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. Ultra-rare ink signature, 'Hours bright - Herman Melville,' on an off-white 7 x 4.5 card, dated March 8, 1882. Beautifully cloth matted and framed with a portrait of Melville, a biographical plaque and another small plaque quoting the signature, to an overall size of 28.5 x 18. In fine condition, with a few stray ink marks. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA. Oversized.