Two Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea
by Richard Henry Dana
- Used
- very good
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- Very Good
- Seller
-
Hudson, New Hampshire, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Condition:
Light soiling and foxing to covers and spine; nearly the entire length of the left edge of the spine is separated from the back cover; sharp corners. Tight binding. No cracks. No loose pages. Overall the pages are in very good condition - mostly clean and white with occasional light foxing to some random pages; heavier foxing to the front and rear end papers. The front end papers have some pencil writing and a previous owner's bookplate. Overall a nice copy - would be very good if not for the tear along the left edge of the spine.
Synopsis
Two years before the mast were but an episode in the life of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.; yet the narrative in which he details the experiences of that period is, perhaps, his chief claim to a wide remembrance. His services in other than literary fields occupied the greater part of his life, but they brought him comparatively small recognition and many disappointments. His happiest associations were literary, his pleasantest acquaintanceships those which arose through his fame as the author of one book. The story of his life is one of honest and competent effort, of sincere purpose, of many thwarted hopes.It is remarkable that, having written one successful book, Dana did not seek further reward as a man of letters. Two Years before the Mast appeared in 1840, while its author was still a law student. Though at the time it created no great stir in the United States, it was most favorably received in England, where it paved the way for many pleasant and valuable acquaintanceships. The following year, Dana produced a small volume on seamanship, entitled The Seaman's Friend. This, and a short account of a trip to Cuba in 1859, constitute the sole additions to his early venture. He was a copious letter-writer and kept full journals of his various travels; but he never elaborated them for publication. Yet, long before his death, he had seen the narrative of his sailor days recognized as an American classic. Time has not diminished its reputation. We read it to-day not merely for its simple, unpretentious style; but for its clear picture of sea life previous to the era of steam navigation, and for its graphic description of conditions in California before visions of gold sent the long lines of "prairie schooners" drifting across the plains to unfold the hidden destiny of the West.
Reviews
(Log in or Create an Account first!)
Details
- Bookseller
- CraigsClassics (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 5
- Title
- Two Years Before the Mast
- Author
- Richard Henry Dana
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- 1st
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Publisher
- Harper & Brothers
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 1840
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
- Keywords
- richard henry dana, two years before the mast, personal narrative life at sea, the seaman's friend, the seaman's manual, ocean adventure, sea tales, cape horn, california, judge sprague, the trent affair
- Bookseller catalogs
- Literature / Fiction;
Terms of Sale
CraigsClassics
About the Seller
CraigsClassics
About CraigsClassics
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Tight
- Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
- Bookplate
- Highly sought after by some collectors, a book plate is an inscribed or decorative device that identifies the owner, or former...
- Copyright page
- The page in a book that describes the lineage of that book, typically including the book's author, publisher, date of...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- New
- A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...
Frequently asked questions
This Book’s Categories
Also Recommended
-
Save 10% on every purchase!
Join the Bibliophiles’ Club and start saving 10% on every book.
$29.95 / Year