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Hello:

This past year  Public TV in the U.S. had a  public vote to determine America's 100 most loved books. All titles, all topics were considered. Moby Dick was voted # 46. I don't know about you, but at my senior status age I'll admit that I've started Moby 5 or 6 times and never fought my way beyond about page 50 Ugh! So I'm feeling really guilty about not reading this "Classic".  So, I did it! I read the "entire" thing  starting about page 50 or 75.  Some of the book is interesting...obsession, good versus eveil, etc etc. But Melville's whaling experience comes into play. In Chapter 118 he throws his quadrant to the deck! I guess he knows the end of the story. The whale wins!  In Chap 124 he magnetizes a sewing needle to replace his compass needle...interesting!  He describes his log line (Chap 125). Also , he describes dragging a chain tied to a rod at the top of the mast; a lightning  rod.  Is that now a modern technique?  Lastly in Chapter 126 or thereabouts he describes a normal life buoy that could be dropped from the stern rail and construction of a new one ( a coffin). Interesting.

In any log books, anyone ever read about dragging a chain or fixing a compass needle?   I don't recommend Moby, but what do I know? Best regards.

Bruce