Herman Melville, página 9 de 32

Ismael, l’únic supervivent del balener Pequod, ens explica l’obsessió del capità Acab per capturar la gran balena blanca, Moby Dick. El capità, un home de gairebé seixanta anys, en porta més de quara

This ebook comprises the complete writings of Herman Melville.The collection is sorted chronologically by book publication. There are the usual inline tables of contents and links after each text/chapter to get back to the respective tables. The dates of first publication are noted.Typee: A Romance of the South Seas. (1846)Omoo: Adventures in the South Seas. (1847)Mardi: and A Voyage Thither. (1849)Redburn: His First Voyage. (1849)White-Jacket: or, The World in a Man-of-War. (1850)Moby-Dick: or, The Whale. (1851)Pierre: or, The Ambiguities. (1852)Israel Potter: His Fifty Years of Exile. (1855)The Piazza Tales (1856): The Piazza, Bartleby, Benito Cereno, The Lightning-Rod Man, The Encantadas; or, Enchanted Isles, The Bell-TowerThe Confidence-Man: His Masquerade. (1857)Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War. (1866)Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land. (1876)John Marr and Other Sailors with Some Sea Pieces. (1888)Timoleon and Other Ventures in Verse. (1891)The Apple-Tree Table, and Other Sketches (1922): The Apple-Tree Table, Jimmy Rose, I and my Chimney, The Paradise of Bachelors and The Tartarus of Maids, Cock-a-Doodle-Doo!, The Fiddler, Poor Mans Pudding and Rich Mans Crumbs, The Happy Failure, The Gees.Essays: Fragments from a Writing Desk No. 1 & 2, Etchings of a Whaling Cruise, Authentic Anecdotes of "Old Zack," Mr Parkmans Tour, Coopers New Novel, A Thought on Book-Binding, Hawthorne and His Mosses.Uncollected Poems: Marquis de Grandvin at the Hostelry, Naples in the Time of Bomba, Immolated, Madam Mirror, The Wise Virgins to Madam Mirror, The New Ancient of Days, The Rusty Man, Thy Aim, Thy Aim?, The Old Shipmaster and his Crazy Barn, Camoens, Camoens in the Hospital, Montaigne and his Kitten, Falstaffs Lament over Prince Hal, Shadow at the Feast, Merry Ditty of the Sad Man, Honor, Fruit and Flower Painter, The Medallion, Times Long Ago!, In the Hall of Marbles, Gold in the Mountain...

Idealizada por Fernando Sabino, a coleção Novelas Imortais reúne narrativas breves de autores de grandes clássicos universais, como Miguel de Cervantes, Herman Melville, R. L. Stevenson, Gustave Flau

Bartleby, el escribiente es una de las narraciones más originales y conmovedoras de la historia de la literatura. Melville escribió este relato a mediados del siglo xix, pero por él no parece haber pasado el tiempo. Nos cuenta la historia de un peculiar copista que trabaja en una oficina de Wall Street. Un dia, de repente, deja de escribir amparandose en su famosa formula: Preferiria no hacerlo. Nadie sabe de donde viene este escribiente, prefiere no decirlo, y su futuro es incierto pues prefiere no hacer nada que altere su situacion. El abogado, que es el narrador, no sabe como actuar ante esta rebeldia, pero al mismo tiempo se siente atraido por tan misteriosa actitud. Su compasion hacia el escribiente, un empleado que no cumple ninguna de sus ordenes, hace de este personaje un ser tan extraño como el propio Bartleby. El libro esta ilustrado por Javier Zabala, Premio Nacional de Ilustracion 2005.

Bartleby, el escribiente es una de las narraciones más extrañas de la historia de la literatura, y su protagonista uno de los más excéntricos especímenes de la raza humana, cuyo lúcido e implacable nihilismo recuerda las teorias chinas acerca de la conducta ideal del emperador y del hombre santo. Desde el mismo momento de su nacimiento, el relato de Herman Melville ha espoleado la polemica y ha generado el intenso interes que garantiza la inmortalidad de una obra literaria: la fascinacion. Bartleby, el escribiente es considerado hoy un precursor insolito de los mejores relatos de Kafka. En El campanario asistimos al tragico final de un personaje faustico, y en su trama se percibe la influencia de su amigo Nathaniel Hawthorne. Los dos templos consta en realidad de dos textos: el primero fue censurado en su dia para no herir la sensibilidad religiosa de los lectores; y el segundo, escrito en 1849 durante un viaje a Europa, describe Londres como una ciudad babilonica. En El hombre pararrayos brilla el talento ironico de Melville contra los abundantes predicadores que en aquella epoca vivian de propagar la salvacion ante un fin del mundo inminente.

Herman Melville, uno de los autores más venerados de la literatura americana y universal, no tuvo en vida el reconocimiento que mereció. Esta es una pequeña e inestimable introducción al viaje, que nos habla de sus grandezas y servidumbres, de la filosofía con que debe acometerse

"Muchos de los héroes melvilleanos temen y sufren la deriva universal de la masa de la humanidad hacia el más completo de los olvidos de la misma manera angustiosa que tratan de oponerse a ella. La propia deriva de Melville en su tiempo, incomprendido y escasamente valorado por el publico y la sociedad literaria, no auguraba el reconocimiento que le reservaria la posteridad. Desplazados, retirados, victimas de grandes mudanzas, sus personajes tratan de encontrar un sentido a la soledad que finalmente ha caido sobre sus vidas. En este volumen se recogen los Cuentos completos de Melville y el lector tendra ocasion de descubrir en el no solo las claves de una literatura inspiradisima, extemporanea y visionaria, sino tambien la apreciable deuda que la posteridad ha contraido, y quiza no saldado, con su autor, sin duda uno de los mayores precursores de las corrientes literarias del siglo xx. Leer a Melville es, aparte de entregarse a una de las mejores escrituras narrativas que se han dado, homenajear a un hombre que representa como pocos la fe en la literatura." J. M. Guelbenzu, Babelia.

Billy Budd is a seaman impressed into service aboard HMS Bellipotent in the year 1797, when the Royal Navy was reeling from two major mutinies and was threatened by the Revolutionary French Republics military ambitions. He is impressed to this large warship from another, smaller, merchant ship, The Rights of Man. Billy, a foundling from Bristol, has innocence, good looks and a natural charisma that make him popular with the crew. His only physical defect is a stutter which grows worse when under intense emotion. He arouses the antagonism of the ships master-at-arms, John Claggart. Claggart, while not unattractive, seems somehow "defective or abnormal in the constitution", possessing a "natural depravity." Envy is Claggarts explicitly stated emotion toward Budd, foremost because of his "significant personal beauty," and also for his innocence and general popularity. This leads Claggart to falsely charge Billy with conspiracy to mutiny. When the captain, Edward Fairfax "Starry" Vere, is presented with Claggarts charges, he summons Claggart and Billy to his cabin for a private meeting. Claggart makes his case and Billy, astounded, is unable to respond, due to his stutter. In his extreme frustration he strikes out at Claggart, killing him instantly. Despite Billys moral innocence, he must face a trial.

In "Israel Potter: His Fifty Years of Exile," Herman Melville constructs a richly textured narrative that combines elements of historical fiction and personal introspection. Drawing from the life of an actual Revolutionary War soldier, Melville explores themes of displacement, identity, and the search for purpose in a tumultuous world. The work is characterized by Melvilles characteristic prose style, which intertwines complex symbolism with poignant realism, immersing the reader in the psychological and social landscapes of the early American republic during a time of political upheaval. The narrative unfolds through a series of episodic adventures, capturing both the protagonists external hardships and internal conflicts. Herman Melville, best known for his masterpiece "Moby-Dick," was deeply influenced by the turbulent sociopolitical environment of 19th-century America and his personal experiences at sea and as a writer. "Israel Potter" reflects Melvilles fascination with the undercurrents of American life and his empathy for the ordinary individuals shaped by extraordinary circumstances. This novel showcases MelvilleAos evolution as a writer and his willingness to engage with historical narratives while addressing broader philosophical questions. Readers seeking a profound exploration of the human condition through the lens of history will find "Israel Potter: His Fifty Years of Exile" to be a compelling addition to Melvilles oeuvre. This work invites readers to engage with themes of exile and belonging, offering an insightful commentary on the nature of freedom and the costs of individual sacrifice. Melvilles masterful prose ensures that this novel remains a vital and thought-provoking experience for contemporary audiences.

In "Redburn: His First Voyage," Herman Melville crafts a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores the coming-of-age journey of a young man named Wellingborough Redburn. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century maritime adventure, the novel employs a rich, descriptive prose style that vividly captures the complexities of life at sea. Melville juxtaposes the romanticized allure of a sailors life with the harsh realities of shipboard existence, reflecting the authors own experiences aboard whaling vessels. This bildungsroman reveals themes of innocence, disillusionment, and the quest for identity amidst the tumultuous oceanic expanse, presenting a poignant commentary on the human condition within the frame of American literatures burgeoning maritime saga. Herman Melville, an influential figure of the American Renaissance, drew from his personal voyages and encounters to imbue "Redburn" with authenticity and depth. His own early experiences as a sailor provided him with firsthand insight into the triumphs and tribulations of maritime life. Artistic in nature, Melville sought to intertwine narrative realism with allegorical elements, thereby striving to engage readers not merely as spectators, but as participants in the maritime odyssey of self-discovery. This novel is highly recommended for readers seeking to understand the thematic undercurrents of early American literature and the transformation of the sea as a powerful metaphor. Melvilles incisive exploration of youthful ambition and existential questioning acts as a precursor to the profound narratives that follow in his later works. "Redburn" stands not only as an adventurous tale but as a resonant reflection on the universal journey of maturation.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Omoo: A Narrative of the South Seas (pronounced OH-moo) is Herman Melvilles sequel to Typee, and, as such, was also autobiographical. After leaving Nuku Hiva, the main character ships aboard a whaling vessel which makes its way to Tahiti, after which there is a mutiny and the majority of the crew are imprisoned on Tahiti. The book follows the actions of the narrator as he explores Tahiti and remarks on their customs and way of life. (from wikipedia.com)

Melvilles semi-autobiographical story of the life in the South Seas is based on his three-week stay on the Marquesa Islands where he was captivated by "the Savages." Typee was Melvilles literary breakthrough and one of the first novels about Polynesian life.

This novel, the last one that Melville wrote, is set on a Mississippi steamer on April Fools Day. A Young man, the devil in disguise, enters the steamer and during its voyage down the mighty river he starts confronting the passengers with their deepest fears and prejudices.

Pierre Glendinning is 19 years old and the heir of an old manor in the state of New York. Although already engaged to Lucy Tartan, he is more than thrilled when he meets his illegitimate half-sister Isabel Banford, a very mysterious person. He struggles on to find a solution to give her the proper share of the heritage without discrediting his fathers name.