Episode · Freakonomics Radio · 2023-07-20
Books mentioned on 550. Why Do People Still Hunt Whales?
For years, whale oil was used as lighting fuel, industrial lubricant, and the main ingredient in (yum!) margarine. Whale meat was also on a few menus.
Stephen Dubner recommended MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE by Herman Melville, and discussed Songs of the Humpback Whale by Jodi Picoult. Also mentioned: Moby Dick by Herman Melville.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Songs of the Humpback Whale
Discussed“if you were around Way Back in 1970 you might remember a record album called songs of the humpback whale it was a pretty big hit”
Where to get it
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MOBY-DICK; or, THE WHALE
Recommended“also why is it still a good idea to Read Moby Dick”
Where to get it
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Moby Dick
Recommended“Also, why is it still a good idea to read Moby Dick? There's a headline early in the novel that says bloody battle in Afghanistan, grand contested election for the presidency of the United States—and is a 19th-century whaling crew more ethnically diverse than your 21st-century office?”
Where to get it
