Moby Dick (Illustrated with Table of Contents and Original Commentary)

Herman Melville (1819-1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and poet whose name had almost been completely extinguished from the annals of Western literature when he died in 1891. Although his first three books had garnered favorable reviews and popularity, including the bestselling Typee, his work fell out of favor by the mid-19th century, as did his popularity. When he died in 1891, he was almost completely forgotten.

Then came the "Melville Revival," which took place in the early 20th century as his work began to be recognized once again. At the forefront of the revival was the book that is now considered a classic around the globe, and one of the greatest American novels ever written: Moby Dick. The novel is about Captain Ahab hunting a whale named Moby Dick, with a sailor named Ishmael narrating the story.

Throughout the novel Ishmael speculates upon concepts such as good and evil, society and religion. By the time the novel ends, readers realize that the novel’s plot and characters (including the whale itself) are comprised of metaphors and allegories that Melville leaves for the reader to determine for himself.

This edition of Moby Dick is specially formatted with a Table of Contents, an original introduction, and images of the characters and story.