
Redburn. His First Voyage
Enriched edition. Being the Sailor Boy Confessions and Reminiscences of the Son-Of-A-Gentleman in the Merchant NavyBy Herman MelvilleLength13h 24m
About this audiobook
In "Redburn: His First Voyage," Herman Melville crafts a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores the coming-of-age journey of a young man named Wellingborough Redburn. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century maritime adventure, the novel employs a rich, descriptive prose style that vividly captures the complexities of life at sea. Melville juxtaposes the romanticized allure of a sailor's life with the harsh realities of shipboard existence, reflecting the author's own experiences aboard whaling vessels. This bildungsroman reveals themes of innocence, disillusionment, and the quest for identity amidst the tumultuous oceanic expanse, presenting a poignant commentary on the human condition within the frame of American literature's burgeoning maritime saga. Herman Melville, an influential figure of the American Renaissance, drew from his personal voyages and encounters to imbue "Redburn" with authenticity and depth. His own early experiences as a sailor provided him with firsthand insight into the triumphs and tribulations of maritime life. Artistic in nature, Melville sought to intertwine narrative realism with allegorical elements, thereby striving to engage readers not merely as spectators, but as participants in the maritime odyssey of self-discovery. This novel is highly recommended for readers seeking to understand the thematic undercurrents of early American literature and the transformation of the sea as a powerful metaphor. Melville's incisive exploration of youthful ambition and existential questioning acts as a precursor to the profound narratives that follow in his later works. "Redburn" stands not only as an adventurous tale but as a resonant reflection on the universal journey of maturation.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics, General Fiction
Length13 hrs 24 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 20, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
11XXIX. REDBURN DEFERENTIALLY DISCOURSES CONCERNING THE PROSPECTS OF SAILORS
2Introduction
12XXXIII. THE SALT-DROGHERS, AND GERMAN EMIGRANT SHIPS
3Synopsis
13XXXIX. THE BOOBLE-ALLEYS OF THE TOWN
4Historical Context
14XLV. HARRY BOLTON KIDNAPS REDBURN, AND CARRIES HIM OFF TO LONDON
5Author Biography
15LI. THE EMIGRANTS
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6Redburn. His First Voyage
16LIX. THE LAST END OF JACKSON
7I. HOW WELLINGBOROUGH REDBURN'S TASTE FOR THE SEA WAS BORN AND BRED IN HIM
17Analysis
8VII. HE GETS TO SEA AND FEELS VERY BAD
18Reflection
9XIII. HE HAS A FINE DAY AT SEA, BEGINS TO LIKE IT; BUT CHANGES HIS MIND
19Memorable Quotes
10XXI. A WHALEMAN AND A MAN-OF-WAR'S-MAN