Journal of Narrative and Language Studies

October 18 serves as a perfect date for this collaboration, aligning the release with the publication of Herman Melville’s The Whale by the author’s publisher in London on this very day in 1851.

173 years later, we are delighted to present this special issue of our journal, Vol. 12, No. 25, Special Issue: Melville, Media, and Narratives, which brings together a collection of scholarly articles exploring the enduring legacy and multifaceted adaptations of Herman Melville's works.

This compilation highlights the diverse ways in which Melville's narratives continue to resonate with contemporary issues in literature, film, visual arts, and culture, igniting new ways of thinking about the novel. 

Collectively, these articles underscore the relevance of Herman Melville's work and its capacity to inspire diverse forms of artistic and scholarly expression.

From cinematic reinterpretations and graphic novels to animated films and visual arts, the contributors demonstrate how Melville's narratives continue to provoke thought and engage audiences across different cultures and mediums.

We hope this special issue offers readers fresh insights into Melville's legacy and stimulates further exploration of his profound impact on literature and the arts. Special thanks go to The International Melville Society, The Austrian Association for American Studies and The Association of Adaptation Studies.

Issue editors: Martina Pfeiler, Don Dingledine, Kyle Meikle, Paolo Simonetti, Mustafa Zeki Çıraklı, Soner Kaya