Moby-Dick was a flop.

Readers who were anticipating another exhilarating adventure like those in Melville's earlier works, Typee or Redburn, were bitterly let down by his masterpiece. In London newspapers, the British edition of Moby-Dick or The Whale received some favorable reviews, but American reviewers were astounded by its deep and subtle literary symbolism. According to the New York Albion, "There is no method in his craziness, and we must deem the major feature of the volume (Captain Ahab's character) a complete failure, and the work itself inartistic." The reviewer continued, comparing the novel's style to having oil, mustard, vinegar, and pepper served up as a dish rather than being administered scientifically.

161 years ago, public opinion was substantially different. Reviewers attacked "Moby Dick" when it first appeared in 1851. It wasn't even considered one of Melville's best works, according to many. The book "Moby Dick" narrates the tale of a seafarer named Ishmael. He ends up on a whaling ship captained by Captain Ahab, a man with a peg leg whose only goal is to find and kill the whale that amputated his leg. But Ahab's tenacity quickly turns to madness as they pursue the vicious Moby Dick.