Artists & Writers · 19th Century
Herman Melville’s Last Words
“Unknown — he died in obscurity.”— Herman Melville, September 28, 1891
Who Was Herman Melville?
Herman Melville wrote Moby-Dick, now considered one of the greatest American novels. It was a commercial failure during his lifetime and he died in obscurity, working as a customs inspector.
The Final Moments
Melville died at his home in New York City, virtually forgotten. His obituary in the New York Times misspelled his name. Billy Budd was found in manuscript form after his death.
Are These Words Verified?
Melville died largely unnoticed at home. Family records and scholarly research confirm no last words were recorded, consistent with his obscurity at the time of death.
Sources
- archive Death certificate and contemporary records
- archive Family papers
- biography Hershel Parker's Herman Melville: A Biography
Legacy
Moby-Dick was rediscovered in the 1920s and is now considered the Great American Novel. Melville's reputation was transformed posthumously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Herman Melville’s last words?
“Unknown — he died in obscurity.”
How did Herman Melville die?
Herman Melville died on September 28, 1891 at the age of 72. Cause of death: Heart failure.
Were Herman Melville’s last words documented?
Melville died largely unnoticed at home. Family records and scholarly research confirm no last words were recorded, consistent with his obscurity at the time of death.
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