Written in 1906, Before Adam is a bit of a departure from London's other novels. Still an adventure novel, this one revolves around the dreams of a young boy, dreams that involve racial memories and the knowledge of his prior existence as a man-like creature named Big Tooth living in prehistoric times.
Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street is a short story by Herman Melville, first published in 1853. It is considered one of Melville’s most notable works and is often praised for its profound exploration of individuality, alienation, and passive resistance within a capitalist society.
The story is narrated by an unnamed lawyer who runs a law practice on Wall Street in New York City. He hires a new scrivener (or copyist) named Bartleby, who at first works diligently. However, Bartleby soon begins responding to requests with the phrase "I would prefer not to," gradually refusing more tasks until he ultimately refuses to work altogether. Bartleby's passive resistance confounds and frustrates the narrator, and as the story progresses, Bartleby's withdrawal from society becomes increasingly pronounced.
Melville’s work offers a poignant critique of modern industrial life, exploring themes like isolation, the dehumanizing effects of work, and the limits of compassion. The character of Bartleby, with his enigmatic resistance, has intrigued readers and scholars for generations, making it a seminal piece of American literature with enduring relevance.
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Categories: Fiction Science Fiction Fantasy Historical Classics