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Moby Dick
For generations, readers have enjoyed classic literature. They have delighted in the romance of Jane Austen, thrilled at the adventures of Jules Verne, and pondered the lessons of Aesop. Introduce young readers to these familiar volumes with Great Illustrated Classics. In this series, literary masterworks have been adapted for young scholars. Large, easy-to-read type and charming pen-and-ink drawings enhance the text. Students are sure to enjoy becoming acquainted with traditional literature through these well-loved classics.
238 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
123 people are currently reading
2135 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Bogart
8 books8 followersShirley Bogart is a published adapter and an author of children's books. Some of the published credits of Shirley Bogart include Moby Dick (Great Illustrated Classics), The Prince and the Pauper (Great Illustrated Classics), The Time Machine (Great Illustrated Classics), and The Prince and the Pauper (Great Illustrated Classics).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 3, 2022
Η πιο διάσημη εισαγωγή στην ιστορία της δυτικής λογοτεχνίας, οι τρεις απλές αυτές λέξεις ("Λέγε με Ισμαήλ") μετά τις οποίες ο Χέρμαν Μέλβιλ δεν έγραψε τίποτε άλλο για εβδομάδες, δεν θα μπορούσαν να λείπουν ούτε από την Classics Illustrated εκδοχή του μοναδικού αυτού λογοτεχνικού έπους.
Νέα αναγνωστική συνήθεια, Κυριακάτικη, τα "Κλασσικά Εικονογραφημένα" και, τι καλά!, σήμερα "είχε" Μόμπι Ντικ.
Νέα αναγνωστική συνήθεια, Κυριακάτικη, τα "Κλασσικά Εικονογραφημένα" και, τι καλά!, σήμερα "είχε" Μόμπι Ντικ.
March 7, 2012
At times, life’s voyage can be a bit like wading through Moby Dick. Page after page. chapter after chapter, wave after wave. Sometimes there’s great discovery, sometimes ambivalence, sometimes boredom. Every now and then one spots a whale---but where’s the one that haunts you? Where’s the great white one?
The author’s study of the whale is exhaustive. He spends three whole chapters on the sperm whale’s head, one on the spout, one on the tail, two on the skeleton, another on ambergris, a substance found in the whale’s intestines.
More chapters are spent recounting the history of whaling, explaining the makeup and crew of a whaling ship, and relating the tale of the hunt and collection of sperm oil.
Melville’s characters are colorful and provocative. Captains Bildad and Peleg, owners of the Pequod, are “fighting Quakers with a vengeance.” Starbuck, the first mate, has “flesh as hard as twice-baked biscuit.” Queequeeg, the tattooed Kokokovo islander, shaves with a harpoon. Ahab is a one-legged “king of the sea and lord of leviathans”, hell-bent on harpooning the great white whale. And Ishmael is the greenhorn sailor-narrator with a vision for the “vast blue eye of the sea.”
I’d had Moby Dick on my reading list long since moving from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic. I won’t pretend that my overdue read of Melville’s big book of the ocean swept me completely off my feet. But, like a long, meditative stroll on the beach, like a luxurious day spent gazing out over its perpetual whitecaps, it sure did captivate me.
The author’s study of the whale is exhaustive. He spends three whole chapters on the sperm whale’s head, one on the spout, one on the tail, two on the skeleton, another on ambergris, a substance found in the whale’s intestines.
More chapters are spent recounting the history of whaling, explaining the makeup and crew of a whaling ship, and relating the tale of the hunt and collection of sperm oil.
Melville’s characters are colorful and provocative. Captains Bildad and Peleg, owners of the Pequod, are “fighting Quakers with a vengeance.” Starbuck, the first mate, has “flesh as hard as twice-baked biscuit.” Queequeeg, the tattooed Kokokovo islander, shaves with a harpoon. Ahab is a one-legged “king of the sea and lord of leviathans”, hell-bent on harpooning the great white whale. And Ishmael is the greenhorn sailor-narrator with a vision for the “vast blue eye of the sea.”
I’d had Moby Dick on my reading list long since moving from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic. I won’t pretend that my overdue read of Melville’s big book of the ocean swept me completely off my feet. But, like a long, meditative stroll on the beach, like a luxurious day spent gazing out over its perpetual whitecaps, it sure did captivate me.
December 3, 2011
Everyone should have the opportunity to read this version of Moby Dick by candle light, in one sitting, and in front of a roaring fire while a 142 mph windstorm rages outside! My kids were hanging on every word and we all lost ourselves in the whaling adventure.
The original unabridged version of Moby Dick is very informative but I remember it containing so much whaling detail and being so dry in some parts that I thought it was both one of my favorite stories and one that I would never pick up again.
Want to re-visit a classic without having to feel self discipline kick in when you want to put it down? Read an illustrated classic :)
The original unabridged version of Moby Dick is very informative but I remember it containing so much whaling detail and being so dry in some parts that I thought it was both one of my favorite stories and one that I would never pick up again.
Want to re-visit a classic without having to feel self discipline kick in when you want to put it down? Read an illustrated classic :)
January 9, 2022
I’ve read two books about whales this month. One is about caring and protecting whales, whilst this one is about killing them. Not something I want my son to read because the plots and characters just doesn’t do anything for me.
August 7, 2015
I read this with my 7-year old. She enjoyed it a lot more than I thought she would. After reading this version she said when she is older she wants to read the "grown up" version. I call this a win.
January 19, 2024
"But there is some monster inside me pushing me on recklessly, making me do what I should not.”
April 4, 2025
Read aloud with 7yo boy. He was enthralled; I was like “dang this is dark.”
April 6, 2023
Call me weird but this was my favourite book as a pre- and early-teen. I was obsessed fascinated by whalers and these ones in particular—Starbucks, Tashtego, Daggoo, & Queequeg, especially… and Fedallah. My siblings and I “played” Moby Dick on our trampoline for hours (minus some stuff lol) during several of our childhood years. I started reading the real book when I was older but never outgrew my love for this adaptation—the pictures, that is. In the end I couldn’t in good conscience keep a book with so much shirtlessness in it and threw it away. Someday maybe I’ll find another copy and fix it…
Anyways. The point of this review is, it’s a great adaptation for kids, much cleaner than the original, but it still needs edits in the text and illustrations.
Anyways. The point of this review is, it’s a great adaptation for kids, much cleaner than the original, but it still needs edits in the text and illustrations.
August 21, 2025
Realized about 2 pages in that this was a version adapted for children - I guess only kids books can have illustrations.
Will read the original.
Will read the original.
October 3, 2014
Moby dick is a story about a schoolmaster named ishmel who goes to the sea when he feels the need to heal himself spiritually. This time he decides to go whaling instead of going to a normal boat. On his way he meets a canibal indian named queegueg who becomes his best friend. They both go to a ship with a ragher strange captain. He has an obsession with finding and killing the whale that stripped him of his leg, moby dick, or the white whale. The two pals decide to join the crew, will they find and kill moby dick or will they die trying. Find out in moby dick.
March 1, 2013
I read this with my son, as I thought he would appreciate the story, but would not be able to handle Melville's cetological masterpiece just yet (not for many more years), with its long discussions of whales and nautical terms. Of course, the writing doesn't stack up to Melville's classic, but I still enjoyed the storyline and my son said it was his favorite book that we've read to date (of course he says that almost every time we finish a new book).
December 31, 2024
I decided to read more classics this year as one of my reading goals. As many times as I’ve heard bits and pieces of this one, I had never actually read it. An enjoyable enough read, and interesting to notice some of the differences between books written so long ago and books written now.
July 6, 2024
I remembered this being an excellent Illustrated Classic from reading it as a kid, but reading it to my son reminded me how fantastic it really is. The writing has urgency and energy, and it all builds to the climactic chase of Moby Dick in a way that makes you eager for every single page.
Owen’s Review: 5/5 milk bottles. I’m now ready to board a ship, sail the high seas, and find adventure on the horizon. But I’ll be smart enough to not chase the White Whale.
Owen’s Review: 5/5 milk bottles. I’m now ready to board a ship, sail the high seas, and find adventure on the horizon. But I’ll be smart enough to not chase the White Whale.
September 17, 2019
This book taught meand showed how hard everything was back then because the sailors had to sail miles and miles getting sick and living on a ship made out of wood filled with sickness and sometimes people die and this shows me to be grateful on how travels are so much safer.
March 12, 2025
While it couldn't capture the depth and strength of the original version, it still holds the charm that hooked me back in my childhood. Nostalgia continues to thrive, making it a terrific read even today.
August 30, 2022
We all liked reading this one as a family, it really boils the story down to its exciting moments and has some scary and gruesome moments to shock the kiddos. Great illustrations here too any time Moby Dick breaches the water.
April 30, 2024
3.5 Stars
January 23, 2024
It's a classic, reread the same copy from when I was 8 or so with the kids.
February 16, 2017
The Classic Fiction novel, Moby Dick by Herman Melville, that was publicized in 2012 takes place in many different oceans (Indian Sea, Pacific Ocean etc.) in the 1850's. The main character named Ishamael started off with very little money. He then decides that he might want to join a whaling ship. One night he decides to stay in a hotel room. Little did he know the hotel's rooms were all full so his only choice was to share a room with someone named Queequeg. Ishamael and Queequeg became friends. Queequeg ends up believing that him and Ishamael will be lifetime friends. Then they both go on a search to find a whale ship that they can both join. They join a whaling ship called the Pequod. The captain of the Pequod is named Ahab. Ahab has a fake leg because he once was trying to kill Moby Dick (a whale) and during the fight Moby Dick took Ahab's leg. Since that day Ahab has been determined to find and kill Moby Dick. Ahab tells the whole crew what Moby Dick looks like and offers a reward to whoever kills him. A few days into their 3 year trip the crew finally spot and kills their first whale. Throughout the course of their trip they kill about 6-9 whales, none of them being Moby Dick. One day they see in sight a whale that looks kind of like Moby Dick. As they get better sight of the whale they realize that it is Moby Dick. They start battling to kill Moby Dick, eventually he gets away! The whole night goes by with no sign of Moby Dick. That very next morning the crew sights Moby Dick again. During this next battle the crew is so determined to kill Moby Dick...finally Moby Dick charges at the Pequod and bashes through part of the ship to send the boat to slowly sink. Only one will survive the sinking of the Pequod, who will it be Ahab or Ishamael.
I recommend this book to people that like having cliff hangers at the end of some chapters. Also to people that like books with a lot of action.
I recommend this book to people that like having cliff hangers at the end of some chapters. Also to people that like books with a lot of action.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2021
I loved it! It was a great adventure story plus it gives a great reminder on how dangerous obsession can be.
June 8, 2020
Waaayy different than I expected. I can say it was still a good reading.
June 9, 2021
The best part about classic novels is that it can be read infinite times. Author Herman Melville’s magnum opus novel – Moby Dick belongs to that league of timeless classics. Inspired by a true story of whale hunting, ‘Moby Dick’ is an action-packed, adventurous sea tale revolving around a fanatic captain named Ahab who is obsessed on hunting a sperm whale. His ambition of killing the sperm whale is so suicidal that he sucks all his ship mates in this mission to track down and kill the gigantic sea monster. The 2015 thrilling sea adventure movie – In the heart of the sea was based on the book written by author Nathaniel Philbrick. The sinking of ship ‘Essex’ by a gigantic sperm whale in 1820 inspired author Herman Melville to write ‘Moby Dick’. Author Nathaniel Philbrick took the event of Essex incident as his topic and penned a bestseller novel – In the heart of sea (2001).
The whole premise of Moby Dick is set in the sea. The novel opens with the introduction of the narrator – Ishmael, a teacher whose love for sea voyages intrigues him to sign up on a whaling ship. Since he loves being a sailor, he ropes in a whaling ship named ‘Pequod’ to learn about skills of whaling. On his journey, he befriends a cannibalistic harpooner named Queequeg. Initially Ishmael is scared of Queequeg’s strange nature. Later they bond well. While boarding the ship ‘Pequod’, a mad man named ‘Elijah’ warns Ishmael about the ship and its eccentric captain Ahab. Despite the warning, Ishmael and Queequeg board on the ship Pequod. On board the ship, Ishmael meets Captain Ahab and gets familiar with the captain’s crazy passion to hunt down the whale – Moby Dick.
The first three chapters are focused on Ishmael the lead character who survives to tell the story of Moby Dick. But in later chapters, the entire focus shifts on Captain Ahab’s mission of killing the monstrous whale. The real hero of the novel is Captain Ahab who will go to any extent to see the sea monster dead. Little does he realize that in his pursuit of chasing the sperm whale, he is also risking the lives of his ship mates. The descriptions of sea life are so perfect and vivid that you feel that you are really on a ship. I could actually smell the sea while reading the book. The novel ends on a thrilling yet tragic note where no one survives in the ship sinking except Ishmael. Ishmael survives the dangerous ordeal and lives to tell the story of mad captain Ahab and the sea monster named ‘Moby Dick’. The action scenes in the book are so thrillingly written that you can actually feel the splash of water on your face. The waves, the storm, the collision of the ship and the whale’s gigantic entry: All these sequences leave goosebumps. This is one of the best sea adventure novels I thoroughly enjoyed since ‘Twenty thousand leagues under the sea’. It is not just a racy page turner, but a glimpse at the hard sea life of sailors on board the ships. They have to face hunger, storms, cyclones, heavy rainfalls and even mutiny within the ship. Reading Moby Dick was a cinematic experience on paper. It was like seeing a Hollywood movie on IMAX Screen. I had brought Moby Dick book back in 2002. But due to conflicting work schedules, I was unable to read this classic. Today I when read this book in detail, every moment of Moby Dick was worth the time.
Through Ishmael’s character, we visualize all the events in front of our eyes. Written in first person narrative, the novel also introduces us to other characters – Starbuck, Stubbs, Flask, Tashtego, Daggoo and Fedallah. The book ‘Moby Dick’ reminded me of another sea disaster – Titanic. It constantly kept me reminding of movie ‘Titanic’ and the star-crossed lovers – Jack and Rose. The sea adventure novel – Moby Dick was adapted in movie countless times. Actor Gregory Peck portrayed Captain Ahab in the 1956 movie adaptation. The 2011 TV movie featured actor Ethan Hawke as Starbuck the shipmate who opposes Captain Ahab’s dream of catching the whale. Director Ron Howard adapted author Nathaniel Philbrick’s book as the script for his movie based on the tragedy of Whaleship Essex. The book ‘Moby Dick’ is equally magnificent as movie ‘Titanic’. Even Steven Spielberg’s movie – Jaws was highly inspired by Moby Dick. While movie Jaws was based on a shark, Moby Dick was story of a monstrous sperm whale. If you love adventurous novels, then I highly recommend reading Herman Melville’s masterpiece novel – Moby Dick.
The whole premise of Moby Dick is set in the sea. The novel opens with the introduction of the narrator – Ishmael, a teacher whose love for sea voyages intrigues him to sign up on a whaling ship. Since he loves being a sailor, he ropes in a whaling ship named ‘Pequod’ to learn about skills of whaling. On his journey, he befriends a cannibalistic harpooner named Queequeg. Initially Ishmael is scared of Queequeg’s strange nature. Later they bond well. While boarding the ship ‘Pequod’, a mad man named ‘Elijah’ warns Ishmael about the ship and its eccentric captain Ahab. Despite the warning, Ishmael and Queequeg board on the ship Pequod. On board the ship, Ishmael meets Captain Ahab and gets familiar with the captain’s crazy passion to hunt down the whale – Moby Dick.
The first three chapters are focused on Ishmael the lead character who survives to tell the story of Moby Dick. But in later chapters, the entire focus shifts on Captain Ahab’s mission of killing the monstrous whale. The real hero of the novel is Captain Ahab who will go to any extent to see the sea monster dead. Little does he realize that in his pursuit of chasing the sperm whale, he is also risking the lives of his ship mates. The descriptions of sea life are so perfect and vivid that you feel that you are really on a ship. I could actually smell the sea while reading the book. The novel ends on a thrilling yet tragic note where no one survives in the ship sinking except Ishmael. Ishmael survives the dangerous ordeal and lives to tell the story of mad captain Ahab and the sea monster named ‘Moby Dick’. The action scenes in the book are so thrillingly written that you can actually feel the splash of water on your face. The waves, the storm, the collision of the ship and the whale’s gigantic entry: All these sequences leave goosebumps. This is one of the best sea adventure novels I thoroughly enjoyed since ‘Twenty thousand leagues under the sea’. It is not just a racy page turner, but a glimpse at the hard sea life of sailors on board the ships. They have to face hunger, storms, cyclones, heavy rainfalls and even mutiny within the ship. Reading Moby Dick was a cinematic experience on paper. It was like seeing a Hollywood movie on IMAX Screen. I had brought Moby Dick book back in 2002. But due to conflicting work schedules, I was unable to read this classic. Today I when read this book in detail, every moment of Moby Dick was worth the time.
Through Ishmael’s character, we visualize all the events in front of our eyes. Written in first person narrative, the novel also introduces us to other characters – Starbuck, Stubbs, Flask, Tashtego, Daggoo and Fedallah. The book ‘Moby Dick’ reminded me of another sea disaster – Titanic. It constantly kept me reminding of movie ‘Titanic’ and the star-crossed lovers – Jack and Rose. The sea adventure novel – Moby Dick was adapted in movie countless times. Actor Gregory Peck portrayed Captain Ahab in the 1956 movie adaptation. The 2011 TV movie featured actor Ethan Hawke as Starbuck the shipmate who opposes Captain Ahab’s dream of catching the whale. Director Ron Howard adapted author Nathaniel Philbrick’s book as the script for his movie based on the tragedy of Whaleship Essex. The book ‘Moby Dick’ is equally magnificent as movie ‘Titanic’. Even Steven Spielberg’s movie – Jaws was highly inspired by Moby Dick. While movie Jaws was based on a shark, Moby Dick was story of a monstrous sperm whale. If you love adventurous novels, then I highly recommend reading Herman Melville’s masterpiece novel – Moby Dick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
What an amazing story! I absolutely loved it!!
November 16, 2014
Enjoyable book. Personally it was a bit too easy and very boring. It seemed like nothing was ever happening. You are taken along the journey for the seek of the Great White Whale Moby dick, who had been the cause to many unfortunate injuries. The book just goes on about tales of the captain and the short struggles that they seek. The ending is terrible and i was glad to be finished with that never ending dull book.
April 29, 2023
Like all Great Illustrated Classics, a lengthy and complex tale is condensed down to the essentials of plot. Of course, the richness of Melville's language is lost, and the deeper thematic elements diminish, but it's a great entrance into a hard text for young readers. Tbh, if you are an adult reader who wants an "on ramp" before reading the full novel, this book can serve that purpose.
December 30, 2024
I almost fell asleep while reading it.
The most interesting part was the start when we met the characters but then the book lost me it was only about Ahab and his fucking obsession with Moby Dick just because the sperm whale bit his leg off like just get over it.
It also felt like the main character wasn’t even in the story.
The most interesting part was the start when we met the characters but then the book lost me it was only about Ahab and his fucking obsession with Moby Dick just because the sperm whale bit his leg off like just get over it.
It also felt like the main character wasn’t even in the story.
June 8, 2012
AHHH! This book rules. Like Shakespeare pointing at james Joyce at a maritime-themed cocktail party. Holy shit.
Read
February 21, 2013I highly recommend this book if you like pictures
November 15, 2023
I don’t get it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews