Which London publisher first issued "Moby-Dick" in the United Kingdom?

Which London publisher first issued Moby-Dick in the United Kingdom? Richard Bentley first issued it there.

Bentley published the British edition in London on October 18, 1851, in three volumes under the title The Whale. The American edition followed in New York on November 14 as Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, published by Harper & Brothers. Thus, the British edition appeared first and used a different title presentation.

Melville had previously worked with Bentley on British publication arrangements and proposed the book to him in 1850. Bentley’s edition was based on proof sheets sent from the United States, but it was not identical to the American text. It included hundreds of altered wordings as well as substantial punctuation and spelling changes, and sensitive passages were censored or revised.

The first London printing was only 500 copies, reflecting Bentley’s caution after slow sales of Melville’s earlier books. The book was not an immediate commercial success, but its publication history helps explain why readers may encounter The Whale, Moby-Dick, or Moby-Dick; or, The Whale as titles for closely related early editions.