Moby Dick

· Sold by Simon and Schuster
Ebook
681
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

"Call me Ishmael," Moby Dick begins, in one of the most recognizable opening lines in Western literature. The name has come to symbolize orphans, exiles, and social outcasts-- in the opening paragraph of Moby Dick, Ishmael tells the reader that he has turned to the sea out of a feeling of alienation from human society. Ishmael soon learns that Ahab has one purpose on this voyage: to seek out a specific whale-- Moby Dick, a ferocious, enigmatic white sperm whale. In a previous encounter, the whale destroyed Ahab's boat and bit off his leg, which now drives Ahab to take revenge.

About the author

Herman Melville (1819–91) is the author of the novel Moby Dick, which was a commercial failure during his lifetime but is now considered a classic. Born in New York City, Melville enjoyed some years as a successful writer following the publication of his first book Typee in 1896. He produced a number of travelogues and nautical works, inspired by his earlier experience as a sailor. During his later years, however, his work fell out of favour and he became largely forgotten until the 1910s and 20s saw a revival of his work.

Judith John (glossary) is a writer and editor specializing in literature and history. She has worked as an editor on major educational projects, including English A: Literature for the Pearson International Baccalaureate series. Judith’s major research interests include Romantic and Gothic literature, and Renaissance drama.

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