The Piazza Tales

by Herman Melville

"The Piazza Tales" by Herman Melville is a collection of six short stories published in 1856. Originally appearing in Putnam's Monthly Magazine between 1853 and 1855, these tales include three of Melville's most celebrated works of short fiction: "Bartleby, the Scrivener," "Benito Cereno," and "The Encantadas." Written after the harsh reception of his novels "Moby-Dick" and "Pierre," this collection showcases Melville's mastery of the short story form during a difficult period in his literary career.