Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2025-08-08
Books mentioned on The First Great American Industry (Update)
Whaling was, in the words of one scholar, “early capitalism unleashed on the high seas.” How did the U.
Stephen Dubner discussed In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick, MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE by Herman Melville, and Leviathan by Eric Jay Dolin.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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In the Heart of the Sea
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick is a work of maritime history chronicling the tragic 1820 sinking of the American whaling ship Essex by a massive sperm whale, an event that ultimately inspired Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick.
Discussed“Phil has written several well- reggarded books of maritime history. The one most relevant to our discussion today is called In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex. The Essex was the real life inspiration for Moby Dick by Herman Melville, the whale of all whaling books.”
Where to get it
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MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE
Herman Melville's Moby-Dick; or, The Whale explores the obsessive, destructive quest of Captain Ahab to hunt down the white whale that maimed him, weaving a sprawling narrative that blends high-seas adventure, philosophical inquiry, and encyclopedic maritime lore.
Discussed“The Essex was the real life inspiration for Moby Dick by Herman Melville, the whale of all whaling books. Don't worry, we will hear much more about Moby Dick later in this series.”
Where to get it
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Leviathan
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.
Discussed“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.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“The whale itself became central to our art and culture. Part of what makes Moby Dick funny is that there's a hatred for a specific animal.”