Two Years Before the Mast With Biographical Introduction

Two Years Before the Mast [with Biographical Introduction]

by Richard Henry Dana

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1036 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Biographical

Richard Henry Dana, Jr. was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on August 1, 1815. His father was a prominent lawyer and politician, and his mother was a daughter of William Ellery, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Dana attended Harvard College, where he studied law. However, he soon realized that he had no interest in a legal career. In 1834, after suffering from a severe eye infection, Dana decided to take a break from his studies and go to sea.

Dana signed on as a common sailor on the merchant ship Pilgrim, which was bound for California. He spent the next two years aboard the Pilgrim, sailing to Chile, Peru, California, and Hawaii. During this time, he kept a journal in which he recorded his experiences. In 1840, after returning to Boston, Dana published his journal as a book titled Two Years Before the Mast.

Two Years Before the Mast

Two Years Before the Mast is a classic memoir that recounts Dana's experiences as a sailor on the Pilgrim. The book is divided into four parts, each of which covers a different leg of the ship's voyage.

The first part of the book describes Dana's early experiences at sea. He learns the basics of sailing, and he witnesses the harsh conditions that sailors endure. He also encounters a variety of characters, including the ship's captain, the first mate, and the crew.

The second part of the book follows the Pilgrim as it sails to Chile. Dana describes the beauty of the Chilean countryside, and he learns about the culture of the Chilean people. He also witnesses the political turmoil that is taking place in Chile.

The third part of the book follows the Pilgrim as it sails to Peru. Dana describes the ancient ruins of Peru, and he learns about the history of the Inca Empire. He also witnesses the poverty and oppression that is prevalent in Peru.

The fourth part of the book follows the Pilgrim as it sails to California. Dana describes the beauty of the California landscape, and he learns about the culture of the California Indians. He also witnesses the arrival of the first American settlers in California.

Two Years Before the Mast is a valuable historical record of life at sea in the 1830s. Dana's vivid descriptions of the people, places, and events that he encountered make the book a fascinating read. The book is also a timeless literary classic that explores the themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the human condition.

Two Years Before the Mast is a classic memoir that has been enjoyed by readers for generations. The book's vivid descriptions of life at sea, its encounters with diverse cultures, and its own personal growth have made it a timeless literary classic and a valuable historical record.

Two Years Before the Mast [with Biographical Introduction]

by Richard Henry Dana

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1036 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	238 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE