Why Herman Melville was not popular in his day?

Herman Melville's complex writing style and themes, like those in "Moby-Dick," were not well-received by audiences seeking more conventional and entertaining literature. Additionally, the book's commercial failure and critical reviews at the time overshadowed its later recognition as a literary masterpiece. Melville's shift to writing more inward-looking works later in his career further alienated him from popular tastes of his time.