Author of Typee, Omoo, Billy Budd, and his masterpiece Moby Dick, the cryptic tale of Captain Ahab’s obsessive hunt for the great white whale that cost him a leg. Very rare ALS signed “H. Melville,” one page, 5 x 7.5, June 24. Letter to Charles Briggs. In full, “Again I have to thank you. The omission of the Introduction can not but improve the story.” A trivial strip of toning to top edge, which can easily be matted out, and two light horizontal mailing folds, otherwise very fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.