"The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket" by Edgar Allan Poe was first published in 1838. It happens to be the author's only complete novel.

The story revolves around the young titular character Arthur Gordon Pym. He goes and boards a whaling ship called the Grampus. He goes through several adventures and misadventures, including shipwreck, cannibalism, and mutiny.

Eventually, Pym is rescued by the crew of the Jane Guy. When he is on the rescue ship, Pym meets a sailor named Dirk Peters. They continue their adventures together further south.

When they reach the land, they have to face hostile black-skinned natives. Eventually, they escape back to the ocean. The novel has an abrupt ending. However, Pym and Peters resume their journey towards the South Pole.