Mobi Dick

About the Author

Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet, best known for his masterpiece Moby Dick, a complex tale of obsession and the human condition.
Born in New York City, Melville's early life was marked by both privilege and hardship, which shaped his later works. Before becoming a writer, he worked as a sailor, experiences that would inform many of his novels, including Typee and Omoo, which draw from his adventures in the South Pacific. Despite early success, Melville's works, particularly Moby Dick, were not widely appreciated in his lifetime, and he fell into relative obscurity. It was only in the 20th century that Melville's work gained recognition as foundational to American literature. His writings explore themes of existential struggle, identity, and the conflict between nature and civilization, making him one of the most influential authors in American literary history.