Who is the author of 'Moby-Dick'?

Herman Melville is the author of “Moby-Dick.” Published in 1851 as Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, the novel follows Ishmael's account of Captain Ahab's obsessive hunt for Moby Dick, a giant white sperm whale that previously injured him. Its opening words, “Call me Ishmael,” are among the best-known beginnings in American literature.

Melville drew on his own experience at sea, including voyages on merchant ships and a whaler, as well as books about whaling. The novel also reflects the real 1820 sinking of the whaleship Essex, which was attacked by a sperm whale. The legendary albino whale Mocha Dick provided another important model for the fictional creature.

The book was initially published in Britain under the title The Whale and appeared in the United States under its definitive title later that year. Early reviews were mixed, and it was commercially unsuccessful during Melville's lifetime. Its reputation grew dramatically in the twentieth century, when critics recognized its unusual blend of adventure, symbolism, maritime detail, philosophy, biblical allusion, and experimental literary form. Nathaniel Hawthorne, Melville's friend, received the novel's dedication.