Scope and content

Autograph letter from Herman Melville to a recipient identified as James Billson (dated October 10, 1884), framed together with a portrait photograph of Melville as a young man (circa 1849). In the letter, Melville lists the titles and publishers of some of his works. He calls his last work, Clarel, "a metrical affair ... eminently adapted for unpopularity." Letter and photograph are housed in gold frame, 55 x 43 cm.

Scope and content Reviews of Herman Melville's work in contemporary American and British periodicals, including the Athenaeum, Littell's living age, and the Spectator. Works reviewed include Omoo, Mardi, Redburn, Moby-Dick, The piazza tales, The confidence man, Typee, and White-Jacket. A brief obituary notice in the Athenaeum in 1891 documents how Melville was remembered at that time. Also included in the collection are letters from Melville to publisher Richard Bentley and to James Billson (letters cataloged...