SUMMARY: Herman Melville (August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891) American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet
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Herman Melville was an American author best known for his masterpiece called “Moby Dick.” He also wrote many short stories, poems, and essays during his life. Moby Dick, was not a success during his lifetime but was rediscovered during the twentieth century in America and around the world. He has had a great influence on American literature, as well as literature around the world. Here is a short biography of his life and some accomplishments.

Childhood

Herman Melville was born on August 1, 1819 in New York City.

He was the third of eight children.

Herman’s Father was an importer of French dry goods

His mother came from a wealthy family but they seldom received financial help.

In 1826 Herman Melville’s father died from a sudden illness. Herman was only twelve at the time and his father’s passing left the family in poverty.

After his Father’s death Maria Gansevoort Melville raised her children alone. It was through her influence that biblical stories became a large part of Herman’s life.

At the age of twelve Herman contracted scarlet fever and his eyesight was permanently weakened.

From the age of twelve he worked as a clerk, teacher, and farmhand.

Life

1837-1840 were mostly spent teaching school.

1841 Herman sailed from Fairhaven, Massachusetts on the whaler Achushnet for the Pacific ocean. There was not much recorded during the next 18 months, but his two pieces “Moby Dick” and “The Whale” may give some insight as to what he saw and how he occupied his time.

Herman spent three weeks on the Marquesas Islands with the native people and then moved onto the island of Hawaii where he remained for four months.

Herman Melville married Elizabeth Shaw on August 4 1847.

Herman and Elizabeth had four children, two sons and two daughters.

Melville and Shaw purchased a farmhouse in Massachusetts and lived there for thirteen years.

He met Nathaniel Hawthorne here and was inspired by his new relationship with Hawthorne.

From 1857-1860 he decided to enter the field of lecturing. He spoke at lyceums.

In 1863 he and his wife moved to New York City along with their four children.

Herman’s writing career seemed to be going nowhere along with his family. His wife was unhappy and in 1867 his oldest son shot himself.

Melville got a job working as a customs inspector for the City of New York which paid adequately. He worked there for nineteen years.

Melville’s Work

All of his novels were published first in the United Kingdom and afterwards in the United States.

Moby Dick became Herman Melville’s famous piece of work and is quite possibly considered the greatest literary work of all time. During Melville’s life his book didn’t even sell more than the number that had been originally printed which was 3000. It would not become famous until thirty years later.

He also wrote a number of fictional poetic pieces.

Later Life

Melville was a member of the Unitarian Church in New York City

Herman Melville died in his home on September 28 1891 at the age of 72.

Herman Melville was a great literary influence during his life and after he died. His most famous pieces of work did not become so until after his death. He reached many people in his quest to do what he loved; write.