[解析]
(1)D.细节理解题.根据They were both exciting tales of adventures at sea and experiences with people in foreign lands可知,他最初的两本作品都是关于大海探险以及在外国的经历.故D选项正确.
(2)A.推理判断题.根据Melville published Moby Dick in October of 1851.it was an original novel,combining aspects of sociology and philosophy,which confused readers by its complex symbolism.The book sold poorly.可知 Moby Dick这本书艰涩难懂,销量很差.再根据Melville's next book,Pierre,was almost completely disregarded by the public可知,他的下一本书Pierre几乎没有得到公众的认可,也就是说Moby Dick卖的比Pierre稍微好一点,故A选项正确.
(3)B.推理判断题.本文主要介绍的是美国著名作家Herman Melville所写的几本小说,属于文学领域的话题.最可能是从文学刊物上摘录而来的.故B选项正确.
(4)C.主旨大意题.本文属于人物传记类短文,主要介绍了美国著名作家Herman Melville所写的几本小说,他最初的小说Typee and Omoo很受欢迎,接着Mardi就不太受欢迎了.Moby Dick这本书艰涩难懂,销量很差,Pierre根本没有收到读者的认可,后来他干脆去写受欢迎了.但是他去世以后Moby Dick却受到人们的热捧.所以本文主要关于Melville起伏的人生.故C选项正确.