Do we need Herman Melville’s poems in our library?

[caleb72]

Originally Posted by HarryT

It actually doesn't. A copy of all copyrighted material published in the US is required to be sent to the Library of Congress, but they don't keep it all (unlike the British Library, who do).

That's a bit sad, HarryT. I wasn't aware of that.

[Indio777]

Originally Posted by HarryT

It actually doesn't. A copy of all copyrighted material published in the US is required to be sent to the Library of Congress, but they don't keep it all (unlike the British Library, who do).

Actually, two copies are supposed to be sent for materials published in the US. Foreign publishers who distribute materials in the US are supposed to send one copy. But yes, not everything received via copyright deposit is kept, or if kept is cataloged. Not sure why. Perhaps some materials aren't seen as helping to fulfill the Library's "mission."

[mbovenka]

Originally Posted by caleb72

That's a bit sad, HarryT. I wasn't aware of that.

Neither was I. Here in the Netherlands the Koninklijke Bibliotheek ('Royal Library') have the same mission and are supposed to get sent a copy of everything published here, and according to their website they not only keep it all, but they actually actively chase down stuff they didn't get ('The KB actively scouts the market to fill in any gaps and ensure comprehensiveness')

[Indio777]

The Library of Congress does spend a rather substantial amount of money each year to purchase materials and also actively goes after large collections/archives (either purchased or, better yet, donated). It also gets materials via exchanges from other libraries/governments. It still claims to be the world's largest library (although I seem to remember reading somewhere that the British Library is).

Regardless, searches of the Online Catalog can and do return no hits.

As for the original question about Melville, I would say do what you wish, but if the poetry is not included, the title should probably be changed.

[medard]

It's impossible to collect all books even if there's a law concerning this.

In universities in Germany at the beginning of this century, the very first books that got a digital reproduction and a scientific restauration where cheap pulp novels that where printed about 100 years ago.

These novels where printed on cheap paper and would have been lost forever, since the average reader of these novel does not archive them and university libraries didn't collect them. But as we know now, these novels are important to understand the daily life and the desires of the masses from a century ago, even the ads in these novel are an importaint factor to understand what happened 100 years ago.

This was a weird situation: Thomas Mann and Goethe had to wait, but Groschen-Romane got a full restauration. That was a bit difficult to explain to the public. Pulp novels usually have no advocate, expecially if we're talking about pulp novels for specific social groups (soldiers, maids, venders, for exeample).

What I'm trying to say is: Quality doesn't always matter (And quantity doesn't matter too, of course).

Maybe Melville's poetry is an importaint factor to understand some passages of his novels. I don't know, I haven't read a lot of Melville so far. Maybe Melville tied some stuff with his poems that he wouldn't try in his novels or in his letters.

[Prestidigitweeze]

In certain ways, Melville's poetry has the particularity and sinuous (if not sonorous) perversity of his prose.

The strangest part of it all is his tin ear: the jaw-breaking, jar-bricking use of meter, alliteration and sibilance -- all of which can make reciting his stanzas feel a bit like chewing rocks.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that Melville had the misfortune to be raised in one of the only Christian denominations that didn't involve music, and that this left him without a sense of poetic cadence. I don't know whether that's true, but the irony is that his ear for prose was impeccable. His fiction can have the opulence of Keats and the oceanic sweep of Milton -- all without the singsong repetitiousness of verse -- and that's part of what keeps you reading.

His poetry should be included because it's instructive and gives you insights into his strengths.

[rkw]

Originally Posted by HarryT

How can it be described as his "Complete Writings" if it doesn't include everything he wrote? I'm not personally bothered whether or not you include the poetry, but, if you don't, please change the name!

Huggies a bit snug that day Harry? Love your posts but geeze-Louise that one floored me. :sly:

Fyi, I don't disagree... but am just sayin'i...

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by rkw

Huggies a bit snug that day Harry? Love your posts but geeze-Louise that one floored me. :sly:

Fyi, I don't disagree... but am just sayin'i...

It wasn't intended as a criticism, rkw, just a simple question. If you call something a "complete works", then logically it has to be complete. Sorry if it came across as critical - that wasn't the intention.

[pynch]

The poetry is now included in the collection.

[HarryT]

Excellent. Thanks, pynch. I know from personal experience what a pain it is to format poetry.

[Prestidigitweeze]

Thanks tons, 'on. Am copying the new version to my Aura as we shriek.