November 14 in American History
Herman Melville's novel about a captain's obsessive hunt for a white whale was a commercial flop in his lifetime — and is now considered one of the greatest American novels ever written. A reminder that the culture doesn't always recognize its best work on the first pass.
In 1851: Moby-Dick is published in America. Herman Melville's novel about a captain's obsessive hunt for a white whale was a commercial flop in his lifetime — and is now considered one of the greatest American novels ever written.
Herman Melville's novel about a captain's obsessive hunt for a white whale was a commercial flop in his lifetime — and is now considered one of the greatest American novels ever written. A reminder that the culture doesn't always recognize its best work on the first pass.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
The most American novel is…?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.
Take the Free Assessment →