American writer Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick in 1851 but it took decades before finally it was regarded as a great American novel, and worthy of its place amongst the greatest texts of humankind. It recounts the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of a whaling ship seeking vengeance on Moby Dick, the white whale that had bitten off Ahab's leg on a previous voyage. FLAME TREE's Great Works That Shape Our World is a new series of definitive books drawing on ancient, medieval and modern writing. Offering a fund of essential knowledge, and spell-binding stories it satisfies every facet of human interest: scientific, philosophical, sociological, romantic, dramatic and mysterious. From the ancient wisdom of the Mahabharata to the curious power of Don Quixote, Boccaccio's Decameron and Melville's classic Moby Dick, from the scientific wonders of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein to the great thinkers of Western and Asian philosophy. Created to entertain, inform and enrich the new series brings infinite variety to refresh the mind, presented in beautiful editions for the modern market. Each book features a new, accessible introduction placing the book in context both as part of the new series, and its special contribution to the advancement of human understanding. New Introductions specially written for these editions examine the significance of each work, their impact at time of publication, and their influence today. AUTHOR: Herman Melville (1819-91) is the author of the novel Moby Dick, which was a commercial failure during his lifetime but is now considered a classic. Born in New York City, Melville enjoyed some years as a successful writer following the publication of his first book Typee in 1896. He produced a number of travelogues and nautical works, inspired by his earlier experience as a sailor. During his later years, however, his work fell out of favor and he became largely forgotten until the 1910s and 20s saw a revival of his work. SELLING POINTS: ? New series featuring the greatest works of fiction, science, philosophy and sociology. ? Foiled, embossed cover, printed on silver paper, matt laminated. ? Specially written introductions contextualise the book. ? New deluxe series.
