Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana
A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea
This book is a riveting memoir of a young man who leaves Harvard University due to health issues and becomes a sailor on a ship traveling from Boston to California, via Cape Horn, in the early 19th century. The narrative provides a vivid depiction of life at sea, the harsh working conditions of sailors, the stunning beauty of untouched California, and the brutal exploitation of Native Americans. The author's experiences and observations offer a detailed and realistic picture of the time, making it a valuable historical document.
The 4779th greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 1840
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 400-500
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- 14th on Extreme Classics: The 100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time (National Geographic Adventure Magazine)
- 5806th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)