"Melville brought to the task a sound knowledge of actual whaling, much curious learning in the literature of the subject, and, above all, an imagination which worked with great power upon the facts of his own experience"

In this quote, Carl Clinton Van Doren is describing the author Herman Melville and his technique to discussing whaling. Van Doren keeps in mind that Melville had a strong understanding of the useful aspects of whaling, most likely gained through personal experience or research study. Furthermore, Melville had a deep interest in the literature surrounding whaling, showing his commitment to completely understanding the topic. However, Van Doren highlights that it was Melville's imagination that truly set him apart. Melville had the ability to take the truths and experiences he had actually collected and use his powerful imagination to create engaging and impactful stories. This mix of knowledge, curiosity, and imagination permitted Melville to bring an unique perspective to his composing on whaling.