In a series of 35 original essays, this companion demonstrates the relevance of Melville’s works in the twenty-first century.

Presents 35 original essays by scholars from around the world, representing a range of different approaches to Melville

Considers Melville in a global context, and looks at the impact of global economies and technologies on the way people read Melville

Takes account of the latest and most sophisticated scholarship, including postcolonial and feminist perspectives

Locates Melville in his cultural milieu, revising our views of his politics on race, gender and democracy

Reveals Melville as a more contemporary writer than his critics have sometimes assumed