Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American sailor, novelist, writer of short stories, and poet. Most of his writings were published between 1846 and 1857 and represent the sea novels, based on his experience at sea as a common sailor.
"Mardi: And a Voyage Thither" is a South Seas adventure story, published in 1849. This work differs from previous Melville's sea novels beginning as a simple narrative, the adventure story gives way to a romance story, included both philosophical and spiritual search. The resulting book revealed the first blossoming of the intellectual growth and spiritual searching that shaped Melville's later works.
Herman Melville was one of the leading writers of 19th century, so you will certainly enjoy "Mardi: And a Voyage Thither"!