1922 Rare Book - Moby Dick, The White Whale by Herman Melville illustrated by Augustus Burnham Shute.

The book: *Moby Dick*, first published in 1851, is Herman Melville's masterpiece and a towering work of American fiction. This edition, published by The St. Botolph Society in the early 20th century, reflects the period's fascination with Melville's work and his resurgence in popularity after decades of obscurity. The edition includes critical introductory material and is part of a broader effort in the early 20th century to reintroduce Melville to the literary canon. The presence of A. Burnham Shute’s illustrations add a unique visual dimension to the reader’s experience, making this edition particularly desirable for collectors of illustrated classics.

Herman Melville (August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the American Renaissance period. His best-known works include Typee (1846), a romantic account of his experiences in Polynesian life, and his whaling novel Moby-Dick (1851). His work was almost forgotten during his last thirty years. His writing draws on his experience at sea as a common sailor, exploration of literature and philosophy, and engagement in the contradictions of American society in a period of rapid change. He developed a complex, baroque style: the vocabulary is rich and original, a strong sense of rhythm infuses the elaborate sentences, the imagery is often mystical or ironic, and the abundance of allusion extends to biblical scripture, myth, philosophy, literature, and the visual arts.

The illustrator: A. Burnham Shute was a prominent illustrator in the early 20th century, known for his detailed and evocative artwork. His illustrations for *Moby Dick* are among his most recognized works, capturing the tension and drama of Melville's tale with a keen sense of atmosphere and emotion.