Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

Herman Melville (1819-1891)

Approximate level: B2
Length: 217,886 words
Reading time: 18 h 9 min
Chapters: 134
Language: English
On Project Gutenberg since: 2001

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This novel follows a whaling expedition led by the obsessive Captain Ahab. Written in the mid nineteenth century, the text presents a significant challenge for learners. The vocabulary is dense and archaic, often referencing technical maritime terms and historical linguistic sources. Melville uses long, complex sentences that require careful attention to syntax and structure. The themes explore human nature, obsession, and the power of the natural world. It is a demanding read that rewards patience and a strong grasp of literary English.

164,301 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Whaling -- Fiction
Sea stories
Psychological fiction
Ship captains -- Fiction
Adventure stories
Mentally ill -- Fiction
Ahab, Captain (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
Whales -- Fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.

How does reading with a translation work?

Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 50 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 18 h 9 min at a native pace, spread over 134 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

Is there an easier version of this book?

Yes, in the Lingo7 app. Next to the original, you can add an adapted version that tells the same story of Moby Dick; Or, The Whale in simpler words and shorter sentences, at about A2 level. It is made with AI from the public domain text, page by page as you read, and the app marks it as an adaptation. You choose between the two on this page.