Why Read Moby-Dick [Paperback]

A “brilliant and provocative” (The New Yorker) celebration of Melville’s masterpiece—from the bestselling author ofIn the Heart of the Sea, Valiant Ambition,andIn the Hurricane's Eye

One of the greatest American novels finds its perfect contemporary champion inWhy ReadMoby-Dick?, Nathaniel Philbrick’s enlightening and entertaining tour through Melville’s classic. As he did in his National Book Award–winning bestsellerIn the Heart of the Sea, Philbrick brings a sailor’s eye and an adventurer’s passion to unfolding the story behind an epic American journey. He skillfully navigates Melville’s world and illuminates the book’s humor and unforgettable characters—finding the thread that binds Ishmael and Ahab to our own time and, indeed, to all times. An ideal match between author and subject,Why ReadMoby-Dick? will start conversations, inspire arguments, and make a powerful case that this classic tale waits to be discovered anew.

“Gracefully written [with an] infectious enthusiasm…”—New York Times Book Review“Gracefully written [with an] infectious enthusiasm…”—New York Times Book Review

“Exuberant.”--Boston Globe

“Brilliant and provocative…”—The New Yorker

“[A] slim, passionate manifesto…”—Chicago Tribune

 “A slim, easy-to-read argument on why you should definitely put [Moby-Dick] on your bucket list.”—History Wire

“WHY READ MOBY-DICK? reels in a compelling case… short, lucid, intelligent… Philbrick’s more like a literary color analyst, helping readers see the novel better while also creating a sense of excitement about it.”—Mil“¯