Born into a comfortable and affluent New England family, Richard Henry Dana (who once studied under the great Ralph Waldo Emerson) disconcertingly took to the high seas in 1834 as a common sailor, an experience that would color his classic memoir Two Years Before the Mast. Despite his failing vision thanks to a childhood illness, Dana served onboard a merchant vessel, traveling from Massachusetts southward, with stops along South America and in California. A fascinating read for maritime enthusiasts or lovers of history, ...
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Born into a comfortable and affluent New England family, Richard Henry Dana (who once studied under the great Ralph Waldo Emerson) disconcertingly took to the high seas in 1834 as a common sailor, an experience that would color his classic memoir Two Years Before the Mast. Despite his failing vision thanks to a childhood illness, Dana served onboard a merchant vessel, traveling from Massachusetts southward, with stops along South America and in California. A fascinating read for maritime enthusiasts or lovers of history, Dana's Before the Mast is a vigorous account of a life at sea in the 19th century.
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Add this copy of Two Years Before the Mast to cart. $2.29, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
Add this copy of Two Years Before the Mast to cart. $9.78, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2015 by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform.
A fantastic book that draws you in. This reminds me of Kidnapped or Treasure Island. You are there with the characters and the history is real.
I have always loved stories where the characters are pitted against the elements and must face and overcome what seems like harsh odds. One can still identify with these persons.
Edward B
May 19, 2011
not in a second-hand bookstore...
Not in any second-hand bookstore in Marin or SF I could find. But it has been re-printed and this was a most excellent copy. My #1 son wanted to read it, even though I cautioned him I slogged through it when I was in junior high or high school, and it seemed like two years before it was over. Haven't heard what he thinks of that present yet. Could be he's still slogging away himself.