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.