Event—Adult Education

Moby-Dick: Reading and Envisioning an American Epic

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Chart a thrilling course through Herman Melville’s American classic, Moby-Dick.

Moby Dick King Classics cover. Call number: Modern MS Melvilleana

Class Description

From the most famous first sentence in American literature to the climactic chase scene, reading Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is a great challenge—and memorable experience—in the life of any reader.

This class will help participants chart an exciting course through the novel. We will also explore many of the beautifully illustrated editions of the book held in the Newberry’s collection, as well as adaptations into film, theater, and other media.

Will Hansen is Director of Reader Services and Curator of Americana at the Newberry Library. He has published articles on Herman Melville, special collections librarianship, and other topics, and curated the Newberry exhibition Melville: Finding America at Sea in 2019.

Materials List

Required:

  • Herman Melville, Moby-Dick. Norton, 2017. ISBN: 978-0393285000

First Reading:

  • No first reading assignment

Cost and Registration

This class is full, but you can still register for the waitlist on Learning Stream.

Nine sessions, $270 ($243 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

Register for Waitlist

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