Herman Melville - Clarel - Part I (of IV): "Art is the objectification of feeling"

The narrative explores Herman Melville's life, detailing his early struggles with health and family tragedy, which shaped his literary journey. After a series of maritime adventures, including a mutiny and romantic entanglements, he published notable works such as Typee and Moby Dick. Despite initial acclaim, financial instability led him to lecture tours and the eventual publication of his epic poem, Clarel, which did not achieve commercial success. The book captures Melville's complex relationship with fame, artistry, and his eventual retirement, alongside a structured index of the poem's content.