Books

New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1846. First edition of Melville's first book and his most popular during his lifetime. Octavo, two volumes bound into one in the original cloth stamped in blind with gilt titles to the spine, frontispiece map, both half-titles and 6 pages of publisher's advertisements at rear. BAL 13653. In very good condition, bookplate to the front pastedown. Housed in a custom full clamshell slipcase. Inspired by Richard Henry Dana Jr.'s new book Two Years Before the Mast and Jeremiah N. Reynolds's account in the May 1839 issue of The Knickerbocker magazine of the hunt for a great white sperm whale named Mocha Dick, Herman Melville travelled to New Bedford, Massachusetts where he secured a position aboard the whaler Acushnet in 1841. On January 3, 1841, the Acushnet set sail and traveled to the Bahamas and the South Pacific, and later up the coast of Chile, to the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. In the summer of 1842, Melville and his shipmate Richard Tobias…

"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.