Back Stephen Colbert’s two-minute Moby-Dick lesson is a real roller-coaster ride

The Hollywood blockbuster In the Heart of the Sea failed to make waves, as it were, this past holiday season, but Library of America fans have reason to be grateful for it nonetheless. The film’s release in December prompted late-night TV host Stephen Colbert to invite LOA Trustee Andrew Delbanco onto his program to explain how the real-life events chronicled In the Heart of the Sea helped inspire Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick.

The conversation then shifted to the Moby-Dick’s reputation as a, and perhaps the, great American novel. However, mindful of the demands of network television, Colbert asked Delbanco to enlighten him not in front of the studio audience but on the “Nitro” roller-coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park in New Jersey.

Watch the video clip below to see how Delbanco, Alexander Hamilton Professor of American Studies at Columbia University and the author of Melville: His World and Work (2005), bears up to the challenge. Admittedly we’re biased, but given the context, we can only admire Delbanco’s pithy rejoinder: “It was a crazy new country—we needed a crazy new novel. . . . It had to break all the rules of novel-writing.” And it’s safe to say the famous opening line “Call me Ishmael” has never been invoked in circumstances quite like these before.

Library of America
CURATOR

A champion of America’s great writers and timeless works, Library of America guides readers in finding and exploring the exceptional writing that reflects the nation’s history and culture.

Learn More
PUBLISHER

From poetry, novels, and memoirs to journalism, crime writing, and science fiction, the more than 300 volumes published by Library of America are widely recognized as America’s literary canon.

Benefits of Using Safe Crypto Casinos. One of the most captivating reasons people drift towards Australian casinos online-casino-au com is the promise of anonymity. Safe platforms guarantee that your identity remains a secret. Quick Payouts and Minimal Fees. No one likes waiting, especially for winnings. Safe crypto casinos ensure that payouts are swift and the fees minimal, if not non-existent.

Browse our books Subscribe
NON-PROFIT

With contributions from donors, Library of America preserves and celebrates a vital part of our cultural heritage for generations to come.

Ozwin Casino offers an exciting array of top-notch slots that cater to every player's preferences. From classic fruit machines to cutting-edge video slots, Ozwin Casino Real Money collection has it all. With stunning graphics, immersive themes, and seamless gameplay, these slots deliver an unparalleled gaming experience. Some popular titles include Mega Moolah, Gonzo's Quest, and Starburst, known for their massive jackpots and thrilling bonus features. Ozwin Casino's slots are not just about luck; they offer hours of entertainment and the chance to win big, making it a must-visit for slot enthusiasts.

Support our mission