Herman Melville was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the 19th century. He is best known for his novel Moby-Dick, which was published in 1851. He also wrote several other novels, including Typee, Omoo, White-Jacket, and Billy Budd. Melville's works often explore themes of good versus evil, morality, and the nature of man. His writing style has been described as both romantic and darkly humorous.