Typee (Writings of Herman Melville) - Softcover

Melville, Herman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0810120526 ISBN 13: 9780810120525

Publisher: Northwestern University Press, 2003

Synopsis

Almost from the time of its publication in 1846, Melville's first book, based on his own travels in the South Seas, has been recognized as a classic in the literature of travel and adventure. Although initially rejected as too fantastic to be true, ""Typee"" was immensely popular and regarded in Melville's lifetime as his best work. It established his reputation as the literary discoverer of the South Seas and inspired the likes of Jack London and Robert Louis Stevenson. Two common sailors jump ship and are held in benign captivity by Polynesian natives. Through the narrator's eyes we see a literate (if romanticized) portrait of the people and their culture presented in vivid, even scientific, detail. Melville's racy style and irreverence towards Christian missionaries caused a scandal and critics denounced the narrator's suggestion that the native life might be superior to that of modern civilization. An adventure story above all, albeit one with a philosophical bent, ""Typee"" is a combination of elements that even early in Melville's career hinted at the towering ambition he would fulfill with ""Moby Dick"".

About this title

About the Author

Herman Melville (1819-91) was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist. His novels include Moby-Dick, Omoo, and The Confidence-Man, all published in authoritative editions by Northwestern University Press.

Edition details

• Publisher: Northwestern University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0810120526
• ISBN 13: 9780810120525
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288