Herman Melville

Kevin J. Hayes explores the revival of interest in Melville's work thirty years after his death, coinciding with the aftermath of the First World War and the rise of modernism. He examines the composition and reception of Melville's works, including his first two books, Typee and Omoo, his more ambitious works, and the short fiction, novels and poetry he wrote during the last forty years of his life. Incorporating a wealth of new information about Melville's life and the time in which he lived, Hayes offers an engaging introduction to the life of this celebrated but often misunderstood writer.

About the author

Kevin J. Hayes is emeritus professor of English at the University of Central Oklahoma. He is the author of several books about American literature and culture, including Edgar Allan Poe, also published by Reaktion Books. He lives and writes in Toledo, Ohio.

Summary

This fast-paced new biography surveys all Herman Melville's major works and tells the compelling story of his unpredictable professional and personal life.

Product details

• Authors: Kevin J Hayes, Kevin J. Hayes
• Publisher: Reaktion Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback
• Released: 31.07.2017
• EAN: 9781780238074
• ISBN: 978-1-78023-807-4
• No. of pages: 248
• Dimensions: 130 mm x 200 mm x 16 mm
• Series: Critical Lives; Critical Lives
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative literary studies; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Biographies, autobiographies