Date of Birth: August 1, 1819
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: September 28, 1891
Biography
Herman Melville was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the American Renaissance period. He was born in New York City and is best known for his novel “Moby-Dick,” which is considered one of the greatest American novels. Melville’s early life was marked by financial instability, prompting him to take to the sea at a young age. His experiences as a sailor provided rich material for his writing. His first book, “Typee,” was based on his adventures in the South Seas and became a best-seller, earning him widespread recognition. Despite early success, Melville struggled with the commercial failure of his later works and spent the latter part of his life in relative obscurity. It was only after his death that his work received the recognition it deserved, cementing his place in literary history.
5 Interesting Facts about Herman Melville
1. Herman Melville worked as a customs inspector for 19 years after his literary career declined.
2. “Moby-Dick” was originally a commercial failure and received mixed reviews at the time of its publication.
3. Melville’s friendship with Nathaniel Hawthorne was a significant influence on his writing.
4. He published his first book, “Typee,” in 1846, which became an overnight success.
5. Melville’s work was largely forgotten at the time of his death, only to be rediscovered and celebrated in the 20th century.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Herman Melville
1. “It is not down on any map; true places never are.”
2. “Call me Ishmael.”
3. “Better to sleep with a sober cannibal than a drunken Christian.”
4. “A whale ship was my Yale College and my Harvard.”
5. “Genius, all over the world, stands hand in hand, and one shock of recognition runs the whole circle round.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Herman Melville never achieved significant wealth during his lifetime, and his highest net worth was modest, estimated to be a few thousand dollars.
Children
Herman Melville had four children with his wife, Elizabeth Knapp Shaw Melville: Malcolm, Stanwix, Elizabeth (Bessie), and Frances (Fanny).
Relevant Links
1. [Herman Melville on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Melville
2. [Moby-Dick on Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2701
3. [Herman Melville Biography – Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/writer/herman-melville
4. [The Life and Works of Herman Melville](http://melville.org/
5. [Herman Melville – American Literature](https://americanliterature.com/author/herman-melville
