Moby Dick

By: Herman Melville

Narrated by: Duncan Carse

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville is a classic of American and world literature.

Written in 1851, this is the incredible story of the crazed captain Ahab who, consumed by his desire for revenge, drives his crew to scour the oceans of the world for the fearsome white whale, Moby Dick. It soon becomes clear that Ahab will stop at nothing and is prepared to risk everything, his ship, his crew members, and his own life.

Herman Melville (1819 - 1891) was an American novelist short story writer, essayist and poet.

Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards.

Public Domain (P)2009 RNIB

Critic reviews

"You will learn more about life, your own and other people's, from Middlemarch, Madame Bovary or Moby-Dick than you are likely to from yards and yards of memoir."( The Times)

Excellent version

This is an excellent version of Moby Dick. I had to read the book for a book club and decided to go with an audio version. It was an excellent choice. The narrator's voice is perfect for Ishmael, calm and introspective. The sermon chanter is exceptionally powerful.

A well done recording of a book I probably would not have enjoyed had it not been for this fine recording.

Loooooooooong

It isn't the book or the reader, it is the length of the reading. Normally I enjoy the Unabridged versions but this was a very tough one. This is the only audio book I couldn't finish. As mentioned, usually I am a stickler for the Unabridged, but in this case I would highly recommend the Abridged version!

Just like I imagined

As an English Major I've read Moby Dick twice in my lifetime (one by choice, the other for class). Saw the original movie. Decided to download the book. I read the reviews of this recording, and although I agree with some of Carse's criticisms about some of the character's interpretations, I am completely impressed with his voice and narration. I've listened to some other samples of other narrations of this great novel, but his voice is exactly what this book needs--old fashioned, salty and sophisticated. Some other criticisms I've seen are about the novel itself...how it's ungodly long and light on action. Word to future readers or listeners--this is an epic American novel. This tells you everything you thought you ever wanted to know about whaling, whaling life, ships, sailors and all sorts of mythology mixed in. This book is a journey. Once you've started, you must hold on for the long haul. This isn't a day kayaking getaway. Remember, this book was written when people patience to read (and to listen) and weren't addicted to social media. This is an enjoyably long, poetic trip with great characters and very impressive writing (should you be brave enough to read it). Ahoy.

Good American classic, but a difficult listen for a commute.

Good American classic, but a difficult listen for a commute. Much of this book is devoted to painting a picture of sea life and whaling. The narrative storyline is spread out such that you might actually feel like you are on the voyage. With the exception of a couple minor character voices that are difficult to understand, the narrator of the audiobook delivers a strong performance and is especially believable as the story's educated narrator, Ishmael.

Exhausting

More detail about whales than anyone could possibly absorb or remember. Adds nothing to the story.