Brain Snacks: Tasty Tidbits of Knowledge
Wondering why Melville suddenly went all lawyer on you for the last bit of "Benito Cereno"? Turns out he had a tendency to do that. Another of his books, Billy Budd, is all about the law. (Source)
Melville wasn't always such hot stuff. He was totally forgotten after dying in 1891, until the "Melville Revival" started up in the 20th century. (Source)
"Benito Cereno"totally has special significance to President Obama. Check it out. (Source)