Literature Network » Herman Melville

Melville a poet on conflict, too; But such sea stories as 'Moby Dick' his greatest achievements.(TRAVEL)(THE CIVIL WAR)

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From: The Washington Times
Date: 20050716
Author:

Byline: Peter Cliffe, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Herman Melville played no part in the war, either as a civilian or a soldier, but shortly after it ended, he wrote a book of poems devoted entirely to Civil War incidents or personalities. They were the work of a highly individual man whose life had followed an erratic course.

Born in New York City on Aug. 1, 1819, of Dutch and Scottish descent, he was the third of eight children. His mother was the former Maria Gansevoort; his father, Allan, a fur and felt importer who went bankrupt in 1830 and died two years later. ...

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