Books

Two quarto volumes (7-1/2" x 10") bound in full dark sheepskin with gilt lettering on the spines. Copy #378 of 1000 with color and black-and-white plates after paintings by Boardman Robinson and SIGNED by the artist on the colophon page. One of the most difficult books of the press to obtain in decent condition because of the tendency of the leather to dry. When copies are seen, usually the binding is so dry it is crumbling. The limitation of 1000 copies is not stated, nor is the typical limitation of 1500 copies stated, but a letter from the publisher, George Macy, to a subscriber in another copy we handled explained the limitation (not included here). Leather still supple with solid original dark coloring but for the spines which are evenly faded to a lighter color and have a few light scratches. Near Fine in a bright, Near Fine slipcase with a split at the top edge. A superior example and increasingly difficult to find in this condition.

"Moby-Dick; or, The Whale," penned by Herman Melville in 1851, stands as a monumental work in American literature, melding adventure, philosophical inquiry, and deep symbolism. At its core, the novel narrates the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab, the monomaniacal commander of the whaling ship Pequod, to exact vengeance on Moby Dick, a gargantuan white sperm whale. Ahab's pursuit of the elusive leviathan, which had previously maimed him, becomes a profound exploration of ambition, madness, and humanity's struggle against the unfathomable forces of nature. The story is recounted by Ishmael, a sailor aboard the Pequod, who serves not only as a narrator but also as a philosophical observer, pondering the mysteries of existence and the interconnectedness of mankind and the natural world. The narrative weaves together Ishmael's reflections, the diverse tales of the ship's crew, and detailed expositions on whaling, creating a rich tapestry that transcends the conventions of its adventure story framework. "Moby-Dick" is celebrated for its ambitious scope, intricate symbolism, and the complexity of its themes. Melville's use of language is both grandiose and penetrating, capable of shifting from technical descriptions of whaling to eloquent meditations on the human condition. The novel's famous opening line, "Call me Ishmael," signals the beginning of a journey not just across the seas but into the depths of the soul and the paradoxes of existence. The fame of "Moby-Dick" lies not only in its narrative audacity but in its capacity to provoke endless interpretation. Ahab's quest against Moby Dick has been read as an allegory for the hubris of man, the inscrutability of fate, and the eternal battle against nature's indomitable will. Over time, the novel has transcended its initial lukewarm reception to become a cornerstone of American literature, revered for its profound insights into the human psyche and the darkness and light that reside within the human heart.