Includes bibliographical references and index.

"This book asks the questions of whether Moby-Dick-the first novel to represent vast metaphorical and spiritual implications for our own behavior through ocean animals- closely conveyed the understanding of whales in the nineteenth century, and what was twisted merely for the fictional purposes. Richard King lays bare the background to Moby-Dick by moving through the voyage of the Pequod, exploring topics in marine biology, oceanography, and the science of navigation as Ishmael raises them in the novel"--,Provided by publisher.