Typee (1846; in full: Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life) is American writer Herman Melvilles first book, partly based on his actual experiences as a captive on Nuku Hiva (which Melville spelled as Nukuheva) in the South Pacific Marquesas Islands. The title comes from the name of a valley there called Tai Pi Vai. It was Melvilles most popular work during his lifetime. For 19th century readers, his career seemed to decline afterward, but during the early 20th century it was seen as just the beginning of a career that peaked with Moby-Dick (1851).