Isle of Man Post Office has marked the 200th anniversary of the author of Moby Dick by releasing a selection of commemorative stamps.
The stamps recognise the unnamed Manxman who appears in the book, written by Herman Melville, and is the oldest member of the whaler, Pequod, led by Captain Ahab.
The stamp collection was created by Manx born artist Juan Moore. He is said to have illustrated each character described by Melville in a ’stunning manner which perfectly reflects their qualities and characteristics’.
Published in 1851, Moby-Dick is narrated by the character Ishmael and focuses on the crew of the whaler.
The Manxman is described as ’sepulchral’ and Melville paints him as something of a mystic, a man who has ’studied signs’ and who Ishmael says has ’preternatural powers of discernment’.
Each of the six stamps portrays a prominent character of the Moby-Dick novel, which was originally published as The Whale in the UK.
The first class value stamp depicts Captain Ahab and his harpoon along with a vicious looking Moby-Dick, the EU value stamp is dedicated to Moby-Dick narrator Ishmael, who is the only surviving crew member of the ship.
Chief mate Starbuck, who was the only one among the crew in objecting to Ahab’s quest, is portrayed on the large letter stamp. The RoW value shows The Manxman.
Queequeg, a harpooner to first mate Starbuck and best friend of Ishmael’s, is illustrated on the £1.52 value stamp. And the final stamp of the series (£1.85) shows Stubb, the second mate of the Pequod, who is described to always have a pipe in his mouth and a smile on his face.
Maxine Cannon, general manager, Isle of Man Stamps and Coins said: ’Being a small island nation we are very proud of the impact Manx people have had and still have worldwide. Apparently so much so that Herman Melville immortalised us in this classic piece of literature. It’s only just that we repay the favour with this beautiful stamp collection.’ The Moby-Dick collection is available as Set and Sheet Set, Presentation Pack and First Day Cover.