Nineteenth-century American author (1819–1891) who takes a place among the most influential figures in the history of literature. Though his body of work includes such distinguished efforts as Typee, Billy Budd, and the story “Bartleby the Scrivener,” it was his 1851 magnum opus, Moby-Dick, that would come to occupy a singular position among the greatest works ever produced in the English language. Extremely rare ink signature, “Yours truly, H. Melville,” on a light blue 3 x 1 slip, affixed to a 4 x 2.25 off-white slip. Scattered light staining from old mounting affecting small portion of sentiment and the final “e” of signature, otherwise fine condition. Extremely rare in every form, so much so that noted expert Kenneth Rendell remarks in his book History Comes to Life that “Melville’s autographs, in fact, border on being uncollectable.” A prize for any literary collection! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
