Billy Budd by Herman Melville
Sailor (An Inside Narrative)
Set in the late 18th century, this novel tells the story of Billy Budd, a handsome, charismatic, but uneducated sailor who is forced to leave his merchant ship and join the crew of a British warship. Despite his popularity among the crew, he inadvertently makes an enemy of the master-at-arms, who falsely accuses him of mutiny. In a moment of panic, Budd accidentally kills his accuser, leading to his own court-martial and execution, despite the captain's reluctance and the crew's support. The novel explores themes of innocence, corruption, and the complexities of moral judgment.
The 5073rd greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1924
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 100-150
- Words
- 25,000
- Original Language
- English
- Alternate Titles
-
- Billy Budd, Sailor
- Billy Budd And Other Tales
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This book is on the following 6 lists:
- 888th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- Masterpieces of World Literature (Frank N. Magill)
- The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written (Easton Press)
- The Book of Great Books: A Guide to 100 World Classics (Book)
- The Great Books Podcast from John J. Miller (The National Review )