Typee

A Peep at Polynesian Life

By: Herman Melville

Narrated by: George Guidall

Herman Melville is one of the greatest figures in literary history. His classic Moby Dick is generally considered the finest novel ever written by an American. Yet in Melville’s day, Typee was a far more popular book. Largely autobiographical, this classic adventure story is set in the South Seas, where a runaway sailor is captured by the Typees. Described as “a fierce and unrelenting tribe of savages," the islanders have no intention of letting their captive go.

Public Domain (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC

Impeccable Narration, Thrilling Story

Insane to find out after all these years that MOBY DICK isn’t even the most interesting about Herman Melville, and that’s coming from someone who absolutely loves that book. This is fascinating from a historical perspective, but most importantly it’s just a really thrilling story. Loved it! Guidall’s narration is impeccable as always. [AUDIBLE]

すごい話。メルヴィル作者の本人の1番面白い点は白鯨じゃないの？絶対知らなかった。歴史的な立場からこれすごく面白いけど1番大切のがこれがただのスリリングな話ね！

Great treatment

The narrator does a wonderful job with this minor classic. Part novel, mostly travelogue, and full of charming descriptions and turns of phrase.

Great story

We are headed out to the Marquesa islands and Tahiti this August. I was excited to learn that Herman Melville was not only on the island but wrote a story about it. Very interesting. You a good flavor for the island and the people at the time. Can’t wait to see how things have changed. Very entertaining, “true “story.

Sailors view

I’ve sailed solo across the pacific and anchored my boat in the bay at Taipevai. How have I never read this classic?! The locals are fabulously welcoming and friendly. Though the valley has a few paved roads now, with a little hiking, the platforms for the houses and the carved stone faces of the gods were still to be found.

A not too absorbing Travel Diary, BUT...

...the vocabulary, syntax and metaphor of Melville remain both a inspiration and reproach to the peddlers of the written word today. What a GIANT of the English Language. Few authors can compare. Recommended for anyone who wants to be swept away - not so much by the south sea tropics - but by the beautiful eloquence of a master’s pen.