<p>Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American poet and novelist of the American Renaissance, best known for his allusive adventure novel "Moby-Dick". "Mardi: And a Voyage Thither", the third book of the author, dives deep into the pure fiction territory. As the ideological successor to "Typee" and "Omoo", it tells the story of an American sailor who decided to explore the South Pacific. This time Melville masterfully injects the elements of romance, philosophical reflections, and satire, revealing his writer talent in all its glory.</p>