Herman Melville

Herman Melville
Herman Melvillewas an American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the American Renaissance period best known for Typee, a romantic account of his experiences in Polynesian life, and his whaling novel Moby-Dick. His work was almost forgotten during his last thirty years. His writing draws on his experience at sea as a common sailor, exploration of literature and philosophy, and engagement in the contradictions of American society in a period of rapid change. He developed a complex, baroque style:...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionNovelist
Date of Birth1 August 1819
CityNew York City, NY
CountryUnited States of America
The further our civilization advances upon its present lines so much the cheaper sort of thing does "fame" become, especially of the literary sort. This species of "fame" a waggish acquaintance says can be manufactured to order, and sometimes is so manufactured.
It is not the purpose of literature to purvey news. For news consult the Almanac de Gotha.
Of all human events, perhaps, the publication of a first volume of verses is the most insignificant; but though a matter of no moment to the world, it is still of some concern to the author.
To be called one thing, is oftentimes to be another.
Is there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of what we have until it is gone?
There is all of the difference in the world between paying and being paid.
It is impossible to talk or to write without apparently throwing oneself helplessly open.
Faith, like a jackal, feeds among the tombs, and even from these dead doubts she gathers her most vital hope.
To be hated cordially, is only a left-handed compliment.
Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, - for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it - not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation.
To produce a mighty book, you must choose a mighty theme. No great and enduring volume can ever be written on the flea, though many there be that have tried it.
Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.
For whatever is truly wondrous and fearful in man, never yet was put into words or books.
There are some enterprises in which a careful disorderliness is the true method.