New York Tribune, 23 June 1856.

In these stories, to which the readers of Putnam's Magazine will need no introduction, we find the peculiar traits of the author's genius, though in a less decided form, than in most of his pervious compositions. They show something of the boldness of invention, brilliancy of imagination, and quaintness of expression which usually mark his writings, with not a little of the apparent perversity and self-will, which serve as a foil to their various excellences. "Bartleby," the scrivener, is the most original story in the volume, and as a curious study of human nature, possesses unquestionable merit. "Benito Cereno," and "The Encantadas," are fresh specimens of Mr. Melville's sea romances, but cannot be regarded as improvements on his former popular productions in that kind. "The Lightning-Rod Man" and "The Bell Tower," which complete the contents of the volume, are ingenious rhapsodies.