http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Chion/Colin%20McEnroe%20Show%2007-28-2011.mp3
Herman Melville knew he had written a difficult book to love. After Hawthorne praised it, Melville wrote back saying:
"You did not care a penny for the book. But, now and then as you read, you understood the pervading thought that impelled the book—and that you praised. Was it not so? You were archangel enough to despise the imperfect body, and embrace the soul."
The problem with the book is the problem with the whale. They're both too damned big.
And the virtue of the book is the vice of Ahab. They are gloriously mad and unapologetically obsessive.
Today, we'll tell you about a marathon reading of "Moby Dick" on the last wooden whaling ship in the world. We'll also tell you about a jazz concert in Hartford's most storied cemetery. It's a beautiful place. Why not use it? We'll also talk about the late, great Gil Scott-Heron.
Leave your comments, e-mail colin@wnpr.org or tweet us @wnprcolin.
