Books

Third Edition. Octavo (8vo). xxxvi. 389pp. + frontispiece. Publisher's cloth boards with black stamped decoration and gilt titling. Signed and inscribed by the introducer: 'to Francis F. Browne, with cordial regards of Arthur Stedman, September, 1892.' Stedman was a close friend of Melville's and critically important both as a primary source for his late biography and as the earliest advocate of his works prior to their 20th century canonization. He first came into contact with Melville via his father, the poet/banker E.C. Stedman, who had formed an admiring friendship with the author after reading Moby Dick, a work of which he had 'often on his lips, and the recommendation by all odds to read it at once to nearly every young writer who sought his counsel.' In January 1888, after moving into close proximity to the Melvilles in New York, the elder Stedman would use his son as messenger, but as Hershel Parker writes in his monumental biography, Arthur 'form[ed] a greater intimacy with Melville than his father attained.' It was Arthur who would write the note on Melville's funeral in the October 1st, 1891 issue of the Tribune and provide a seminal personal account of him in his introduction to this present edition of Typee. This publication, issued shortly after Melville's death in a sustained effort to bring his works to the largest possible readership, was followed by the reprints of Omoo, White Jacket, and Moby Dick. William S. Reese writes that 'stedman made a valiant effort to revive Melville - but the publisher went bankrupt.' No doubt, the inscription to Francis Fisher Browne, was yet another attempt by Stedman to disseminate Melville's works, as Browne was the founder of the important literary journal The Dial and counted among his friends Walt Whitman and John Muir. Ironically, Melville's rightful fame might have come in his own lifetime had not, some thirty years earlier, Charles Scribner chosen to publish a submission of his poetry in lieu of the first book by Arthur's father, the much more well connected, E.C. An important association copy. [Parker, H. (2002). 'Herman Melville: A Biography, Vol. 2.'] [Reese, W.S. (1993). 'Collecting Herman Melville' in 'The Gazette of the Grolier Club.'] VERY GOOD. Shows marginal shelf rubbing along the edges and corners with some hints of loss at the head and foot of the spine, lightly rubbed spine with several extremely light spots of discoloration, otherwise the binding is strong and tight, the text is clean and unmarked, and the boards remain bright, colorful, and distinct. As pictured.

"Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life" is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Herman Melville and published in 1846. The novel is based on Melville's own experiences as a sailor and his time spent among the Typee people of the Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific. The story follows the adventures of Tommo, a young American sailor who, along with his friend Toby, jumps ship on the island of Nuku Hiva. The pair find themselves stranded in the exotic and mysterious world of the Marquesas, where they are taken in by the Typee tribe. Initially, Tommo and Toby are apprehensive about the Typee, having heard tales of cannibalism and savagery associated with the islanders. However, they soon discover that the Typee people are hospitable and peaceful, living in harmony with nature. Tommo becomes captivated by the beauty of the island and the customs of the Typee, particularly their relaxed way of life and their deep connection to the land. As Tommo spends more time with the Typee, he becomes increasingly enchanted by a young maiden named Fayaway, who captures his heart with her beauty and grace. He also forms close bonds with other members of the tribe, including Kory-Kory, his cheerful and loyal servant, and Marheyo, a respected elder of the community. Despite the apparent idyll of life among the Typee, Tommo begins to feel trapped by his circumstances. He longs to return to civilization and worries about the fate of Toby, who has fallen ill and remains hidden in a remote valley. Tommo's desire to escape intensifies when he learns of the presence of other Europeans on the island, who may be able to help him find passage back home. In the latter part of the novel, Tommo embarks on a daring escape with the help of his Typee friends. He faces numerous challenges and dangers as he navigates the rugged terrain of the island and evades capture by hostile tribesmen. Eventually, Tommo reunites with Toby and together they make a perilous journey to the coast, where they are rescued by a passing whaling ship. "Typee" is not only a gripping adventure story but also a rich exploration of cultural difference, human nature, and the clash between civilization and the primitive. Through Tommo's eyes, Melville offers readers a vivid portrayal of life in the South Pacific, drawing on his own observations and experiences to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. The novel's depiction of the Typee people is complex and nuanced, challenging prevailing stereotypes of indigenous cultures prevalent at the time. Melville portrays the Typee as a proud and dignified people, possessing their own customs, traditions, and way of life that are worthy of respect and admiration. Overall, "Typee" remains a timeless classic of American literature, celebrated for its vivid imagery, engaging storytelling, and profound insights into the human condition. It continues to captivate readers with its evocative portrayal of adventure, exploration, and the enduring allure of the unknown.