Hershel Parker is an emeritus professor at the University of Delaware and a foremost authority on Herman Melville. His scholarship delves deeply into Melville's life and writings, particularly exploring his development as a poet and the internal processes that shaped his literary genius. Parker's meticulous research and analytical approach uncover new insights into one of America's most significant authors.
A Peep at Polynesian Life During a Four Months' Residence in a Valley of the Marquesas - Definitive and Uncensored
Set in the paradise of a South Sea island, "Typee" is a combination of fact and fiction. The tale is a distortion of the life of the Typees and foreshadows the metaphysical preoccupations in Melville's later work with its depiction of the evil and mystery lurking beneath the idyllic setting.
Chronicling Herman Melville's life from the peak of his career with Moby-Dick to his later years in obscurity, this biography reveals the struggles he faced, including harsh reviews and financial woes. It highlights his transition to magazine fiction, producing classics like "Bartleby" and "Benito Cereno," and his final works, including the epic poem Clarel and the story "Billy Budd." Through extensive research, Parker uncovers previously unknown episodes, solidifying his reputation as a premier Melville scholar and offering a nuanced portrait of the author’s complex legacy.