Herman Melville lived from 1819 to 1891. In life he was, essentially, a failed author. After working as a sailor and whaler, he wrote two successful books, Typee and Omoo about his experiences. After that, however, interest in his writing declined sharply. His most famous novels were received as failures during his lifetime and his reputation was not recuperated until the 20th century. Nevertheless, he wrote what some consider the best book in American fiction, Moby-Dick or The Whale in 1851. Melville seemed to recognize that the book was, at the very least, unconventional. In a letter to his friend, the author Nathaniel Hawthorne, he wrote, “I have written a wicked book, and feel spotless as the lamb.” It is a great book and you should read it.