Two Years Before the Mast

The narrative captures Richard Henry Dana's authentic experiences as a sailor on the "Pilgrim" from 1834 to 1836, detailing the harsh realities of 19th-century maritime life. His journey from Boston around Cape Horn to San Francisco for trade offers insights into the era's dangers and beauty, alongside a vivid portrayal of California before the Gold Rush. This edition features Dana's 1869 appendix, reflecting on his return in 1859 and the region's transformation, as well as an afterword by his son, enhancing the historical context.