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The Conversation USA

The Conversation USA

As Herman Melville turns 200, his works have never been more relevant

  • Written by Aaron Sachs, Professor of History and American Studies, Cornell University
An 1870 portrait of Herman Melville painted by Joseph Oriel Eaton.Houghton Library

Outside of American literature courses, it doesn’t seem likely that many Americans are reading Herman Melville these days.

But with Melville turning 200 on August 1, I propose that you pick up one of his novels, because his work has never been more timely. This...

Read more: As Herman Melville turns 200, his works have never been more relevant

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