Moby-Dick, or The Whale (the end part, anyway)

[brojoghost]

the ship sinks? Just how big IS this whale?

[Cadwaladr]

According to Ishmael, it's nearly 100 feet long, though in reality, they only get to be about 70 feet. But keep in mind that the ship is probably 90 to 100 feet long, so according to the narrative, the whale is as big as the ship.

[vanness5]

That really is a great one. Incidentally, have you ever read "Two Years Before the Mast"? That is also one of my favorites.

[Cadwaladr]

I haven't read that one. I've probably got a copy somewhere though. I'll look for it.

[Cadwaladr]

Hah, found it already. I thought, Where would it be? Harvard Classics? Yep.I love my library.

[vanness5]

Harvard Classics for sure, they love to promote their own... Anyhow it's an excellent nautical tale, not to mention the descriptions of the west coast at that time are superb, my personal favorite being the descriptions of the "Mexican Character" (all lazy and afraid of the water) hahaha terrible stuff.

Ifyou ever find yourself in Boston be sure to make a point of visiting the Brattle Book Shop. I have been spending quite a bit of time and money there during my stay.