Classic Literature· United States
Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man)
by Herman MelvilleAggregate Editorial Score30/100
#88,557of 99,626 books
Library Journal
Published 1999English
Buy on Amazon → About This Book
Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man) by Herman Melville is a landmark work of classic literature, first published in 1999. A cornerstone of the literary canon, Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man) (1999) by Herman Melville continues to resonate with readers worldwide.
Book Details
About the Category
🏛️ Classic Literature
Enduring works that have shaped world literature across centuries.
Explore all Classic Literature books →Country of Origin
🇺🇸 United States
This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United States →Editorial Assessment
Herman Melville published Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man) in 1999, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of classic literature from United States. The book's treatment of the human condition accounts for much of its enduring reputation.
Critics and institutions have consistently placed Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man) among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals.
Readers coming to Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man) for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of the human condition is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at.
Herman Melville's role in the literature of United States is well established. Bartleby the Scrivener and Other Stories (Bartleby, the Scrivener / Bell-Tower / Lightning-Rod Man) can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Library Journal
notable · national
199930
Herman Melville is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of adventure.
What to Read Next
literary-fiction
The Remains of the Day
Kazuo Ishiguro· 1989
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
literary-fiction
The Tin Drum
Günter Grass· 1999
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score98/100
literary-fiction
Celestial Bodies
Jokha Alharthi· 2010
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score93/100
literary-fiction
The Grapes of Wrath
John Steinbeck· 1962
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score90/100
literary-fiction
Beloved
Toni Morrison· 1993
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score85/100
literary-fiction
The Green House
Mario Vargas Llosa· 1966
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Editorial Score84/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular on 50 Best Books
Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides