Moby Dick, or the Whale


Read by Stewart Wills

(4.5 stars; 3278 reviews)

Few things, even in literature, can really be said to be unique — but Moby Dick is truly unlike anything written before or since. The novel is nominally about the obsessive hunt by the crazed Captain Ahab of the book’s eponymous white whale. But interspersed in that story are digressions, paradoxes, philosophical riffs on whaling and life, and a display of techniques so advanced for its time that some have referred to the 1851 Moby Dick as the first “modern” novel.
(Summary by Stewart Wills) (24 hr 37 min)

Chapters

Chapter 000: Etymology and Extracts 29:13 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 001-002 23:56 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 003 34:53 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 004-007 27:10 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 008-009 29:36 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 010-012 19:28 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 013-015 23:08 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 016 35:18 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 017-021 42:49 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 022-025 27:25 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 026-027 19:20 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 028-031 25:00 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 032 36:58 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 033-035 38:11 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 036-040 42:17 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 041 26:29 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 042-044 43:36 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 045-047 37:09 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 048-050 38:29 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 051-053 27:05 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 054 54:14 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 055-058 37:09 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 059-063 38:45 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 064-067 37:05 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 068-071 34:21 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 072-073 24:34 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 074-077 30:27 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 078-080 24:03 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 081-082 36:45 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 083-086 37:38 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 087-088 40:31 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 089-091 33:56 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 092-096 42:47 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 097-100 43:25 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 101-104 40:03 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 105-108 37:07 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 109-113 41:00 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 114-118 25:57 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 119-123 32:43 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 124-127 32:40 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 128-132 42:23 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 133 24:58 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 134 22:48 Read by Stewart Wills
Chapter 135 and Epilogue 35:01 Read by Stewart Wills

Reviews


(5 stars)

This is an absolute joy to listen to--a singular achievement in audiobooks. Wills' reading makes one the more intimidating, English language novels not just incredibly accessible--but actually very funny. Moby Dick is like a series of disjointed blog posts written by an observer with a very wry sense of humor. Wills perfectly captures the narrators' voice as the events become increasingly bizarre and unhinged. Wills really is pitch perfect here. I've listened to this twice in its entirety, and still go back now and then to listen to my favorite chapters.

At the beach


(4.5 stars)

I love Your voice . I walk by the beach hearing Ishmael every morning in Brazil. Thank You so much.

You must listen to this version!


(5 stars)

Stuart Wills brought Moby Dick to life, reading with the heart and tone of a New Englander. I have never read Moby Dick cover to cover and am grateful to gave found this audio gem. It is long but so incredibly worth the time. I was constantly in awe how modern Melville's thoughts and words came through in 2023. Mr Wills, thank you for an amazing animation of this classic!


(5 stars)

honestly this book I was told all my life it's a must read. Skeptical as I tend to be I wish now I hadn't waited so long to read it!! A literary Master piece! author paints a story with his words.

One of the greatest books brought to life


(5 stars)

Moby-Dick has an intimidating reputation. This intelligent, entertaining reading is a marvelous and listener-friendly way to experience it. I plan on listening again--it's inexhaustible.

Unique experience


(5 stars)

Unlike any other book I've read. 1/3 of chapters are just about whaling and have nothing to do with the plot. Interesting and enjoyable though

Excellent and Beautiful and Poetic


(5 stars)

Some parts are very philosophical without apparent bearing on the story. Most are still enjoyable to listen to for both their philosophy and their lyricism. I could skip some without losing the thread

Amazing reading


(5 stars)

Stewart Wills' reading is beautiful, characters vivid, the sound quality excellent... it's amazing that this book is free. What a gift.