Moby-Dick

First published in 1851, this novel is narrated by Ishmael, who ships aboard the Nantucket whaler Pequod under Captain Ahab. The stated voyage is a sperm-whale cruise in the Pacific; Ahab's private aim is the white whale that took his leg, which he names Moby Dick and pursues across the world's hunting grounds. The crew includes the mates Starbuck, Stubb, and Flask; the harpooners Queequeg, Tashtego, and Daggoo; and the cabin boy Pip. Chapters on whales, cutting-in, and the try-works sit beside the chase. The book is a sea narrative and encyclopedic account of the whale fishery, built around one captain's hunt.

Bound in blue cloth with a wood-engraving in black by Palmer. Blue endleaves. Page tops stained blue. Mottled grey slipcase. Second impression 1998 had pale grey endleaves and dark blue slipcase.