Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life. A Limited edition book from The Franklin Mint Library, c 1979. Navy and orange leather bound book with gilt bird and gilt edge pages. Measures 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 in. Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life was American writer Herman Melville's first book, initially published in 1846, when he was only 26 yrs. It is a fictionalized account of Melville's sojourn in the Marquesas Islands. 3, TYPEE by Herman Melville, novel, library collection, collectible books, The Franklin Mint library Limited edition book, leather bound book, The Greatest Masterpieces of American Literature, Polynesian life, Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life, 3 Shelf