Moby-Dick: A Pop-Up Book

By Sam Ita

"Call me Ishmael." Three of the most famous words in all literature, they begin Herman Melville's masterpiece, Moby-Dick . Now, the epic saga of Captain Ahab's obsessive quest for the white whale comes vividly to life in this three-dimensional graphic novel, the first of its kind. This phenomenal work is the creation of multi-talented artist Sam Ita, apprentice to Robert Sabuda--one of the world's master paper engineers. Every amazing element is awe-inspiring: there's not just one pop-up per spread, but several, surrounded by colorful comic book-style panels that convey the story's drama. Some of the pops-ups are huge and incredibly detailed, like the Pequod itself, which rises gloriously from the page, complete with rigging. Others, smaller but no less wonderful, hide beneath flaps and folds. In one instance, readers actually get to look through a 3-D periscope and see Ishmael through the "lens," drifting in the ocean. The quality of Ita's paper engineering is nothing short of breathtaking and will carry you off on an unforgettable adventure.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402745281
• ISBN13: 9781402745287
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Sterling
• Length: 8 Pages
• Weight: 2.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.5" x 1.5" x 9.3"
• Age Range: 6 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 1 and higher

Customer Reviews

Lovely

Being a fan of literature and graphic novels, I felt that I could not in good conscience pass up such a unique item, and I was not dissapointed. The plotting of the story is effective, although it would probably be most enjoyed by people familiar with the plot, or young people getting exposed to the tale. However, the star of this show is the three dimensional artwork, which is fantastic and imaginative. The attention to detail is staggering, and fits very well with the narrative flow. I am well past the age where pop up books should be enthralling, but I can remember few more joyful reading experiences, at least in my adult life.

20-minute travel for a literature classic

I first glanced this book at a bookstore and immediately decided to put an order for myself. For a person who has not read this classic of American literature, this pop-up book of no more than 50 pages is a delightful and no less insightful journey. The visual and pop-up design is quite impressive, and the book spends as few pages to convey as much message, I guess. The reading experience is almost like watching a motion pitcture.

What a great child's book

Was looking for a book for a 4 yr old, which was 'educational' but interesting enough to capture his interest. He's into action toys right now. When I saw this and the beautiful pop-up, I knew I'd found the right book. Best of both worlds...an introduction to a classic, with 3D illustration. Now must wait until Christmas to see if he agrees!!!!

Awesome!

This is a great new take on the classic. Mr. Ita's clever and intricate design is fascinating and fun! A perfect gift for any book collector, this is a new classic!!!!

Exquisite paper engineering in the tradition of Robert Sabuda!

Having been a long-time fan of Robert Sabuda's pop-up books, I couldn't wait to sample this offering from Sam Ita, who had been Sabuda's apprentice. Moby Dick, the pop-up is a well-crafted book with excellent, detailed 3D engineering - the Pequod rises majestically from the pages in all its rigged glory and many other pop-ups on every page. Melville's story of Ahab and the whale is brought to life for the first time in a 3D graphic novel format and Ita is to be commended for his creativity in presenting a classic in a spellbinding, novel format that is sure to captivate readers young and old alike.