Herman Melville was an American novelist, poet and short story writer who lived from 1819 to 1891 He is best known as the author of the 1851 epic novel, Moby-Dick and other works such as Bartleby the Scrivener (1853), “I and My Chimney” (1856) and Billy Budd, Sailor (unfinished 1891). Melville wrote in the Romantic style of American literature which encompassed much of the folklore and natural wonders of America. He was also a pioneer of realism which was used in many of his writings to provide a more accurate representation of post-Civil War America.
Herman Melville’s works are renowned for their exploration of humanity and human nature. He frequently explored themes of alienation, morality, individuality, and slavery. His writings often dealt with the complexity of human nature and the idea of the “American Dream.”
1. Moby-Dick (1851): Moby-Dick is considered Melville’s masterpiece and is one of the greatest works in American Literature. The novel follows the adventures of Ishmael, a narrator, on board the whaling ship, the Pequod. The novel is a complex examination of whaling and the human condition.
2. The Piazza Tales (1856): This collection of five short stories was written by Melville in the mid-19th century. Focusing on the human condition and various aspects of life, the stories are often considered his best works. The short stories included in this collection are “The Piazza,” “The Encantadas,” “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” “Benito Cereno,” and “Billy Budd.”
3. Typee (1846): This novel is a semi-fictionalized account of Melville’s own experiences living among the natives on the island of Nuku Hiva. The novel follows Tommo, a sailor who escapes from a whaling ship and ends up living with the natives. Through his experiences with the natives, Tommo learns about their culture and lifestyle.
4. “I and My Chimney” (1856): This short story is a humorous account of a man trying to maintain a beloved chimney in a small New England town. Through this story, Melville uses humor to explore themes of control and the difficulty of maintaining one’s independence.
5. White-Jacket (1850): This novel is based on Melville’s own experiences serving in the United States Navy. The novel follows the narrator, White-Jacket, and his experiences with the navy and the different characters he meets on board. The novel is an exploration of naval life and the impact of the institution on the individuals who serve in it.