Call Me Ishmael

The exploration of Shakespeare's influence on Melville's Moby-Dick is a central theme, as the author presents the groundbreaking "theory of the two Moby-Dicks." This theory posits that Melville's reading of King Lear significantly shaped his narrative, suggesting that the first version lacked key elements like Ahab. The book's experimental style and organization sparked debate among contemporary critics, marking it as a pivotal work in American literary criticism. This reprint preserves the original's integrity, offering insights into Melville's creative process.