Great Short Works of Herman Melville (Perennial Classics)

This book includes one of my favorite works by Melville (or anyone, for that matter), "Bartleby The Scrivener". It tells the story of the document copier (or scrivener) Bartleby as narrated by his increasingly perplexed, unnamed employer. Unlike Mobey Dick which is so symbolic and philosophical, I gave up on page 13 or so, this story is strangely accessible and contemporary. The alienation that Bartleby feels for his job, his fellow employees, and the narrator is, at once, sad and humorous. Today, when it seems a job can easily become interchangeable with who we are, the fact that Bartleby is, at first, reluctant to do what's asked of him and later would "prefer not to" do anything at all is a bitter, if accurate, portrayal of the kind of ever-threatening psychosis that nibbles around the edges of the world of work from time to time, whatever it is we do to make a living. What's the word? Yeah; there's an existential quality to this tale that fits just as securely in 2007, as it does in the mid-19th century, the story's actual setting. Like Bartleby, I sometimes find myself fading away before the tasks I am asked to perform on the job; "I would prefer not to..." comes to mind pretty often, but, of course, I push on because at the time it all seems to mean something. And it does....Doesn't it? Melville was on to something.

I struggle with how to rate a collection of short works, especially works written in the time that Melville was around. I would start by saying that the kindle version was free of typos... a plus. Like most, I had only read "Moby Dick", and if you would like to expand on your knowledge of Melville, "Great Short Works" is a good source. I think for those that find the king's english of that time period a bit tedious, you may not enjoy this book, but there are some amusing stories, and some adventure as well. There are intros to each story that explain the history, and some critical comments... that's helpful.

Great selection of Melville's short works. Three stars for the Introduction (by Warner Berthoff) which could have been a lot richer.

arrived on time was as promised thank you

I belong to a boo club Walla Walla Wa, with college professors and enthusiastic readers. he discussion leader was a retired department head who suggested this specific edition. Melville is more than "Moby Dick." His views on the time he lived in are easy to read in novellas. Understanding them takes and deserves some thought.

Lots of good Melville, some familar, some less so, but the print in this edition is very small,making it a trial for older readers.

great reading about a great author

Gift and well received.