful Captain Ahab is obsessed with finding and waging an unholy war against the white whale.