Richard Henry Dana

Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815–1882) was an American lawyer, politician, and author best known for his classic memoir 'Two Years Before the Mast' (1840), which detailed his two-year sea voyage from Boston to California on a merchant ship. The book is a rich account of early 19th-century life at sea and the hardships faced by sailors. Dana's work raised awareness about the brutal conditions on ships and contributed to the improvement of sailors' rights.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Two Years Before the Mast

    Cover of 'Two Years Before the Mast' by Richard Henry Dana

    This book is a riveting memoir of a young man who leaves Harvard University due to health issues and becomes a sailor on a ship traveling from Boston to California, via Cape Horn, in the early 19th century. The narrative provides a vivid depiction of life at sea, the harsh working conditions of sailors, the stunning beauty of untouched California, and the brutal exploitation of Native Americans. The author's experiences and observations offer a detailed and realistic picture of the time, making it a valuable historical document.