Moby Dick is the sixth novel published by Herman Melville, and is today considered a landmark of American literature that mixes a wide variety of literary styles into one larger work. These styles include an adventure story, historical survey, and scientific discussion. The story of the whaling ship Pequod, the novel draws from Melville’s own experiences as a sailor and harpooner before settling into the life of a writer in New England.
Moby Dick received its name from an article in Knickerbocker magazine, entitled “Mocha Dick: or the White Whale of the Pacific,” which details the capture of a giant sperm whale legendary among whalers for its vicious attacks on ships. The name “Mocha”...
