Israel Potter by Herman Melville
The novel tells the story of Israel Potter, an American sailor who is captured by the British during the War of 1812 and sold into slavery in England. He escapes and becomes embroiled in a series of adventures involving espionage, romance, and social class.
Potter's experiences serve as a commentary on the complexities of identity, nationality, and social status in early 19th-century America and Europe. Through his character, Melville explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and the human condition.
The novel is structured around Potter's narrative, which is presented as an oral history told to a group of American sailors. This framing device allows for a unique blend of historical fiction, satire, and social commentary.
Throughout the novel, Melville critiques the societal norms and values of his time, particularly with regards to issues such as slavery, class, and national identity.
By Herman Melville · First published 1823 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Biographical Fiction · 27 chapters
Contents
- The Birthplace of Israel
- The Youthful Adventures of Israel
- Israel Goes to the Wars; and Reaching Bunker Hill in Time to be of <Br/> Service there, Soon after is Forced to Extend his Travels Across the Sea into the Enemy's Land
- Further Wanderings of the Refugee, with some Account of a Good Knight <Br/> of Brentford who Befriended him
- Israel in the Lion's Den
- Israel Makes the Acquaintance of Certain Secret Friends of America, One of them being the Famous Author of the "Diversions of Purley," these Despatch him on a Sly Errand Across the Channel
- After a Curious Adventure Upon the Pont Neuf, Israel Enters the <Br/> Presence of the Renowned Sage, Dr. Franklin, whom he Finds Right Learnedly and Multifariously Employed
- Which has Something to Say about Dr. Franklin and the Latin Quarter
- Israel is Initiated into the Mysteries of Lodging-Houses in the Latin <Br/> Quarter
- Another Adventurer Appears Upon the Scene
- Paul Jones in a Reverie
- Recrossing the Channel, Israel Returns to the Squire's Abode-His <Br/> Adventures there
- His Escape from the House, with Various Adventures Following
- In which Israel is Sailor under Two Flags, and in Three Ships, and all in One Night
- They Sail as Far as the Crag of Ailsa
- They Look in at Carrickfergus, and Descend on Whitehaven
- They Call at the Earl of Selkirk's, and Afterwards Fight the <Br/> Ship-Of-War Drake
- The Expedition that Sailed from Groix
- They Fight the Serapis
- The Shuttle
- Samson Among the Philistines
- Something further of Ethan Allen; with Israel's Flight Towards the <Br/> Wilderness
- Israel in Egypt
- Continued
- In the City of Dis
- Forty-Five Years
- Requiescat in Pace
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