Moby-Dick

By: Herman Melville

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 21 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Its famous opening line, "Call me Ishmael", dramatic in its stark simplicity, begins an epic that is widely regarded as the greatest novel ever written by an American. Labeled variously a realistic story of whaling, a romance of unusual adventure and eccentric characters, a symbolic allegory, and a drama of heroic conflict, Moby Dick is first and foremost a great story. It has both the humor and poignancy of a simple sea ballad, as well as the depth and universality of a grand odyssey.

When Melville's father died in 1832, the young man's financial security went too. For a while he turned to school-mastering and clerking, but failed to make a sustainable income. In 1840 he signed up on the whaler, Acushnet, out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was just 21. A whaler's life turned out to be both arduous and dangerous, and in 1842, Melville deserted ship. Out of this experience and a wealth of printed sources, Melville crafted his masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)1987 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"Master narrator Frank Muller makes the most of his astonishing theatrical talents and vast experience to perform this tale of extraordinary drama. Muller uses emphasis and pauses to bring clarity to the visual depictions of life on the high seas, as seen by the doe-eyed Ishmael as he is led by the maniacal Captain Ahab. Listeners will hear the depth of emotions in Muller's voice as he paints the stark and shattering visuals of this classic story of revenge and, ultimately, survival." (AudioFile magazine)

Excellent story, impressive narrator

I was really, really impressed with Frank Muller. Can’t say that enough.

This was my first introduction to Moby Dick. I’ve listened to the entirety three times now, and have never listened to another audio book more than once.

The Best

Nothing more to say -- Melville is simply the best. Worth the investment in your time.

Every Bit the Classic

I was leery at first to dive into this book. I had often heard that it was 'the book everyone wants to have read, but no one wants to read.' I finally decided to take the plunge, and after only a few chapters got wholly sucked in. The thoughts and reasonings of the main character Ishmael were very conversational, and he never disappointed in drawing some meaningful comparison to real life and human nature from every aspect of the art of whaling as he described it. I loved the analogies and metaphors the sailors consistently used in their daily language; I think that is a lost skill in our own culture.

Admittedly, the long and detailed descriptions of whale and ship anatomy did get lengthy and somewhat tedious. One must keep in mind, however, that in the day Mr. Melville wrote this book, there was no such thing as Wikipedia or Google Images where one could type in 'sperm whale' and instantly get a clear mental picture. The reader had to rely on the author for details in those days, and this book certainly provided them.

Like a Whaling voyage, a long journey but worth it

So much detail in this book, never did I expect to learn so much about the life of a whaler. So much about the writing makes this story very timeless. Amazing that I only just read it in my mid 30's. The performance is great and I highly recommend giving it a listen.

I see why it's considered a classic

The detail by which the story is told is amazing. Many things made me uncomfortable but it was still beautifully written and performed. I am going to have to digest it a bit to understand any hidden under story, unless it revenge and how revenge can kill us all. But glad I finally took the time to listen to it.

Excellent listen!

Enjoyable time well spent.. I had forgotten the beauty of the language. It was an excellent reminder.

A classic- with great narration

Everything I had hoped, details of nautical life and everything you could want to know about whales and the whaling industry.

You better be prepared for plenty of details, and I mean plenty.
It is not for no reason that this novel is noted to be one of the classics.
I especially liked the skill of that narrator, who was able to carry the sometimes lengthy and flowery language through without letting himself or the listener get lost.

A not so thrilling classic

Felt like a romanticized whale essay. Moby dick only appears in the last 3 chapters. Maybe good for back then but wouldn't say it holds up in modern day. Narrator was very good though.

Novel or textbook?

Surprisingly little story. Lots of focus on whale biology and background knowledge about the whaling industry. I wonder how much shorter the book would be if it was just plot.

That said, what plot there was was decent - if sluggish. I get why English teachers drool over the symbolism. It's a Taoist's wet dream (pun intended).

Best Moby Duck Reader

One of the best books. This is the best reader on audible and it’s not even close.