This epic story of Captain Ahab's incredible quest for the elusive great whale is widely regarded as the Great America Novel. Herman Melville's writing of the tale is told by Ishmael through whose insight and conscience the narrative takes shape. Ishmael's longing for the sea is his sustenance. "whenever i find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever i find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral i meet; than, i account it high time to get to sea as soon as i can . . . With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his swords; i quietly take to the ship. Ishmael’s love of the ocean could very well have been the author's too.