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Herman Melville

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MOBY DICK (Annotated) (Classics) Paperback – January 20, 2018

by Herman Melville (Author)

4.2 66 ratings

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Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is a novel by American writer Herman Melville, published in 1851 during the period of the American Renaissance. Sailor Ishmael tells the story of the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaler Pequod, for revenge on Moby Dick, the white whale which on an earlier voyage destroyed his ship and severed his leg at the knee. The novel was a commercial failure and out of print at the time of the author's death in 1891, but during the 20th century its reputation as a Great American Novel was established. William Faulkner confessed he wished he had written it himself, and D. H. Lawrence called it "one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world", and "the greatest book of the sea ever written". "Call me Ishmael" is among world literature's most famous opening sentences. The product of a year and a half of writing, the book draws on Melville's experience at sea, on his reading in whaling literature, and on literary inspirations such as Shakespeare and the Bible. The detailed and realistic descriptions of whale hunting and of extracting whale oil, as well as life aboard ship among a culturally diverse crew, are mixed with exploration of class and social status, good and evil, and the existence of God. In addition to narrative prose, Melville uses styles and literary devices ranging from songs, poetry, and catalogs to Shakespearean stage directions, soliloquies, and asides. Dedicated to Nathaniel Hawthorne, "in token of my admiration for his genius", the work was first published as The Whale in London in October 1851, and under its definitive title in New York in November. Hundreds of differences, mostly slight and some important, are seen between the two editions. The London publisher censored or changed sensitive passages and Melville made revisions, as well, including the last-minute change in the title for the New York edition. The whale, however, appears in both editions as "Moby Dick", with no hyphen. About 3,200 copies were sold during the author's life.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (January 20, 2018)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 405 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1976951461
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1976951466
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.54 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 1.02 x 11 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,682,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #35,266 in Classic Literature & Fiction

Customer Reviews:
4.2 66 ratings

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The writing career of Herman Melville (1819 - 1891) peaked early, with his early novels, such as Typee becoming best sellers. By the mid-1850s his poularity declined sharply, and by the time he died he had been largely forgotten. Yet in time his novel Moby Dick came to be regarded as one of the finest works of American, and indeed world, literature, as was Billy Budd, which was not published until long after his death, in 1924.

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Westpacwill

Easy-reading an American classic

Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023

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Moby Dick is one of the most excellent works of fiction ever composed, and I read it when I was in high school over half a century ago. I decided to indulge myself again (twice a century is not excessive, methinks). This edition is large print, a comfortable read, nothing cramped or crowded on the pages, and I'm rediscovering the fascination of this story all over again. Plus, delivered so quickly!

One person found this helpful

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rita f

An immensely eloquent work

Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019

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For anyone desiring to experience what it might have been like to be a Nantucket whaleman, this story provides ample historical and cultural fodder. As with many of the "old" novels that eventually became Hollywood movies, the majority of film fans who attempt the book will probably be disappointed, but staying with and finishing the novel, for me, was a satisfying effort. Many details in the book almost beg that another film be attempted that would focus on other areas of the book that were overlooked in the original film and also not featured in the more recent "remake".

One person found this helpful

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Cynthia

I always had the idea this was an extremely boring book. Not so

Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2015

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Finally read this classic, and it was well worth it. For some reason, I always had the idea this was an extremely boring book. Not so! After reading it, I bought Philbrick's book on the real-life disaster of the whale ship Essex than inspired Melville. It was also fascinating but gory, too.

5 people found this helpful

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Peter C.

Huge

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2023

Moby Dick is a massive, wondrous novel. Although the interpretation at the end is somewhat shallow, the book itself defies interpretation. Originally, I was Leary of the audible edition, but end being greatly impressed by brilliant reading.

One person found this helpful

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soccerscoutlobbymom

Annotated version helped significantly

Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2016

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This is the third time through Moby Dick. Has not grown on me. Annotations helped significantly.

3 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Annotation is just so so. Not what i was expecting.

Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2017

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The annotation is nothing great. Some insight into the authors intent but really nothing special. On the other hand, regardless of the challenging english used by the author the book is a classic for a very good reason. It is an excellent must read.

5 people found this helpful

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call me ish-----

Not the full novel

Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2012

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Make sure you get the full version of the novel. (As of this writing available on Amazon for the same price at http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Dick-Annotated-Collection-ebook/dp/B006L15PIY) The version on sale here is just Vol I of three and it's obnoxious that they don't state that more clearly.

19 people found this helpful

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JimG

and the "Moral" is buried pretty deep. I first read the book as a ...

Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2014

Verified Purchase

A tough read, but also a clear account of the whalers and their industry. The story is slow to develop, and the "Moral" is buried pretty deep. I first read the book as a teen ager many years ago. If read as simply an adventure story, it is satisfying but slow by current standards.

2 people found this helpful

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