In 25 separate articles, scholars with a wide variety of perspectives explore Melville's texts, assess the weaknesses and strengths of existing scholarship, and suggest directions for future study. Part I considers what is known of Melville's life, his travels, and his relation to New York literati. Part II summarizes each of Melville's works, surveys reception from early reviews to recent criticism, and indicates current problems. Parts 3 and 4 probe Melville's conceptions of society, language, religion, and psychology as well as his art, comedy, tragedy and aesthetics. Part 5 traces his relation to, and effect on 20th century writers, intellectuals, and popular culture. ISBN 0-313-23874-X : $85.00.