Download or read book Melville's Folk Roots written by Kevin J. Hayes and published by Kent State University Press. This book was released on 1999 with total page 162 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.