Herman Melville - Redburn: "Truth is in things, and not in words."

Herman Melville's life was marked by early hardships, including illness and financial struggles after his father's death. His adventurous spirit led him to sea voyages that inspired his novels, including Typee and Moby Dick, the latter being a groundbreaking yet initially unsuccessful work. Despite personal challenges, including a demanding family life and dwindling literary recognition, Melville persevered in writing poetry and prose. He eventually found some stability through a customs job. His legacy endures, highlighted by the publication of his classic Redburn.