Herman Mellville's Moby-Dick is one of the most well-regarded literary classics in the modern Western canon, but if illustrator Evan Dahm's latest crowdfunding venture is successful, it's about to be seen in a whole new light. With the classic having been in the public domain for many years, Dahm is seeking to release a hardcover of the original text paired with his own gorgeous illustrations, and the project is currently seeking funding on Kickstarter.

The project combines Melville's novel with 53 full page ink illustrations by Dahm, all in one hefty hardback tome. While most of the illustrations are in a classic-style, some of them are a bit of a departure, including meticulously researched diagrams and charts. All of the illustrations currently completed are available to view on a dedicated Tumblr.

This is the second of Dahm's illustrated classics; several years ago he ran a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the production of an illustrated version of L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz which smashed its funding goal and can now be purchased through the Topatoco store.

In terms of rewards, there is everything from a PDF of the finished book, complete with illustrations, right the way up to the highest tier --- which is no longer available --- to get Dahm's own personal annotated copy of Moby-Dick.

Supporters can also get a bundle copy of Moby-Dick and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as well as a screenprint of a scrimshaw medallion.

The project is currently live on Kickstarter and runs until December 14, 2016.

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