Herman Melville Popular Books
Herman Melville Biography & Facts
Herman Melville (born Melvill; August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the American Renaissance period. Among his best-known works are Moby-Dick (1851); Typee (1846), a romanticized account of his experiences in Polynesia; and Billy Budd, Sailor, a posthumously published novella. Although his reputation was not high at the time of his death, the 1919 centennial of his birth was the starting point of a Melville revival, and Moby-Dick grew to be considered one of the great American novels. Melville was born in New York City, the third child of a prosperous merchant whose death in 1832 left the family in dire financial straits. He took to sea in 1839 as a common sailor on a merchant ship and then on the whaler Acushnet, but he jumped ship in the Marquesas Islands. Typee, his first book, and its sequel, Omoo (1847), were travel-adventures based on his encounters with the peoples of the island. Their success gave him the financial security to marry Elizabeth Shaw, the daughter of the Boston jurist Lemuel Shaw. Mardi (1849), a romance-adventure and his first book not based on his own experience, was not well received. Redburn (1849) and White-Jacket (1850), both tales based on his experience as a well-born young man at sea, were given respectable reviews, but did not sell well enough to support his expanding family. Melville's growing literary ambition showed in Moby-Dick (1851), which took nearly a year and a half to write, but it did not find an audience, and critics scorned his psychological novel Pierre: or, The Ambiguities (1852). From 1853 to 1856, Melville published short fiction in magazines, including "Benito Cereno" and "Bartleby, the Scrivener". In 1857, he traveled to England, toured the Near East, and published his last work of prose, The Confidence-Man (1857). He moved to New York in 1863, eventually taking a position as United States customs inspector. From that point, Melville focused his creative powers on poetry. Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War (1866) was his poetic reflection on the moral questions of the American Civil War. In 1867, his eldest child Malcolm died at home from a self-inflicted gunshot. Melville's metaphysical epic Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land was published in 1876. In 1886, his other son Stanwix died of apparent tuberculosis, and Melville retired. During his last years, he privately published two volumes of poetry, and left one volume unpublished. The novella Billy Budd was left unfinished at his death, but was published posthumously in 1924. Melville died from cardiovascular disease in 1891. Biography Family and early life Herman Melville was born in New York City on August 1, 1819, to Allan Melvill (1782–1832) and Maria (Gansevoort) Melvill (1791–1872). Herman was the third of eight children in a family of Scottish and Dutch descent. His siblings, who played important roles in his career as well as in his emotional life, were Gansevoort (1815–1846); Helen Maria (1817–1888); Augusta (1821–1876); Allan (1823–1872); Catherine (1825–1905); Frances Priscilla (1827–1885); and Thomas (1830–1884), who eventually became a governor of Sailors' Snug Harbor. Part of a well-established and colorful Boston family, Allan Melvill spent much time out of New York and in Europe as a commission merchant and an importer of French dry goods. Both of Melville's grandfathers were heroes of the Revolutionary War, and Melville found satisfaction in his "double revolutionary descent". Major Thomas Melvill (1751–1832) had taken part in the Boston Tea Party, and his maternal grandfather, General Peter Gansevoort (1749–1812), was famous for having commanded the defense of Fort Stanwix in New York in 1777. Major Melvill sent his son Allan (Herman's father) to France instead of college at the turn of the 19th century, where he spent two years in Paris and learned to speak and write French fluently. In 1814, Allan, who subscribed to his father's Unitarianism, married Maria Gansevoort, who was committed to the more strict and biblically oriented Dutch Reformed version of the Calvinist creed of her family. This more severe Protestantism of the Gansevoorts' tradition ensured she was well versed in the Bible, both in English as well as in Dutch, the language she had grown up speaking with her parents.On August 19, almost three weeks after his birth, Herman Melville was baptized at home by a minister of the South Reformed Dutch Church. During the 1820s, Melville lived a privileged, opulent life in a household with three or more servants at a time. At four-year intervals, the family would move to more spacious and elegant quarters, finally settling on Broadway in 1828. Allan Melvill lived beyond his means and on large sums he borrowed from both his father and his wife's widowed mother. Although his wife's opinion of his financial conduct is unknown, biographer Hershel Parker suggests Maria "thought her mother's money was infinite and that she was entitled to much of her portion" while her children were young. How well the parents managed to hide the truth from their children is "impossible to know", according to biographer Andrew Delbanco.In 1830, Maria's family finally lost patience and their support came to a halt, at which point Allan's total debt to both families exceeded $20,000 (equivalent to $509,000 in 2021), showing his lack of financial responsibility. The relative happiness and comfort of Melville's early childhood, biographer Newton Arvin writes, depended not so much on Allan's wealth, or his lack of fiscal prudence, as on the "exceptionally tender and affectionate spirit in all the family relationships, especially in the immediate circle". Arvin describes Allan as "a man of real sensibility and a particularly warm and loving father," while Maria was "warmly maternal, simple, robust, and affectionately devoted to her husband and her brood". Education and father's death Herman Melville's schooling began when he was five and was interrupted at age 12 by the death of his father. Around the time the Melvills moved to a newly built house at 33 Bleecker Street in Manhattan in 1824, Herman and his older brother Gansevoort were sent to the New York Male High School. In 1826, the year that Herman contracted scarlet fever, Allan Melvill described him as "very backwards in speech & somewhat slow in comprehension" at first, but his development increased its pace and Allan was surprised "that Herman proved the best Speaker in the introductory Department". In 1829, both Gansevoort and Herman were transferred to Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, and Herman enrolled in the English Department on September 28. "Herman I think is making more progress than formerly," Allan wrote in May 1830 to Major Melvill, "and without being a bright Scholar, he maintains a respectable standing, and would proceed further, if he could only be induced to study more—being a mos.... Discover the Herman Melville popular books. Find the top 100 most popular Herman Melville books.
Best Seller Herman Melville Books of August 2022
Persuasion
Jane AustenDecember 31, 1817GetA woman of no importance, she manoeuvres in her restricted circumstances as her long-time love Captain Wentworth did in the wars. Even though she is nearly thirty, well past the sell-by bloo...
Her Dream Cowboy
Laura AnnMay 9, 2022GetShe's fulfilling her mother's dying dream, he's leaving his legacy behind... When their paths cross, can they find love despite going in different directions? Scarlett Dylan was raised in th...
Lost Souls
W.J. MayNovember 22, 2018GetYour curse is your biggest strength. I just didn't know it yet. Jamie Hunt's the high school quarterback in his senior year. He's popular, smart, got the prettiest girl in the school chasing...
iPad User Guide
Apple Inc.September 20, 2021GetHere’s everything you need to know about iPad, straight from Apple. This definitive guide helps you get started using iPad with iPadOS 15 and discover all the amazing things it can do.
10-Minute Social Psychology
Albert RutherfordJune 7, 2020GetWould you like to instantly catch people's thoughts, emotions, motivations, and intentions through mere observation? If yes, you've come to the right place! 10-Minute So...
Girl, Alone (An Ella Dark FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)
Blake PierceDecember 16, 2020GetFBI Agent Ella Dark has studied serial killers from the time she could read, devastated by the murder of her own sister. With her photographic memory, she has obtained an encyclopedic knowle...
Don't Play With Odin
Cynthia EdenJuly 13, 2021GetBig, bad, and currently out of his element... Odin Shaw thought he’d spend his life on a battlefield. But fate had other plans, and now the former Special Forces operative has just landed ...
The School of Starting Over
Lisa SwiftMarch 11, 2020Get‘this was a delight to read …I just can’t recommend it enough. The best romance book I’ve read this year .’ ☆☆☆☆☆ Books and Bookends Nell’s going back to school… but ...
Accidentally Aphrodite
Dakota CassidySeptember 24, 2019GetAn apple a day keeps the Goddess in play... Mythology buff Quinn Morris has always wanted to visit Greece, where her inner hardcore romantic envisioned proposing to her boyfriend. And she's ...
Someone Else's Daughter
Linsey LanierOctober 29, 2010GetBook I of the popular Miranda's Rights Mystery series by bestselling author Linsey Lanier. A woman can never make herself too tough, too strong, or too street smart. THE SEARCHIN...
The Tanglewood Tea Shop
Lilac MillsJanuary 31, 2019GetWhat happens after your dreams come true? Patisserie-Chef Stevie is stuck in a rut. Her beloved Great Aunt Peggy has passed away and she’s lost both her job and the love of her life. Then ...
Falling for Prince Charming: A Feel-Good Romantic Comedy
Sophie-Leigh RobbinsSeptember 7, 2021GetFalling for your best friend's brother is tricky… unless you're keeping it a secret. Elle I never thought I'd be serving hotdogs dressed as an actual hotdog at the local amusement park. No...
Maverick
Brenda RothertAugust 24, 2021GetThe Vegas heat just kicked up a notch with the arrival of ice hockey’s newest expansion team – the Sin City Saints. Maverick Hagen’s fall from grace was more like a crash landing. His ...
Let's Taco Bout It
Matthew RyanOctober 1, 2014GetMr Taco is feeling sad, it’s not easy being a little taco when everything around you is so BIG! Luckily, Patrick has a few ideas to help his friend... ———— NOT YOUR REGULAR S...
My Always One
Aleatha RomigJuly 27, 2021GetMY ALWAYS ONE: Friends to lovers stand alone When we were young, Samantha Anderson was the girl down the street. For as long as I remember, she’s been my partner in crime, in adventu...
Secrets of Willow House
Susanne O'LearyMarch 25, 2019Get‘ What a wonderful read this was! ... The definition of feel-good – reading it felt like sunshine… The first ‘feel good’ novel I’ve read this year that actually made me feel good...
Calamity Rayne: Gets A Life
Lydia MichaelsJanuary 20, 2017GetAn awkward girl's account of inexperience, sexual mishaps, and too much tequila... Needing a change, Rayne Meyers—a.k.a. Calamity Rayne—sets out to be a personal assistant for one of the...
Without Mercy (A Dakota Steele FBI Suspense Thriller—Book 1)
Ava StrongJune 14, 2022GetMMA champ-turned-FBI Special Agent and BAU specialist Dakota Steele is as tough as they come—and as brilliant, too, able to crack serial killers that no one else can. But this new case is ...
Savage Prince
Meghan MarchApril 24, 2018GetWho knew things could get even darker and dirtier in New Orleans? New York Times bestselling author Meghan March introduces the Savage Prince of the city, the man you...
Mr. Nice Guy
Belinda WilliamsJune 28, 2021GetNICE GUYS CAN PLAY DIRTY TOO . . . 'Give me a week. Seven days and seven nights. I'll show you what it's like to be with a nice guy.' Chelsea's housemate Tom is tired of her complaining abou...
Law of Attraction
Jordan HollisAugust 29, 2018GetHow to Finally Overcome the Hurdles of Manifesting Proven, effective and enjoyable ways to help you manifest faster… Right now, think of something that makes you successful. If you have so...
Star Bright
Susannah NixApril 19, 2022GetShe’s an A-list Hollywood starlet. He’s a gossip reporter. Sleeping with the enemy has never been sweeter… Kimberleigh Cress didn’t get to be one of the one of the hottest youn...
Finding Cinderella
Colleen HooverOctober 14, 2013Get#1 New York Times bestselling author of It Ends With Us writes a free novella about the search for happily ever after. A chance encounter in the dark leads eighteen-year-old Daniel and the g...
A Match for the Marine
Jess MastorakosMarch 31, 2021GetMatchmaker Rule #1: Never fall in love with the client. After working my way to the top, I'm in the running to become the CEO of Southern California's premier matchmaking service. All I have...
The Cornish Village School - Breaking the Rules
Kitty WilsonJune 11, 2018GetRosy Winter is definitely not looking for love. Following heartbreak, Rosy has rebuilt her life in the beautiful Cornish village of Penmenna. Now headmistress of the local school, she is liv...
An Acquired Taste
Kelly CainJune 8, 2021GetMay the best chef win... After four years at the country’s top culinary school and several years as head chef in her mother’s restaurant, Rowan Townsend has built a notable reputation. H...
The Deal
Elle KennedyFebruary 24, 2015GetThe international bestseller! Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy! She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy… Hannah We...
Falling for a Rake
Eve PendleNovember 29, 2021GetHe's the most notorious rake in England. She's a Perfect Lady. Their secrets will come tumbling out. . . A sexy opposites attract fake engagement romance! Lady Emily can't afford a scandal. ...
Coming Home to Glendale Hall
Victoria WaltersSeptember 25, 2019Get'WOW! From the first page I was absolutely hooked ...Would highly recommend to get you in a feel good mood!’ (5 stars) Netgalley reviewer Uplifting and full of heart - this is an utter tre...
Scraps of Paper
Kathryn Meyer GriffithSeptember 13, 2014GetAbigail Sutton's beloved husband walks out one night, doesn't return, and two years later is found dead, a victim of a long ago crime. It's made her sympathetic to the missing and their fami...
The Lost Siren
Raven StormMay 16, 2022GetA human female born into a breeding manor never has a choice…I am a slave, but at least I am alive. When the man with wings and scales gave me a second choice—I took it. I'll do what I m...
Liberty Begins
Leigh JamesFebruary 13, 2015GetAdventure. Fate. From Rags to Riches… My name is Liberty and I'm a good girl. I come from nothing. I have no one but myself. Sometimes I do things I don't want to -- I do them beca...
Make Me Wilder
Serena BellMay 20, 2021GetShe's a city girl. I'm a mountain man. This shouldn't work. So why can't I stay away? Gabe: I promised my dad I’d take care of the Wilder family adventure business, including my rowdy co-w...
Today I Am Mad
Michael GordonSeptember 7, 2020GetKids feel emotions in big ways! Here's a great story for helping kids manage their feelings. * Help children learn to identify and regulate their ...
Croc's Return
Eve LanglaisDecember 3, 2015GetWelcome to Bitten Point, where the swamp doesn't just keep its secrets, it sometimes eats them. Take one deadly bite and, bam, a man's life is changed forever, or so Caleb discovers when a l...
Kissing my Co-worker
J. SterlingDecember 16, 2021GetI've had a crush on my co-worker Declan since the day I started working at Rockline Studios. Trust me, if you could see this man, you'd have a crush on him too. It's been two yea...
Just One Night
Carly PhillipsApril 20, 2021GetShe’s the woman he can’t live without. The one he can’t risk screwing up their relationship by sleeping with her. Linc Kingston doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. ...
Unlocking Your Self-Confidence
James TurnbullNovember 15, 2021GetUnlock the secrets to developing self-confidence and unleash your true potential! James Turnbull's new book is primarily written as a short pocket-book guide for people with busy lives to ta...
So Wrong It's Right
Julie JohnsonNovember 2, 2018GetShelby Hunt has the perfect life, married to the perfect man. At least, that’s what anyone would think, looking at her. They couldn’t possibly know about the past five years of lonely ni...
The Crash
Skye WarrenJune 14, 2022GetCarter Morelli works alone, but his orders are clear. Pilot the small aircraft carrying the renowned photographer to a remote island. June Porter wants to stay on solid land. She doesn't...
Right Time
Lexy TimmsFebruary 11, 2022GetDon't rush on anything. If the time is right, it will happen. Rae I've always known I was meant to get out of the dead-end side of town where I was born. Trevor is my plan. He's from t...
Hook
Chelle BlissJanuary 15, 2019GetFalling in love is supposed to be the easy part. But nothing prepared me for losing my wife. I promised her that I’d love again. Find someone to mend my broken heart. And that seems imposs...
Explicit Erotic Sex Short Stories
Brenda BlanchardJanuary 5, 2021GetBestselling Erotica Author Brenda Blanchard Is Giving Away a Collection of Some of Her Best Work! "Explicit Erotic Sex Short Stories" by Brenda Blanchard gives you a sneak peek into the sedu...
Persuasion
Jane AustenJune 16, 2020GetPersuasion was published in 1817, six months after Jane Austen’s death, and is the last novel she completed in full. The novel tells the story of Anne Elliot, now in her late 20s, the daug...
Become A Better Version of Yourself
Ben LeightonFebruary 22, 2015GetThis ebook contains golden nuggets on how to motivate, inspire and improve your current situation. It encompasses the holistic view of self improvement from mental& emotional wellbeing, ...
Abigail's Shop
Rachael HerronOctober 22, 2021Get“I didn’t just imply that you weren’t welcome. I’m making sure you know that’s the case.” Don’t miss the incredible first standalone in this unputdownable series th...
Smitten with Ravioli
Ellen JacobsonMay 22, 2020GetI'm not sure what I'm more scared of—cats that drool or falling for that annoying history professor in my Italian cooking course. Sure, Preston Whitaker has amazing blue eyes, but he's an ...
Small Town Big Rumors
Willow WintersFebruary 8, 2022GetHe tasted like tequila and the fake name I gave him was Rose. Four years ago, I decided to get over one man, by getting under another. A single night and nothing more. I found my handsome st...
Best Seller Herman Melville Audio Books of August 2022
- Hornet's NestPatricia Cornwell$3.99
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- Harry Potter and the Order of the PhoenixJ.K. Rowling$39.99
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- The Midnight Library: A Novel (Unabridged)Matt Haig$14.99
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- The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph (Unabridged)Ryan Holiday$12.99
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- The Fellowship of the RingJ.R.R. Tolkien$19.99
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- Badass Habits: Cultivate the Awareness, Boundaries, and Daily Upgrades You Need to Make Them Stick (Unabridged)Jen Sincero$4.99
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- I'd Like to Play Alone, PleaseTom Segura$16.99
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- Never Split the DifferenceChris Voss & Tahl Raz$19.99
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- The It Girl (Unabridged)Ruth Ware$14.99
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- The Power Of Positive Thinking (Unabridged)Dr. Norman Vincent Peale$19.99
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- The Silent PatientAlex Michaelides$19.99
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- Silva Mind Control Method (Unabridged)Jose Silva$12.99
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- In the Blood (Unabridged)Jack Carr$14.99
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- The End of the World is Just the BeginningPeter Zeihan$24.99
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- The HobbitJ.R.R. Tolkien$14.99
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- One of Us Is DeadJeneva Rose$3.99
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- Extreme OwnershipJocko Willink & Leif Babin$14.99
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- Rising Tiger (Unabridged)Brad Thor$14.99
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- Heart Bones (Unabridged)Colleen Hoover$14.99
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- A Family AffairRobyn Carr$9.99
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- Ugly Love (Unabridged)Colleen Hoover$12.99
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- Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsJ.K. Rowling$8.99
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- The Terminal List (Unabridged)Jack Carr$16.99
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- November 9 (Unabridged)Colleen Hoover$16.99
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- Thank You for Your Servitude: Donald Trump's Washington and the Price of Submission (Unabridged)Mark Leibovich$16.99
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- Upgrade: A Novel (Unabridged)Blake Crouch$14.99
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- Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (Unabridged)James Clear$14.99
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- The Hotel NantucketElin Hilderbrand$16.99
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- Locked Up Liars: Saint View Prison, Book 1 (Unabridged)Elle Thorpe$12.99
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- It's Not Summer Without YouJenny Han$16.99
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