Erica Wagner, an accomplished editor and author, and Jarred McGinnis, a novelist and creative director, delve into the rich depths of 'Moby-Dick.' They explore Melville's tumultuous publication journey and its eventual rise in cultural significance. The duo reflects on the novel's themes of nature, creativity, and community storytelling, while also linking it to the Franklin expedition and modern artistic influences like Bob Dylan. With humor, they discuss adaptations of the whale tale and share festive anecdotes, bringing the timeless classic to vibrant life.
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Erica's Arctic Adventure
Erica Wagner saw bowhead whales spout in the Arctic Ocean.
She also visited the graves of Franklin's lost expedition.
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Erica's Sixth Voyage
Erica Wagner has been on the Backlisted podcast six times.
This is a record number of appearances.
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Moby Dick Unabridged
Jared McGinnis directed a four-day immersive reading of Moby Dick.
This event took place at the South Bank Centre eight years prior.
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Published in 1851, 'Moby-Dick; or, The Whale' is an epic novel that follows the journey of the whaling ship Pequod and its crew, led by the vengeful Captain Ahab. The story is narrated by Ishmael, who recounts the crew's encounters with various ships and the eventual catastrophic confrontation with Moby Dick. The novel explores themes of obsession, good and evil, and the human condition, and is renowned for its detailed descriptions of whale hunting and life aboard a ship. Despite initial commercial failure, it is now considered one of the greatest American novels.
Join the Backlisted crew as we navigate the swells and surges of Moby-Dick; or the Whale by Herman Melville. That's right, Moby Dick is a Christmas book! Andy, John and Nicky welcome aboard novelist Jarred McGinnis and writer and editor Erica Wagner to discuss and celebrate this legendary literary leviathan, one that has sunk many a podcast before us. We enjoy a challenge on Backlisted, however; and there are few novels as challenging or rewarding as Moby Dick. So set sail with us in pursuit of Melville's white whale, with readings, songs and truly dreadful puns, on the Backlisted Christmas Special 2024: the Pequodcast that gives new life to an old - and magical - book.
Bonus audio! We Wish You a Moby-Dickmas and Ahabby New Year! Andy compiled this playlist to tie in with the Backlisted Christmas Special 2024. It is sequenced to follow (loosely) the plot of Moby-Dick. WARNING! The final track is definitely NSFW i.e. Naughtily Subverting Free Willy. Do not play if there are small children around.
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