Why Read Moby-Dick?

August 15, 2011
Answering the negative of Philbrick’s titular question is easy: Moby-Dick is intimidatingly large, scientifically rigorous, esoteric, and to some, may seem outdated. While the size of The Whale cannot be debated, Philbrick’s entreaty is as approachable as it is persuasive. In this cogent and passionate polemic for Melville’s masterpiece, Philbrick (In the Heart of the Sea) combines a critical eye and a reader’s adoration to make a case for Moby-Dick. The plights of the Pequod, Ishmael and Ahab may seem irrelevant (or worse, quaint) compared to today’s troubles, but Philbrick opines that within the pages of this American classic lie timeless archetypes whose relevance stretches across human history. Upon the loom of Melville’s narrative run numerous threads of insight and argument dealing with subjects as diverse as multiculturalism, homoeroticism, and transcendental experiences of the natural world. Less lit-crit and more readers’ guide, this tome will remind fans why they loved the book in the first place, and whet the appetites of trepid potential readers.

After writing IN THE HEART OF THE SEA, an entertaining and detailed account of the real story of Moby-Dick, one might be forgiven for comparing author Philbrick to Captain Ahab in his zeal. Fortunately, Philbrick narrates this audio himself--with such charm and sweetness that he soon eliminates the fear that one is headed for "Whiteness of the Whale" fanaticism. His love for the novel and the sincerity of his evangelistic passion come through so clearly that one is soon avidly engaged in parts one may have hurried through in school. Philbrick makes a convincing case for having another go with his straightforward language and appealing tone. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine