Moby-Dick

By: Herman Melville

Narrated by: William Hootkins

Moby-Dick is one of the great epics in all of literature. Captain Ahab's hunt for the white whale drives the narrative at a relentless pace, while Ishmael's meditations on whales and whaling, on the sublime indifference of nature, and on the grimy physical details of the extraction of oil provide a reflective counterpoint to the headlong idolatrous quest. Sometimes read as a terrifying study of monomania or as a critical inquiry into the effects of reducing life to symbols, Moby-Dick also offers colorful and often comic glimpses of life aboard a whaling ship.

Critic reviews

Winner of the 2012 Fifty Books/Fifty Covers show, organized by Design Observer in association with AIGA and Designers & Books

Winner of the 2014 Type Directors Club Communication Design Award

Praise for Penguin Drop Caps:

"[Penguin Drop Caps] convey a sense of nostalgia for the tactility and aesthetic power of a physical book and for a centuries-old tradition of beautiful lettering."
—Fast Company

“Vibrant, minimalist new typographic covers…. Bonus points for the heartening gender balance of the initial selections.”
—Maria Popova, Brain Pickings

"The Penguin Drop Caps series is a great example of the power of design. Why buy these particular classics when there are less expensive, even free editions of Great Expectations? Because they’re beautiful objects. Paul Buckley and Jessica Hische’s fresh approach to the literary classics reduces the design down to typography and color. Each cover is foil-stamped with a cleverly illustrated letterform that reveals an element of the story. Jane Austen’s A (Pride and Prejudice) is formed by opulent peacock feathers and Charlotte Bronte’s B (Jane Eyre) is surrounded by flames. The complete set forms a rainbow spectrum prettier than anything else on your bookshelf."
—Rex Bonomelli, The New York Times

"Drool-inducing."
—Flavorwire

"Classic reads in stunning covers—your book club will be dying."
—Redbook

Outstanding story and narrator.

This book was an exciting adventure. Much more enjoyable to absorb the abridged version than it was to read the original back in high school. Plus the narrator was perfect for this story.

Go a'whaling.

MOBY DICK, for my money the crown jewel of American literature, is an enormous book and presents enormous challenges to adapt and abridge. This audio version is told with spirit and vigor, illuminating the surprisingly light moments of Melville's novel with particular humor. The characterizations are distinct and highly memorable. Quite rightly, this is an Ahab to terrify! I am deeply sorry, however, they decided to cut "The Whiteness of the Whale" chapter -- which has to be one of the absolute pinnacles of Melville's prose. Alas. But for that omission, this would have been almost a perfect listening experience. Give it a try.

outstanding

Captivating and insightful. love the narration and sound effects. great work of art indeed. 5 stars

A love letter to whaling

Tried reading this book half a dozen times but always sidetracked by the allusions. Bang! Audio book!!

Moby Dick -- tremendous story!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book not only as a great classic but tremendously engaging story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The insane (wooden-leg) Ahab is the most unforgettable image.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene of cursing Ahab drug overboard and into the depths of the emotionless sea.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

"Speak Ye, damn ye or I killee!

Any additional comments?

Narrator William Hootkins brings a performance worthy of the highest kudos.