Richard Henry Dana

Broschiertes Buch

Two Years Before the Mast

Beschreibung

"Two Years Before the Mast" by Richard Henry Dana Jr. is a gripping memoir that chronicles the author's adventurous two-year sea voyage from Boston to California aboard a merchant ship in the mid-1830s. This classic work, first published in 1840, offers a vivid, unvarnished glimpse into the life of a common sailor during a bygone era. Dana's journey takes him from the harsh winters of Cape Horn to the bustling ports of Alta California, then a province of Mexico. His narrative is rich with details about the challenging conditions at sea, the intricate hide trade in California, and the diverse cultures he encounters. The memoir stands out for its authentic portrayal of maritime life, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of sailors, as well as the natural beauty and peril of the sea. Dana's experiences are both educational and deeply personal, offering a unique perspective on early American maritime history. His work not only captures the spirit of adventure but also served as a critical commentary on the social and working conditions of sailors, making it a timeless piece of American literature.

Autor

Richard Henry Dana Jr. (August 1, 1815 January 6, 1882) was an influential American lawyer, writer, and politician from Massachusetts, born to Richard Henry Dana Sr. A descendant of a colonial family, Dana is best known for his classic memoir Two Years Before the Mast, which recounts his experience as a sailor aboard a merchant ship. The book exposed the harsh realities of life at sea and contributed to important reforms in maritime labor. Dana was also a dedicated lawyer and social reformer, defending the rights of the marginalized, including fugitive slaves and freedmen. His most notable legal achievement was successfully representing the U.S. government before the Supreme Court in the Prize Cases, which upheld the Union s naval blockade during the Civil War. In addition to his literary and legal work, Dana wrote several other books, including To Cuba and Back and Twenty-Four Years After. Both as a writer and an advocate, Dana remained committed to justice and social change, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and law.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Left of Brain Books
• Seitenzahl: 376
• Erscheinungstermin: 22. Januar 2024
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 203mm x 133mm x 24mm
• Gewicht: 625g
• ISBN-13: 9781396324024
• ISBN-10: 139632402X
• Artikelnr.: 69921542