Bartleby the Scrivener
by Herman Melville
Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville holds a well received rating of 3.90 out of 5, based on 26.3K reader ratings. First published in 1853. The book spans 64 pages.
About Bartleby the Scrivener
Academics hail it as the beginning of modernism, but to readers around the world—even those daunted by Moby-Dick—Bartleby the Scrivener is simply one of the most absorbing and moving novellas ever. Set in the mid-19th century on New York City's Wall Street, it was also, perhaps, Herman Melville's most prescient story: what if a young man caught up in the rat race of commerce finally just said, "I would prefer not to"?The tale is one of the final works of fiction published by Melville before, slipping into despair over the continuing critical dismissal of his work after Moby-Dick, he abandoned publishing fiction. The work is presented here exactly as it was originally published in Putnam's magazine—to, sadly, critical disdain.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Herman Melville |
| Published | 1853 |
| Pages | 64 |
| Genres | Classics, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.90 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 26,265 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Bartleby the Scrivener?
Bartleby the Scrivener is categorized as Classics, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is Bartleby the Scrivener worth reading?
Based on 26.3K reader ratings, Bartleby the Scrivener has an average score of 3.90 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Bartleby the Scrivener?
Bartleby the Scrivener has 64 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Bartleby the Scrivener?
Bartleby the Scrivener was written by Herman Melville. It was first published in 1853.
What is the ISBN for Bartleby the Scrivener?
The ISBN-13 for Bartleby the Scrivener is 9780974607800.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 23, 2026
