Book · 2007 · Business & Economics
Leviathan
The History of Whaling in America
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So I'd like to read you a short passage from the book Leviathan, the history of whaling in America by Eric J. Dolan. Of all the nations that have hunted whales, none has a more fascinating whaling history than does the US.
Stephen Dubner · Freakonomics Radio · Aug 2025 Listen at 19:50 Why people recommend it
Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America by Eric Jay Dolin is a comprehensive historical account examining the profound economic, cultural, and historical impact of the American whaling industry. The book details how the United States developed a uniquely fascinating and dominant role in global whaling compared to any other nation that pursued the trade. This captivating historical narrative has drawn attention on popular audio programs, notably being featured on episodes of Freakonomics Radio. Stephen Dubner discussed the work on the podcast, utilizing it to frame conversations surrounding early American commerce and industry. During an episode in July 2023, the host introduced a short passage from the volume to set the stage for exploring the historical importance of whaling as the first great American industry. Later, in August 2025, Stephen Dubner returned to the book on Freakonomics Radio by reading another short excerpt from the history of American whaling to prompt guest Eric Hilt for his specialized perspective on the subject. Through these podcast appearances, the text serves as a primary narrative anchor for discussions regarding early United States economic history, illustrating the vast scale, ambition, and consequence of the historical whaling trade that once drove American enterprise and shaped coastal communities across the nation.
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Stephen Dubner So I'd like to read you a short passage from the book Leviathan, the history of whaling in America by Eric… 1
“So I'd like to read you a short passage from the book Leviathan, the history of whaling in America by Eric J. Dolan. Of all the nations that have hunted whales, none has a more fascinating whaling history than does the US.”