Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is widely regarded as the great American novel-an epic meditation on obsession, fate, and the vast indifference of the sea-presented here in a beautifully illustrated edition.
Narrated by Ishmael, the lone surviving sailor of the ill-fated Pequod, this monumental work follows Captain Ahab's relentless pursuit of the great white whale who cost him his leg. What begins as a whaling voyage becomes a descent into monomania, as Ahab drives his crew across the world's oceans in a quest for vengeance against Moby-Dick. Melville's novel blends high adventure with philosophical depth, maritime lore, Biblical cadence, and psychological intensity, creating a work that has only grown in stature since its publication in 1851.
This Illustrated Books edition features twelve carefully restored period interior illustrations rarely found in modern printings, enhancing the atmosphere of the voyage and the haunting presence of the White Whale. The volume is crowned with a striking cover by award-winning artist Bob Eggleton, whose dramatic interpretation captures both the immensity of the sea and the terror of Ahab's obsession.
A cornerstone of American literature and one of the greatest adventure novels ever written, Moby-Dick remains as powerful, strange, and compelling today as it was in the nineteenth century.
one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world-D. H. Lawrence
...fertile fancy, ingenious construction, playful learning, and an unusual power of enchaining the interest...-London Morning Advertiser
Of all the extraordinary books from the pen of Herman Melville this is out and out the most extraordinary. -London John Bull
in point of richness and variety of incident, originality of conception, and splendor of description, surpasses any of the former productions of this highly successful author-Harper's New Monthly Magazine
About the Author :
Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet whose work stands at the center of nineteenth-century American literature. Born in New York City, Melville went to sea as a young man, serving aboard merchant and whaling vessels-experiences that would profoundly shape his writing. His early novels, including Typee and Omoo, drew upon his Pacific voyages and brought him initial popularity.In 1851 he published Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, a bold and ambitious work that blended adventure narrative, philosophical inquiry, Biblical cadence, and psychological depth. Though the novel was not widely celebrated in his lifetime, it was rediscovered in the early twentieth century and is now regarded as one of the great American novels.Melville's later works, including Billy Budd, Sailor, further demonstrated his enduring concern with moral ambiguity, authority, fate, and the mysteries of human nature. Today, he is recognized as one of America's most original and visionary literary voices, and his writings continue to influence generations of readers and writers alike. Bob Eggleton is an internationally acclaimed science fiction and fantasy artist best known for his sweeping cosmic landscapes, dynamic creature portrayals, and masterful depictions of the natural world. A multiple Hugo Award-winning illustrator, Eggleton has created hundreds of book covers for leading publishers and has contributed artwork to major franchises including Godzilla, DC Comics, and numerous science fiction properties.His paintings are distinguished by their dramatic lighting, meticulous detail, and sense of scale-often blending realism with the grand imaginative tradition of classic pulp and Golden Age science fiction illustration. Eggleton's work has appeared in magazines, novels, trading cards, and museum exhibitions, and his art has been collected by enthusiasts around the world.For this edition of Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, Eggleton brings his signature sense of awe and atmosphere to Herman Melville's epic, capturing the immensity of the ocean and the haunting presence of the great white whale with striking power and intensity.
Review :
one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world--D. H. Lawrence
...fertile fancy, ingenious construction, playful learning, and an unusual power of enchaining the interest...--London Morning Advertiser
Of all the extraordinary books from the pen of Herman Melville this is out and out the most extraordinary. --London John Bull
in point of richness and variety of incident, originality of conception, and splendor of description, surpasses any of the former productions of this highly successful author--Harper's New Monthly Magazine
