Chronicling Herman Melville's life from the peak of his career with Moby-Dick to his later years in obscurity, this biography reveals the struggles he faced, including harsh reviews and financial woes. It highlights his transition to magazine fiction, producing classics like "Bartleby" and "Benito Cereno," and his final works, including the epic poem Clarel and the story "Billy Budd." Through extensive research, Parker uncovers previously unknown episodes, solidifying his reputation as a premier Melville scholar and offering a nuanced portrait of the author’s complex legacy.
