Two Years Before the Mast

Two Years Before the Mast

By Richard Henry Dana, Jr. | Illustrated by E. Boyd Smith

A True Sailing Adventure

Leave behind the comforts of the shore and step into the unforgiving world of the 19th-century sailor. Two Years Before the Mast is Richard Henry Dana Jr.’s riveting memoir of his two-year journey as a common seaman aboard the brig Pilgrim in 1834. Trading the privilege of Ivy League halls for the harsh discipline of the sea, Dana immerses himself in the grueling labor, camaraderie, and dangers of life before the mast.

Through his keen eyes, we experience the raw power of storms off Cape Horn, the backbreaking work of hide trading in Mexican California, and the unspoken brotherhood among men who face the elements together. This is more than a survival tale—it is a testament to endurance, duty, and the trials that forge character.

This classic is recognized on Dr. John Senior’s 1000 Good Books List, a collection of essential works that cultivate moral imagination and a true sense of history. Two Years Before the Mast is not just an adventure—it is a glimpse into a lost world, told with rare honesty and grit.

This edition features:

• Faithful Restoration – Beautifully re-typeset from the 1924 Scribner’s edition for a crisp, readable format.
• Enhanced Illustrations – Featuring the timeless artwork of E. Boyd Smith.
• A Literary & Historical Treasure – A firsthand account that shaped maritime history and deepened our understanding of early California.

A must-read for lovers of history, adventure, and true tales of the sea. Secure your copy today and embark on this unforgettable voyage!

Format: Paperback, 277 pages, colored illustrations.