Omoo: Adventures in the South Seas (1847) is the second book by American writer Herman Melville, and a sequel to Typee. Both books are based on Melville's own experiences. After leaving Nuku Hiva, the main character ships aboard a whaling vessel which makes its way to Tahiti, after which there is a mutiny and the majority of the crew are imprisoned on Tahiti. Herman Melville (August 1, 1819 - September 28, 1891) was an American velist, short story writer, essayist, and poet. He is best kwn for his vel Moby-Dick. His first three books gained much contemporary attention (the first, Typee, becoming a bestseller), and after a fast-blooming literary success in the late 1840s, his popularity declined precipitously in the mid-1850s and never recovered during his lifetime. When he died in 1891, he was almost completely forgotten. It was t until the Melville Revival in the early 20th century that his work won recognition, especially Moby Dick, which was hailed as one of the literary masterpieces of American literature.