Melville's Folk Roots

Melville's Folk Roots

Author: Kevin J. Hayes

Publisher: Kent State University Press

Published: 1999

Total Pages: 162

ISBN-13: 9780873386258

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Herman Melville's reputation as a great writer has gradually evolved throughout the 20th century. Tempered by studies that emphasize the Western literary tradition, literary appreciation for Melville's use of folklore has been slow in developing. This study focuses on Melville's immersion with and borrowing from oral traditions: both music and narrative; tall-tale humour; nautical folklore; superstition; and legend. The book also acts as a general introduction to Melville's work.