Two Years Before the Mast is a book by the American author Richard Henry Dana, published in 1840, having been written after a two-year sea voyage starting in 1834. A film adaptation under the same name was released in 1946. In the book, which takes place between 1834 and 1836, Dana gives a vivid account of "the life of a common sailor at sea as it really is". He sails from Boston to South America and around Cape Horn to California. Dana's ship was on a voyage to trade goods from the United States for the Mexican colonial ...
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Two Years Before the Mast is a book by the American author Richard Henry Dana, published in 1840, having been written after a two-year sea voyage starting in 1834. A film adaptation under the same name was released in 1946. In the book, which takes place between 1834 and 1836, Dana gives a vivid account of "the life of a common sailor at sea as it really is". He sails from Boston to South America and around Cape Horn to California. Dana's ship was on a voyage to trade goods from the United States for the Mexican colonial Californian California missions' and ranchos' cow hides.
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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.
