Canio’s much-loved “Moby-Dick” Marathon will return to Sag Harbor from May 29 to June 1, when the novel will be read aloud at locations throughout the village. Residents are invited to come share Herman Melville’s magnificent book with the community as it speaks of themes of obsession and revenge, social and economic injustice, moral turpitude, religious hypocrisy, environmental conservation and more.
Both first-time readers and old salts are invited to step into the pages of this great American work of literature. Canio’s will have short readings in German, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Italian and more. Let them know your language choice.
Several new locations will be included on the reading circuit this year, so get your passport stamped and enjoy events that shed light on Melville’s genius, on “Moby-Dick,” the book and related topics. Attend a film screening, lecture, or a workshop on Reading Moby Cold.
On Wednesday, May 14 and 21, at 6 p.m., come to the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum for “How to Read Moby-Dick Cold.” The two sessions will be led by actor Meg Gibson who will demonstrate how to read this great book aloud and enjoy the experience. Don’t let 19th century language and lengthy sentence construction stop you. It’s free but registration is required.
On Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m., Melville Scholar Tony McGowan will speak on the relevance of “Moby-Dick” today at the Sag Harbor Masonic Temple at 200 Main Street in Sag Harbor. McGowan is associate professor in the Department of English and World Languages at the West Point United States Military Academy. He will discuss the historic and contemporary relevance of Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” First published in Britain in 1851 to modest reception, the novel’s import has grown over time, first gaining broad acclaim during World War I. “Moby-Dick” speaks eloquently of themes we continue to wrestle with — obsession and revenge, social and economic injustice, moral turpitude, religious hypocrisy, environmental conservation and more.
The Masonic Temple’s hall is on the second floor of the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum. Please note that the location is not handicap accessible. Registration is required at caniosmdmtonymcgowan.eventbrite.com. To sign up to read at the marathon, visit caniosbooks.com.
“Moby-Dick” Marathon Reading Schedule:
Friday, May 30
11:45 to 2 p.m. Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, 200 Main Street
2:30 to 5:45 p.m. Old Whalers’ Church (Harris Yulin as Fr. Mapple and Hamptons Choral Society), 44 Union Street
6 to 10 p.m. Christ Episcopal Church, 5 Hampton Street (at East Union Street)
Saturday, May 31
10 to 1:45 p.m. John Jermain Memorial Library rotunda, 201 Main Street
2 to 5:45 p.m. Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, 200 Main Street
6 to 10 p.m. The Church, 48 Madison Street
Sunday, June 1
10:30 to 1:45 p.m. Eastville Community Historical Society, 139 Hampton Street
2 to 5 p.m. Breakwater Yacht Club, 51 Bay Street, followed by the after party from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with silent auction, sea shanties, food and fun.
Staff Writer on May 13, 2025