A Herman Melville Encyclopedia Author:Robert L. Gale Herman Melville is one of the most challenging authors of American literature. Known primarily as the author of Moby-Dick, he wrote several other novels, short stories, and poems. This volume is a comprehensive guide to his life and work. Included are hundreds of entries for his writings, characters, family members, friends, and acquaintances. T... more »he volume identifies characters from Melville's works, and entries on the most important topics include bibliographies.« less