Moby Dick
Or, The Whale
Moby-Dick is narrated by Ishmael, a schoolteacher turned sailor who signs on to the whaling ship Pequod out of Nantucket and finds that its captain, Ahab, has a private purpose: to hunt down the white whale that took his leg. The voyage, which circles the globe, is interrupted by long chapters on the anatomy of whales, the economics of the trade, the color white and the butchering of a carcass, and the novel shifts between sea story, sermon, encyclopedia and stage play. Published in 1851, it sold poorly and was largely forgotten until the 1920s. Its 135 chapters are often short, and the cast, including the harpooner Queequeg and the mates Starbuck, Stubb and Flask, is drawn with humor as well as dread. It is available to read online in your browser on Vinteuil, with the first chapter free.
Start reading right away, without signing up. The complete text is included in Vinteuil Reading, or yours forever with a one-time purchase.
Frequently asked questions about Moby Dick
Moby Dick by Herman Melville can be read online on Vinteuil, directly in your browser. The first chapter is free for everyone; the complete book is included in Vinteuil Reading ($4.99/month or $39.99/year) or yours forever for $2.99.
Can I read Moby Dick online?
Yes. Moby Dick opens right on this page, in a reader designed for long reading: adjustable text size, light, sepia and dark themes, a clickable table of contents and your place saved when you are signed in. No download or app is needed.
Is Moby Dick free to read on Vinteuil?
The first chapter of Moby Dick is free, without an account. To read the whole book, either buy its online reading for $2.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and keep it forever, or subscribe to Vinteuil Reading for $4.99/month (£4.99/month in the UK) or $39.99/year, with 1 month free for new subscribers. The subscription opens every book in the library and can be cancelled at any time.
Is Moby Dick in the public domain?
Yes. Moby Dick by Herman Melville is a public-domain work. Vinteuil offers a carefully prepared digital edition made for comfortable reading on screen.
How long does it take to read Moby Dick?
About 14 h 14 min of reading, at an average reading pace. Your place is saved automatically when you are signed in, so you can read in several sittings and on several devices.
What kind of book is Moby Dick?
Moby Dick by Herman Melville is filed under "Adventure" in the Vinteuil library.
