Call Me Ishmael
'Call Me Ishmael' by Charles Olson is an experimental essay that reimagines Moby-Dick as a cornerstone of American myth. Blending poetic insight with critical analysis, it explores Melville's epic through Olson's dynamic projective style, offering a vital perspective on literary obsession and cultural legacy.
About This Book
Charles Olson's 'Call Me Ishmael' is a seminal essay that reexamines Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick through a fresh, modernist lens. Written in 1947, it combines elements of prose and poetry to delve into the themes of obsession and the sea.
The book reflects Olson's innovative approach to writing, known as projective verse, where form follows the breath and energy of the content. It serves as an early example of his literary philosophy, influencing the Black Mountain school of poetry.
As a work of literary scholarship, it invites readers to reconsider Melville's masterpiece not just as a narrative but as a vital force in American cultural identity. Olson's text remains a touchstone for scholars and poets alike.
Published in a 2015 edition by Martino Fine Books, this version makes the influential piece accessible to new generations interested in 20th-century American literature.
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