Book description
Billy Budd, Sailor is a novella by American writer Herman Melville left unfinished at Melville's death in 1891. Acclaimed by critics as a masterpiece when a hastily transcribed version was finally published in 1924, it quickly took its place as a classic second only to Moby-Dick among Melville's works. Budd…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Billy Budd, Sailor as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
On his way into exile on Elba in HMS Undaunted, Napoleon Bonaparte, remarked on the conduct of British sailors, how silently and efficiently they went about their duties. It is true that discipline on British warships was strict, and punishment for offenders was harsh from flogging to hanging. However, contrary to some opinions, British seamen on the whole were happy with their lot. They were well-fed and were fairly treated. The maxim ‘train hard fight easy’ was prevalent with British sailors, this novelette undoubtedly reflects this attitude.
The Billy Budd story, set aboard HMS Bellipotent, is a microcosm of life…
From Peter's list on the lives of seafarers and the dangers of the sea.
I have never been a Melville fan. I’ve tried several times, unsuccessfully, to finish reading Moby Dick. Two adaptations led me to Billy Budd, however. Claire Denis’ 1999 film, Beau Travail, conjures up a Foreign Legion contingent in colonial Djibouti in a tense and meditative, even hypnotic viewing experience. I am especially intrigued by the intervals of ritual-like dancing at several junctures in the film. Benjamin Britten’s opera, Billy Budd, by contrast, is an edgy and explosive adaptation of the same story. I was curious to read the shared literary source behind these two radically different…
From Lynn's list on to read in with the eccentric movie adaptations.
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