HERMAN MELVILLE’S VERY RARE SIGNATURE

MELVILLE, HERMAN.  (1819-91).  American novelist.  His Signature, “Yours very truly / H.  Melville”, as cut from a letter.  One page narrow oblong 16mo.   Slip of paper measures 1 x 4 1/4 inches.   Small mounting strip on verso, else very fine condition.  

 

Herman Melville became part of the New York literary world in 1844 after his discharge from the Navy, where he served on the frigate United States.  He spent the few years prior to his stint in the service in the South Pacific, first as a crew member of a whaling boat, then as a mutinous fugitive living among cannibals in the Marquesas Islands.  An Australian trader brought Melville to Papeete, Tahiti, where he was imprisoned until he joined the Navy in 1843.  His novels were based on his experiences in the south seas, including his most famous work, Moby Dick; or The Whale.  Considered classical literature today, Melville’s books were largely unappreciated during his lifetime; his skills as an author were recognized only after his death in 1891.  Perfect display item.

 

$4950.00