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Lot #258
Herman Melville Autograph Note Signed, Penned During the Dawn of His Moby-Dick Masterpiece

Herman Melville letter penned during the dawn of his Moby-Dick masterpiece

Estimate: $4000+

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Server Time: 8/13/2026 11:22:26 PM EDT
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Description

Herman Melville letter penned during the dawn of his Moby-Dick masterpiece

ANS, one page, 6 x 3.25, March 30, 1850. Handwritten note to a gentleman, written from New York. In full: "Yours of the 25th was duly received." Beautifully signed at the conclusion with his bold and distinctive signature, "Herman Melville." Archivally corner-mounted, matted, and framed with a portrait and plaque to an overall size of 24.75 x 17.5. In fine condition. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.

At the time he wrote this letter, Melville was living in Manhattan as a successful writer, having published Typee, Omoo, Mardi, Redburn, and White-Jacket. Upon returning home from a trip abroad in February 1850, he began to write the classic Moby-Dick. He completed the masterpiece over the course of the next 18 months, and it was first published in the autumn of 1851. Despite initial poor sales, Moby-Dick was rediscovered after Melville's death and has since become known as one of the most original and influential books ever written. Just as Moby-Dick is a cornerstone of American literature, Melville's autograph is a must-have for any significant literary collection. Dating to the period in which he commenced the authorship of his most iconic work, this is a marvelous example

Auction Info





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