000			01573nam a22001697a 4500
005			20250906112523.0
008			250906b |||||||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
020			_a9780451527592 _qpbk
041			_aeng
082			_a910.45 _bDAN
100			_aRichard Henry Dana
245			_aTwo Years Before The Mast _cRichard Henry Dana
260			_bGrapevine India _c2022
300			_a320p.
520			_aTwo Years Before the Mast is Richard Henry Dana's captivating firsthand account of life at sea, offering a vivid and unflinching portrayal of 19th-century maritime culture. Written after Dana spent two years working as a common sailor aboard a merchant ship, the book stands as a seminal work in American literature and a powerful critique of labor conditions during the era. In this riveting narrative, Dana embarks on a grueling voyage from Boston to California, enduring harsh working conditions, brutal weather, and the oppressive authority of ship officers. His detailed descriptions of life aboard the brig Pilgrim and along the Californian coast immerse readers in the world of sailors, their camaraderie, and their resilience. The story also captures the beauty and wildness of a largely undeveloped California, providing a rare glimpse into the region’s early days. More than a travelogue, Dana’s work is a testament to human endurance and a call for justice. His observations of the exploitation of sailors shed light on the broader social inequalities of his time, making the book a pivotal text in both literary and social history.
942			_cENGLISH
999			_c585591 _d585591