Moby-Dick

The novel Moby-Dick, written by Herman Melville, was first published as 'The Whale' on October 18, 1851, by Richard Bentley in London. This version was in three volumes and did not include the now-famous "Etymology" and "Extracts" sections. It had a total of 635 pages. The publication marked the beginning of the book's tumultuous initial reception.

Moby-Dick was published in the United States on November 14, 1851, by Harper & Brothers in New York. This edition was titled Moby-Dick; or, The Whale and was published as a single-volume edition. Unlike the three-volume British edition, this version included the "Etymology" and "Extracts" and was slightly revised by Melville.

Herman Melville, the author of Moby-Dick, passed away at the age of 72 on September 28, 1891. At the time of his death, Melville's work had fallen into obscurity, and Moby-Dick was out of print. It wasn't until the 'Melville Revival' in the early 20th century that his work was re-evaluated as important American literature.

The early 20th century saw a revival of interest in Herman Melville's work, often referred to as the 'Melville Revival.' Academic interest in Melville started to grow significantly around the 1920s, which led to a re-assessment of his contributions to American literature, particularly the significance of Moby-Dick.

Raymond M. Weaver published the first full-length biography of Herman Melville in 1930, titled 'Herman Melville: Mariner and Mystic.' This work was pivotal in the Melville Revival, bringing attention to Melville's literary contributions and particularly the significance of Moby-Dick as a masterpiece of literature.

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of its publication, a special edition of Moby-Dick was released in 1951. This edition featured an introduction that celebrated the novel's place in American literature and provided readers with historical context about Herman Melville's life and the novel's initial reception.

In 1956, acclaimed director John Huston released a film adaptation of Moby-Dick starring Gregory Peck as Captain Ahab. The screenplay was written by Ray Bradbury, and the film sought to capture the grandiose and symbolic nature of the novel. This adaptation helped renew popular interest in Melville's work and introduced the story to a wider audience.

In May 1988, researchers discovered Herman Melville's original manuscript for 'Billy Budd,' another significant work that, like Moby-Dick, was largely overlooked during his lifetime. The discovery reignited scholarly interest in Melville's body of work and contributed to the understanding of his literary process and themes.

On November 14, 2011, the 160th anniversary of the US publication of Moby-Dick was celebrated with various events and re-editions. This milestone highlighted the novel's enduring impact on American literature and culture, and many literary critics and fans joined in discussions and conferences to explore its themes and legacy.

In 2018, the state of Maryland hosted a marathon reading of Moby-Dick, featuring participants from various walks of life. This event was part of the global appreciation for Melville's work and showcased the public's interest in exploring the whale's story and its thematic depths. Community members, scholars, and enthusiasts gathered to celebrate Melville's enduring novel.

Gregory Peck, who famously portrayed Captain Ahab in the 1956 film adaptation of Moby-Dick, was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in August 2018. His performance in Moby-Dick remains one of the most memorable portrayals of the character, and this recognition solidified his legacy in film history.