The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is a beautifully illustrated and annotated edition of Richard Henry Dana's classic work. Dana's book is a firsthand account of his experiences as a sailor on a merchant ship bound for California in the 1830s. It is a captivating tale of adventure, hardship, and the beauty of the natural world.
4.4 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 2928 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 406 pages |
The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast includes over 200 illustrations, including maps, charts, and period engravings. The annotations provide historical context and explain the nautical terms and practices that Dana describes. The result is a rich and immersive experience that brings Dana's world to life.
The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history, California history, or adventure literature. It is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and inform readers for generations to come.
About Richard Henry Dana
Richard Henry Dana Jr. was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1815. He was the son of a prominent lawyer and politician. Dana attended Harvard College, but left after two years to pursue a career at sea. He signed on as a common sailor on the brig Pilgrim, which was bound for California in 1834.
Dana's experiences on the Pilgrim were both harrowing and transformative. He endured long hours of hard labor, brutal beatings, and near-starvation. But he also developed a deep love of the sea and a profound respect for the sailors who worked alongside him.
After returning to Boston in 1836, Dana wrote Two Years Before the Mast, which was published in 1840. The book was an immediate success and has never been out of print. It is considered one of the great works of American literature.
Dana went on to have a distinguished career as a lawyer, author, and diplomat. He served as the U.S. Minister to Spain from 1859 to 1861. He died in Rome in 1882.
The Voyage of the Pilgrim
The Pilgrim was a 242-ton brig that was built in Boston in 1831. She was a fast and sturdy ship, but she was also notoriously uncomfortable. The crew was crammed into cramped quarters, and the food was often scarce and of poor quality.
The Pilgrim sailed from Boston on August 14, 1834. She rounded Cape Horn and entered the Pacific Ocean on November 1. The ship then sailed up the coast of California, making stops at Monterey, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara.
The Pilgrim returned to Boston on October 11, 1836. The voyage had lasted two years and two months. It was a long and arduous journey, but it was also a transformative experience for Dana and the other sailors who served on the Pilgrim.
The Legacy of Two Years Before the Mast
Two Years Before the Mast has had a profound impact on American literature and culture. It is a classic of maritime literature, and it has inspired generations of writers, including Herman Melville, Jack London, and John Steinbeck.
The book has also been praised for its insights into the lives of sailors and the conditions on board merchant ships in the 19th century. It has been used as a source of historical information by scholars and filmmakers.
Two Years Before the Mast continues to be read and enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is a timeless classic that offers a unique window into the past.
The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast
The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is the definitive edition of Dana's classic work. It includes over 200 illustrations, including maps, charts, and period engravings. The annotations provide historical context and explain the nautical terms and practices that Dana describes.
The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is a rich and immersive experience that brings Dana's world to life. It is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history, California history, or adventure literature.
Praise for The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast
"The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is a stunning achievement. It is the most comprehensive and beautifully illustrated edition of Dana's classic work ever published." - Nathaniel Philbrick, author of In the Heart of the Sea
"This is the definitive edition of Two Years Before the Mast. The annotations are incredibly helpful, and the illustrations are beautiful." - Richard Zacks, author of The Pirate Hunter
"The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is a must-read for anyone interested in maritime history, California history, or adventure literature." - The New York Times Book Review
Order Your Copy Today
The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and experience the classic work of Richard Henry Dana like never before.
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