"Only art can counteract the entropy of the universe and redeem history; only art allows man to transcend time and space and resolve the painful contradictions that threaten to engulf him."
The above quote is from Laurie Robertson-Lorant's biography on Melville, my favourite such biography, surpassing even Parker's two-volume beast. "The Man Who Lived Among the Cannibals" does indeed try to redeem some of the tragic and unjust history of Melville's life by looking at it through the lens of art. Melville's voice is strong in these poems, the poet-biographer's research and knowledge of the author admirable. There are Melvillians who have read the novels, read the biographies, read the poetry and short stories, and still want more Herman. This slim volume provides just that in a satisfyingly authentic manner. Recommended.