Moby Dick; Or, The Whale

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

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?

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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.

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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.