Herman Melville was an acclaimed American novelist, poet, and short story writer who was one of the first authors to have his work published in the Library of America. Melville’s first few publications gave him renown and literary prominence, making him an enigma of American literature. His first work, ‘Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life,’ received critical acclaim, and his most successful novel, ‘Moby-Dick,’ cemented his reputation as a prolific writer. ‘Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas,’ ‘Mardi and a Voyage Thither,’ White-Jacket, ‘Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land,’ and the posthumously published novel ‘Billy Budd’ are only a few of his other works. Unfortunately, prior to the triumph of ‘Moby-Dick,’ the works that were published did not fare well. His work ‘Moby-Dick,’ which is recognized as one of the most celebrated pieces of literature in the world, launched him to enormous popularity as a writer in the twentieth century. Despite the fact that he was not a financially successful writer, his writings garnered worldwide renown.
Childhood and Adolescence
Allan and Maria Gansevoort Melville raised Herman Melville in New York City. His father was a commission trader and importer who spent the most of his time in other countries. He was a student at the New York Male School in New York City. His father died when he was just twelve years old, leaving the family with little money or resources. His mother had hoped to inherit some money from her family, but she didn’t get it. During the 1830s, he was a student at Albany Academy. He studied ancient literature and actively participated in student debates while he was there. During this time, he also developed an interest in writing.
Career of Herman
He embarked on the whaler ship ‘Acushnet’ in 1841 from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, then left the ship the following year. His travels were the source of inspiration for many of his works. His first work, ‘Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life,’ was published in 1846. The book was based on his true experiences on the French Polynesian island of Nuku Hiva, where he was held captive. In 1847, he released ‘Omoo: A Narrative of Adventures in the South Seas,’ a book that depicted Tahiti and its customs and traditions. It was a follow-up to “Typee: A Peep into Polynesian Life.”
His book, ‘Mardi, and a Voyage Thither,’ was published in 1849. It recounts his adventures in the South Pacific after abandoning his ship. The book was a critical flop since it was poorly accepted.
His book ‘Redburn: His First Voyage’ was published on September 29, 1849. It was a semi-autobiographical work based on his ship trip to Liverpool. ‘White-Jacket,’ a book on his adventures in the US navy, was published in 1850. It’s a scathing indictment of the lives of American Navy commanders. ‘Moby-Dick,’ his most popular work, was released in 1851. The story follows a wandering sailor and his experiences aboard the whale ship ‘Pequod.’ ‘Pierre: or, The Ambiguities,’ published by Harper & Brothers in 1852, was one of his most unsuccessful books, both critically and financially. His unwritten and lost novel ‘Isle of the Cross,’ written in 1853, is rumored to have been rejected by Harper & Brothers, the publisher.
His short story ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street’ was published anonymously in ‘Putnam’s Magazine’ in November 1853, and was later reprinted in ‘The Piazza Tales.’ He published ‘The Encantadas’ in 1854. Despite its critical acclaim, the novel was a commercial flop. From July 1854 to March 1855, ‘Israel Potter: His Fifty Years of Exile’ was serialized in ‘Putnam’s Magazine.’ George Palmer Putnam in New York released the same in the form of a book. He published ‘The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade’ in 1857, and when it was published, he went to work as a lecturer. After the American Civil War ended in 1866, ‘Battle Pieces and Aspects of the War’ was released. It has almost 70 poems in it, yet it earned mixed reviews from critics.
His epic poem ‘Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land’ was first published in 1876. It has 18,000 lines and was released in two volumes. ‘Billy Budd,’ published after his death, was one of his most acclaimed works, winning numerous awards throughout the world. Major Works His greatest book, ‘Moby-Dick,’ has gained him worldwide literary recognition. This work is regarded one of the greatest classics in global literature and is one of the ‘Great American Novels.’ One of his most well-known pieces, ‘Billy Budd,’ is widely regarded as a masterpiece. In 1951, it was adapted for the screen and received the Donaldson and Outer Critics Circle Awards for best play.
Personal History and Legacy
He contracted scarlet fever in 1826, and his vision remained permanently impaired as a result. On August 4, 1847, he married Elizabeth Shaw. She was the daughter of Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Lemuel Shaw.
With his wife, he moved to Massachusetts in 1850. They had four children as a couple. At the age of 72, he died at his New York home from cardiac dilation. He was laid to repose in The Bronx, New York’s Woodlawn Cemetery.
Estimated Net Worth
Herman is one of the wealthiest novelists and one of the most well-known. Herman Melville’s net worth is estimated to be over $117 million, according to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Trivia
This renowned novelist struggled with writer’s block until he read Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short tale collection ‘Mosses From an Old Manse,’ which spurred him to create.
This famous American poet and writer once awoke his daughter at 2 a.m. to have her proofread his poem!