The Confidence-Man is a novel by Herman Melville published in 1857. Set on a Mississippi River steamboat, the story revolves around the interactions among a diverse group of passengers, each of whom encounters a mysterious and enigmatic figure known only as "the confidence-man." Throughout the journey, the confidence-man assumes various disguises and manipulates the passengers' beliefs and desires, ultimately challenging their perceptions of truth, trust, and human nature. Melville's novel explores themes of deception, identity, and the complexities of moral ambiguity in society.
Edited with an Introduction and Notes by Stephen Matterson
About the Author
Herman Melville (1819–1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet, best known for his masterpiece Moby-Dick (1851). Born in New York City, Melville began his literary career as a teacher before joining a whaling voyage to the South Seas, an experience that inspired much of his writing. His early works, such as Typee (1846) and Omoo (1847), drew from his adventures at sea and gained him early acclaim. However, Melville struggled to replicate this success, and his later works, including Moby-Dick, were initially poorly received. Despite his literary achievements, Melville faced financial difficulties and faded into obscurity before experiencing a resurgence in popularity after his death. Today, he is celebrated as one of America's greatest literary figures, known for his richly symbolic and philosophical explorations of the human condition.
