Moby-Dick: Great Books Explained

Great Art Explained here - / @greatartexplained
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Herman Melville, the author of Moby-Dick, worked on a whaling ship as a harpoonist, literally at the sharp end of that gruesome business. And he took those experiences of life at sea and combined them with a love of William Shakespeare and the King James bible, to create a great American novel about obsession and compulsion. Moby-Dick pre-empts the work of Freud and Jung and the very modern quest to understand the psychology of the human mind, and it is just as much a story of the inner journey to the recesses of the human psyche as it is a journey across the vast blue oceans.
Moby-Dick is a complex metaphysical novel that looks for philosophy in whales, and for poetry in blubber.
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I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Alan Stewart, Alexander Velser, Alyssa Phillips, AMSN, Anja Zeutschel, Bria Nicole Art, David Asabreu, Christa Sawyer, Eric Mann, Erique K, Francis Song, Griffin Evans, Hugo Moita, Jemma Theivendran, John Baer, Jon Hanzen, Julio Cardenas, Karim Hopper, Kibibi Shaw, Louise Tait, Monte St Johns, New Curiosity, Paul Ark, Paul Waterman, Sagar Saxena, Sean Welgemoed, Stefan Paisson, Stephen Beresford, Tanya Moore, Theresa Garfink, Toni Ko, Tyler Wittreich, and Will Dew's-Power.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at [e-mail]
Spanish Subtitles by Alma Perdomo (Gracias)
CREDITS
Actor: David Shurvell
Opening Animation and Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
Sound Mix by Robert Lewis (Thank you!)
VIDEOS
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel do not claim any right over them.
MUSIC
"Feraye"
trad. Turkish, arr. Ulvi Cemal Erkin
Boğaziçi Jazz Choir (TR), conductor Masis Aram Gözbek
/ masisaramgozbek
/ bogazicicazkorosu
/ masisgozbek
/ bogazicicazkorosu
/ masisgozbek
/ bogazicicazkoro
/ masisgozbek
/ bogazicijazzchoir
[e-mail]
magmakoro.com
FILMS
The Sea Beast (1926) - ©Warner Bros
Moby Dick (1956) - ©Warner Bros
Moby Dick (2011) - ©Gate Film in association with RHI/ORF
BOOKS
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel and means I can produce more content. If you don’t know, my other channel, Great ART Explained can be found here - kzbin.info/door/ePDFpCr78_qmVtpoB1Axaw - thanks so much for your amazing support - James

[@fraserlinklater5334]

These short youtube videos are phenomenal! Books, cities, artists - all are great! Bravo and all best wishes from Canada!

[@JJONNYREPP]

Moby-Dick: Great Books Explained. 9.2.24. allegedly a very ooo-errr missus, sounds a rude novel. full of double entendres.... Carry on films ain't my scene so all those literary puns would obviously fly over my head...a decent enough tome. The film does it justice...unnecessary whale killing's though. There's an old school teacher from out my formative years who looked like one of the dockers featured, the chap with the eye patch. the remake isn't too bad. How about a study of Gargantua and Pantagruel?

[@elJas123]

First I learned about art, went to National Gallery to see the Gainsborough painting You showed in a video. Then I Went to Vienna to see the kiss by Klimt. Now I have read Alice, and I guess this is my next book. This channel has shown me a new way to appreciate the world of art, and I will be forever grateful for it.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

That’s amazing - really appreciate the comment 🙏

[@missg.5940]

I was very fortunate to be in Vienna in 2000. A Klimt exhibit was being gathered at the Belvedere from all over the world, preparing for a world tour. It was breathtaking! The Kiss is famous but l have greater favouritesamong his works. Cheers from Canada🇨🇦☺️

[@codyrodriguez1056]

N this channel should have content for years there r a million great books to die this with

[@nancyaustin9516]

Good for you. Having read a few pages of Moby Dick some years ago, I’m never going to read the whole thing. Not my cup of whale blubber…

[@juniorjames7076]

My mother lived in nursing home in Fall River, Massachusetts. When visiting her, I used to wonder why almost everybody in this area had a Portuguese last name, EVERYBODY!!! One day one of the elderly residents explained it to me. Back in the late 18th century, whaling ships would leave Portugal with a new crew assembled from surrounding Lisbon area. By the time the ship arrived in Rhode Island or Massachusetts after six months to one year of catching whales, the crew- their pockets fat with a year's salary, had zero desire to get back on that ship. They stayed in New England to start of new life, while the ships returned to Portugal practically empty. Repeat this a thousand times on a thousand ships from the 1800s to the 1920s, and thats why over half the population of some Rhode Island towns are descended from Portugal, Cape Verde and Angola!

[@MarkLiversedge]

You should start some kind of book club- so we can read the book before watching your films. Gonna have to do this one in reverse !

[@greatbooksexplained371]

That’s a great idea - maybe I’ll put up what works I’m planning on covering in the community section?

[@kevinjamesparr552]

A book is the precious life blood of a master spirit .Therefore no movie can ever hope to emulate the book itself .This is way none of them try but include so much fiction in order to sell their wares . It is chalk and cheese .

[@nullings.]

Having different people read out the citations in your videos helps to make the books feel distinct, and it's also exciting to hear who's reading this time.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you like them! Thanks 🙏

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

I was too young and foolish when I first read Moby Dick. I know now through your exquisitely done video that this is just the book for me, and I will read it again with a keener eye. Thank you.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

In the book the narrator literally turns a mirror on themselves at one point. Feels like Melville is breaking the fourth wall.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

The greatest American novel, no doubt. Truly a life changing read for me. The powerlessness, the anger, the bitterness, the Gnosticism; it hits deep. The most affecting part for me is when Ahab has a brief moment of clarity and realizes he's wasted his life on his quest, but then reaffirms his fixity of purpose and says, "Ahab is forever Ahab, man. This drama was rehearsed by thee and me a billion years before this ocean rolled." Truly one of the greatest books ever written.

[@rolandmeyer3729]

Huck Finn says hi.

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

@@rolandmeyer3729 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a great book, but in terms of depth it's nothing compared to Moby Dick. Melville's themes are cosmically grand, and his prose was biblically epic. It went harder and reached farther than any other American book of its time, and more than most since. I think it's pretty close to unassailable as America's finest literary achievement.

[@lou626]

​@@TH3F4LC0Nx exactly

[@Yazdeen]

When the book reaches The Chase, after hearing so much about the whale and how obsessed Ahab was, it was so invigorating to read through those last pages. Then, suddenly in the end, after everything collapses, Moby Dick goes on the rest of his day like nothing happened. To me, that was the clearest theme that I got out of it, especially towards the end. Nature is indifferent, as you said!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for the comment 🙏

[@barrymoore4470]

Yes, Nature as indifferent as well as inscrutable.

[@nuritardif563]

This book had me on my knees begging the sky for meaning, punching walls, and satisfyingly sobbing. I have thought about it every single day since i first read it, and while reading it i did not want it to end. Thank you for an amazing video on the book that has now become my own manual for living. I spread the Gospel any chance I get and tell people to read this book as soon as they can. It truly changed me and the way I view life. Thank you so much for this!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Wonderful!

[@alexscott5317]

I feel the same way! I always carry a copy with me wherever I go and I am always quoting it and trying to persuade people to read it. I have had reasonable success with this so far! (A few people were obligated as I bought it for them as a "present", they enjoyed it in the end!) It's funny that you said "I spread the Gospel any chance I get" as I once heard a commentator say that Moby Dick was like The Bible in that you could read it cover to cover but you can also just open it and read a random page or chapter and find some gem of wisdom in there that helps you out in your day! Melville was a true genius and I am forever thankful for his wonderous creation. Keep on keeping on friend! We'll get the word out!

[@Nebulosus]

My absolute favorite book, one that changed my DNA after reading, changed my entire world view when I first read it about 15+ yrs ago. I could have watched to a 5-hr version of this.

[@stevej9058]

I simply can’t imagine this channel being better. Bravo-again. Bravo.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Oh thank you! 🙏

[@DanielaMaria1998]

To all the people in the comments that are hesitating reading this book because of its size, its divided into very small chapters and it's easy to read in small increments if needed. It might take long to read, but the time will pass anyways and meanwhile you ll have read this really amazing book!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Totally agree 🙏

[@lf3541]

Me, breaking my ankle running to upvote this highly anticipated installment of Moby Dick in Great Books Explained before I finish the video because I know how good it is going to be! Plus, I will watch it twice. At least twice, probably more.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Love this comment! Let me know what you think!

[@orion6372]

Way to make it all about you…

[@SuperYova]

For those who want to purchase this book, find the reissue with illustrations by Rockwell Kent. They're a beautiful companion to the story itself.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I agree - I use many of the illustrations in this film

[@aperson900]

Your final comment was perfect. Having confessed all the sins of man, Melville has been washed clean. Nature, God, man, he struggles with all the big themes. The sea, careless whether you live or not, will strip you to the bone. Wonderful commentary.

[@croatianshiftry]

Mr. Payne, I am so grateful for your hard work. You truly make my week, when you upload! Thank you!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@laurasacchi8308]

I read and studied Moby Dick during a semester at the university more than 20 years ago. I was so captured by it, since the first line. This video, with its precious analysis, has literally moved me. Thank you so much!

[@meredithbignell7333]

Thank you for elevating the culture of KZbin. You are my favourite content creator by far!

[@TommyChardonneret]

Spectacular! That was one exemplary yet concise video and audio book review of a truly American literary Northern Star! This Melville masterpiece was a sort of redemption for me as a bookworm 13-year-old a long 57 years ago. So much of my loneliness and isolation "teenage angst" was greatly assuaged by multiple treasures within its covers. I've reread Moby Dick so many times throughout my life that I can't even count them now in retrospect. But of one thing I am certain: It never failed to further enrich my mind and spirit with each and every lingering appreciation of reading Melville's vanguard prose as poetry sentences! Thanks immensely to the crew who put this review to sail!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Great comment! Thanks 🙏

[@TommyChardonneret]

@@greatbooksexplained371 You are most deservedly welcome!

[@jaystammer]

Fantastic video! Fascinating interpretation of the psychology behind the writing. James - All of your book and Art/Artist videos are a masterclass for us all. For your viewers interest, the book "Heart of the Sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick chronicles the true story of the Whale Ship Essex and it's sinking by a white whale. The Essex sailed out of Nantucket at the time of Melville. Melville had heard the story of the sinking of the Essex which was the inspiration for the final scenes of Moby Dick. Highly recommend as a non-fiction follow up to Moby Dick. Well done James!

[@themetalhead92g]

It has finally arrived people!!! Let's dive and see..

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@themetalhead92g]

@@greatbooksexplained371 And indeed i did! Thank you very much! The two not always talked about scenes in the book that i find intriguing are the floating hell that is proccessing the whale and the protection of the calfs from a large body of circling whales. I was rejoiced in seeing that one of them caught your eye too!

[@---l---]

Good whale pun.

[@t.z2359]

I remember listening to Moby Dick a while back. I loved it, and have conceded reading it again. Thank you so much for adding contact to the book.

[@jimmyzbike]

required reading back in my day, but way over my head. thanks for helping to close that gap

[@steviebudden3397]

I've been meaning to get round to reading Moby Dick for ages. This will encourage me to actually do that. Cheers, nice one.

[@DanielaMaria1998]

Was waiting for this video since the community post! Great analysis has always. Read this book last year and as soon as I got to the sermon in the beggining of the book I knew I was reading something truly amazing. It took me months to finish, the story was so gripping and it really felt like i, as the reader, was going through the adventure with the whole crew. Loved to see the explanations of the religious parallels as well as of the social and political situation in the u.s.a at the time, it really fills in my interpretation of the book. Looking forward to more videos!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@KaritKtana]

Wow, this makes me want to read the book! After a lifetime of hearing about it and getting general pop culture references, your videos are on another level of helpfulness!!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

You should!

[@camilacosta8625]

I recently discovered this chanel and I'm LOVING IT. Thank you so much for your work.

[@irinaweber9526]

Great content, great narration, great reading by the actor and the music is yet again wonderfully chosen. Thank you !

[@Nozes..]

One minute in and it's already worth it. Superb work as always.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you think so!

[@lesborbasdeborawingell9837]

I hope you realize what an amazing gift your videos are to teachers and librarians everywhere!🙏❤

[@bretfisher7286]

Your opening decided it for me. I will finally read Moby-Dick. I had no idea it had existential messages, although of course I knew for a long time that it was renowned. Thank you for a very astute treatment of the book, and for a very worthwhile channel.

[@Ibikyo1]

I'll make sure to watch it later :) certainly on my to do list

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Let me know what you think!

[@badsitvfx652]

Amazing! Once again really expanding my experience of these novels.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad to hear it!

[@schmup53]

I have never read Moby Dick as I have always known it would taken some seriously dedicated reading to get through it; thank you for this wonderful video exposition on the novel, which will make my task a bit easier. I am also grateful to the snippet from the opera by Jake Heggie. I cannot wait for Mansfield Park, one of my all time favorite books (all of Jane Austen's books are one of my all time favorites).

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks 🙏

[@BahnGradWeg]

We are only in February but I already know my video of the year. Impressive. Thanks!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

That’s very kind of you- thanks 🙏

[@csflca]

This channel - and Great Art Explained - are nothing short of brilliant. Thank you and keep posting more!!!!

[@wistfulvista1020]

Loved it. "A polar wind blows through Moby Dick, and birds of prey hover over it."

[@artyfarty87]

"This isn't supposed to be easy" The bloke who read the quotes in this video has a very nice voice indeed.

[@frankfisher9559]

I wonder if Melville ever returned to the sea. It played such a large part in his maturation.

[@alexscott5317]

Back in the 19th Century if you wanted to leave your own country the best option was usually the sea. I know that he definitely was at sea in the 1850s as he came to visit Hawthorne in Liverpool when he was United States Consul. Hawthorne held this position from 1853-1857 and lived in Rock Park across the Mersey from Liverpool. Melville would usually sail to Liverpool and then get the ferry over to visit Hawthorne. I think in later years ill health prevented him from going to sea but he certainly went to sea several times after he wrote Moby Dick.

[@preopdollop]

...... love this new channel. I'm as dumb as a box of frogs when it comes to reading. I don't have the patience. However having the story pre explained like this is very enjoyable. I might even pick up a book!

[@randolphciurlino7255]

Moby Dick is one of the best books I've ever had the privilege to read. Have tried over and over to get my friends to read and appreciate it, but unfortunately, it seems too long, for most. Thank you, very well done.

[@simonkempe1212]

I've been waiting for this one - finally!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you like it!

[@Sams911]

perfect timing .. I just ordered thus book again, this time in the form of a fancy leather bound copy by Easton Press limited to 1200 copies. Will make re-reading it even that much more special.

[@nal3wka]

Fantastic video, thank you very much

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you liked it!

[@RaphaeladeOliveira]

Absolutely fantastic. I love this channel! A dear friend recommended it to me and now I am literally obsessed, just like the subject of the video.

[@eallen555]

This is great, and it obviously took a lot of time and work to make it. I do hope you do more of these. I scrolled down in your channel, and I was sorry to see only a handful of these videos.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

It’s a new channel - check out my Great Art Explained channel for more videos!

[@wembleysmama7899]

I love this book so much! Excited to watch this! 🐳

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you like it!

[@synthWizkid]

Thank you. Ive been revisiting this again. Big part of my childhood

[@mmehysteria]

We need more of this! Keep up the great work!

[@GreatArtExplained]

More on the way!

[@lesliegreenhill2389]

Loved this commentary on Moby Dick. A book that is a great addition to knowledge of the human experience. Have never forgotten the film starring Gregory Peck. Well done writers of this Utube video.

[@berolinastrassmann]

Yet another excellent video, thanks James. I appreciated the sound effects and the background. So sad the author did not get to experience the success of his work.

[@lucasmorato5993]

Amazing explanation. Never read it and never really understood why the book is so famous until now!

[@alexanderlbs1123]

One of my best reading-experiences to date, with three things standing out to me years later: - It is the most international book I have read, in the sense that it mentions so many parts of the world, touches upon so many cultures and people, and I am baffled by the fact, that the book is from 1851, when traveling was long and strenuous. - The socio-realism is baffling. When I read it, I could feel the unforgiving sun roasting me, smell the saltiness of the air and feel the ship gently swaying beneath me. I knew how the ship operated, how the men felt, and the effect their labors and the condition they lived in. It is marvelous to be able to travel back in time by simply turning some pages, but Melville manages to capture reality all the while changing the writing style. - Lastly, I remember the way the writing style captures my imagination, and I continuously (and to my roommates irritation) caught myself reading the text aloud with a faulty and wavering impression of a 18th century accent. An absolute joy! At times it felt a wee bit long with its digressions, but still one of my absolute favorite reading experiences, and I highly recommend the journey

[@antemeridiemwolf]

Thank you James and Paul!

[@hauntedmilk8540]

Wow - never saw these book videos! Can't wait to enjoy all of them.

[@shienshienshien]

Thank you so much for this video! I am inspired once again to pick up Moby Dick after my first failed reading… 😅

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

For someone who was never thought the deeper analysis of Moby dick in school and who thought that this novel had no purpose, this video is an eye opener. You never fail to inspire and mesmerize us with your videos. Just with the knowledge I gained from these videos, I could see this world and its art in such amazing perspectives.

[@ep4169]

Great video, not only delves into the themes of the video but does so in a way that really captures the spirit of the book. When I read it I was impressed by the epic feel and nature of the language, but baffled by the structure and endless digressions. This video helped my understanding.

[@frannydonington9925]

This gave me goosebumps! I’ve always wanted to tackle reading this, and now I feel primed to do it. Thank you for your inspiring content!

[@maryramireztorres]

I really appreciate your other channel about ART ❤ AND that’s how I found this channel Thank you for the research and passion to the way you enlighten entertain and inform !!! I loved this episode I learned so much

[@jimib]

Glad to have found your channel(s).

[@Ericalizar]

Thank you for this video. This novel was required reading for my 10th grade advanced English class and because of that we all detested it. To be fair, our teacher wasn’t the greatest. But now I can appreciate it through a different lens

[@puddinggeek4623]

Excellent video as always. Very informative and entertaining. Keep up the great work.

[@CarolR-hw6qr]

Such a well made video. Thank you for this great channel.❤❤

[@marvinmatter1501]

Great Video, love the aesthetic and the animations!

[@aliana151]

I have always wondered what this book is about and wanted a video explaining more about it. Going to see it again later today! Great video!

[@nickbarr3094]

Thanks James. Loving the new channel.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad to hear it!

[@harrietwagner4891]

so glad you included a nod to Jake Heggie's and Gene Scheer's wonderful opera.

[@heather5781]

Thank you so much as usual for sharing this! Even when it is a book I have read I appreciate your thoughts on it and as a bonus I find listening to you quite calming. Can't wait for the next one!

[@ghost21501]

Subscribed. As an artist, I love your other channel, but as a reader, this is great! Keep up the good work.

[@jshurvell]

Intriguing and atmospheric. You've managed to make what some view as a plodding read absolutely fascinating! And I like the use of another voice for Ishmael: that really works well.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fmeu7733]

Very glad to see that you made this video. Have to admit that this is one of the classics that I did not finish :/

[@DaveM86]

Great video, as always. Please keep doing these book breakdowns.

[@mr_nincompoop]

Love your videos both here and on your other channel. Amazing quality and always fascinating even for books or artworks I would not usually gravitate towards. Thank you for producing them! I’m sure you have a long list of future plans, but I’d love to see a deep dive on a classic gothic novel like Frankenstein or Dracula!

[@Monkeybonkers2008]

Great video once again James. The narrator's voice was perfectly suited to the theme.

[@rhythmythicles]

Thank you! Thought-provoking as always.

[@rbpompeu1]

Wow! What a great explanation of a so dense book! Thank you!

[@fourstringbuck]

Thanks for your work. This channel is already my new favorite.

[@troydaum4728]

A super interesting video as always!

[@irina9339]

THank you so much! Was a pure joy

[@user-ry5im1zi2n]

Excellent analysis as always. Please keep them coming

[@jimenaguadamuz5526]

Thank you, James! Great job as always!

[@ocean4763]

I’ve heard SO much about this book, my boss at my previous job wrote his English PhD on it! I can’t wait to really have it explained 😊

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you like it!

[@GovenorMcLovin]

Admittedly I have never read Moby Dick, even as a literature major. My favorite Melville piece is actually a short story published after Moby Dick called Bartleby the Scrivener. It really is excellent and also heartbreaking.

[@Clubsandwichchav]

loving these videos man.

[@annaoa11]

This is awesome as apart of my Rory Gilmore reading challenge. Life is way too short to not take advantage of complex summaries like this.

[@Hellismary]

Absolutely love this channel !

[@f22cc65]

Love your work thanks for the amazing content!! Requesting Petit Prince please 🙏🏽

[@ferretface]

Wonderful work as always!

[@eliza4817]

Love this one! I’m really interested to see some of the original film adaptations shown here now too

[@erwankergall4266]

Amazing work once again !

[@whyamilikethis1998]

This was wonderful, I'd never read the book but will now! I love when you cover public domain books, bc it means i can find and enjoy them straight away even when it isn't payday 😊❤

[@blackbird163]

Thank you. Very interesting listen. Never read the book but was always interested in it

[@janach1305]

In Jake Heggie’s opera Moby Dick, “Call me Ishmael” is the last line of the piece, not the first, sung by the character known as Greenhorn when a sailor on board the Rachel asks his name as he is pulled from the sea. I have seen only the movie version of the opera. I really want to see it live.

[@shoegal]

I'm feeling new year resolution-y. Maybe I should get around to reading the classics as prompted by your videos.

[@pataragochi]

Hi James. I can't wait to watch the video! Being a fan from your videos for quite a while now, I am sure this one will be as interesting and well done as usual. Since I haven't read the book yet (but planning on reading it), I would like to ask you/the community: which one first, book or video? Thanks a lot for your amazing work!

[@Fbflath0313]

Listened to the book on audible for free and really enjoyed it! Some of it is quite dull but other chapters I couldn’t turn off, thank you for the video on it!

[@miabhanage]

Been patiently waiting for this one, I have already read Alice and bought Ulysses and this will be now on the list too. Great video and thank you for everything you do

[@BarrySagittarius240]

I’ve been waiting for this! I’m pretty sure you uploaded this briefly a week ago and then took it down. I thought I saw the upload and then later on went looking for it and it had vanished. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining things.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

No it’s the first time uploading - maybe it’s like the whale - an enigma!