Herman Melville 
Typee (Barnes & Noble Digital Library) 

Melville’s first novel was based on his experiences in French Polynesia. Tommo and Toby, tired of an abusive life on the whaling ship, decide to hide on an island. They soon discover the Typees, who bring them into their village with kindness, despite being cannibals. Contrasting the idyllic life of the natives with the corrupting influence of civilization,
Typee gives early evidence of Melville’s genius.

About the author

Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American author whose experiences as a seaman provided the background for many of his novels, including his masterpiece Moby Dick, widely considered among the greatest American novels.  Despite early success, he struggled as a writer, and only after his death was his genius acknowledged.