Three Facts About Moby Dick

Herman Melville wrote this globally renowned epic adventure story in the mid-1800s. The book was originally titled ‘The Whale’ before it later became ‘Moby Dick’. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest novels ever to come out of the United States.

Most people are at least aware of the book, which famously begins with the phrase ‘Call me Ishmael’. Ishmael is an outcast working on a whaling boat and the story is about all the adventures he has and strange characters he meets during his time there.

This is one of the most beloved books in the English language, but there are lots of little-known facts to learn about what is now considered Melville’s magnum opus.

Here are a few facts about the context in which Moby Dick was written.

Melville Had Been Whaling

Herman Melville himself had experience in the world of whaling, having worked on a whaling ship in his time called ‘The Acushnet’.

It Was Inspired By a True Story

Melville heard a story about a notorious sperm whale attacking a whaling boat, causing it to sink and all the crew to die. Moby Dick, the whale, was also inspired by a real life whale, who was called Mocha Dick.

It Wasn’t An Instant Success

On publication, ‘Moby Dick’ was by no means an instant favorite with the public. In fact, it was poorly received, selling only a few thousand copies around the world. It wasn’t until 100 years later, in the mid-20th Century, that it was recognized as one of the most important American novels ever written.

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What makes Huckleberry Finn the great American adventure story?

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the greatest American books to ever be written, and not only is it a great American novel, but a great American adventure story. But what is it that makes this book such a great story? Here is the rundown of what makes Huckleberry Finn the great American adventure story.

The writing style

Before Huckleberry Finn, there was a set style of English prose that was never broken, that is until Mark Twain brought in the voice of Huckleberry Finn that broke this mould and opened the doors for a book that changed the face of American literature forever.

The satirical tone

Mark Twain is an author that writes with a satirical note that many have tried to emulate and failed to, as the satire is woven into the voice of Huck Finn so seamlessly that it is not a veil but as much a part of the story as the trip down the river.

The series of events

Huckleberry Finn is a character that we can all relate to. Huck is a wild boy of adventure, who discovers he likes school. But as he starts to settle his father, an abusive wretch, kidnaps him, taking him to a squalid shack on the river banks. To escape his father, he fakes his own death and runs away. This is only the start of his adventures from meeting Jim, running away himself, to falling in with some robbers, meeting a convict on the river banks, a steamboat breaking their raft and finding himself at the hands of two con men, there is more that happens in the few months of Huck’s escape than happens in most of our lives. So it is hardly surprising when we get swept down the river with Huck and Jim.

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Classic adventure novels which every kid should read

Adventure books these days seem to have to contain lots of magic or some sort of supernatural creature to draw young readers in. However, great writing, engaging characters and some breathtaking action are enough to keep readers of all ages entertained.

Here are some classic adventure books which young riders should be encouraged to rediscover.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Jim Hawkins can’t begin to imagine what kind of adventure he is in for when he first sees the Old Buccaneer. This is a classic tale which draws on the kind of make-believe play kids get up to in their younger years – pirates, swords, buried treasure and walking the plank. A must read for any kid – at any age.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

Suave, daring and expert swordsmen, the Musketeers Porthos, Athos and Aramis encounter young upstart d’Artagnan and a swashbuckling duel ensues. A classic tale of good versus evil, experience versus the exuberance of youth and well plotted lesson in loyalty and unity. The Three Musketeers has seen countless reworkings and adaptations, but the original novel by Dumas is great to get lost in and provides more than enough thrills and spills for young readers.

The Call of The Wild by Jack London

A tale which plots the descent in wild and feral behavior of the previously domesticated dog Buck, Jack London’s classic tale is a salient portrayal of what can happen to anyone – man or beast – if they are removed from their comfortable environment. At times brutal and heartbreaking, The Call Of The Wild has an underlying coming-of-age thread running throughout.

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