TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST
by DANA, Richard Henry
- Used
- Hardcover
- Signed
- Condition
- Slight foxing to endpapers and pastedowns. Spine somewhat darkened, as often the case with this title. Still Near Fine in a Near
- Seller
-
Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Synopsis
Two years before the mast were but an episode in the life of Richard Henry Dana, Jr.; yet the narrative in which he details the experiences of that period is, perhaps, his chief claim to a wide remembrance. His services in other than literary fields occupied the greater part of his life, but they brought him comparatively small recognition and many disappointments. His happiest associations were literary, his pleasantest acquaintanceships those which arose through his fame as the author of one book. The story of his life is one of honest and competent effort, of sincere purpose, of many thwarted hopes.It is remarkable that, having written one successful book, Dana did not seek further reward as a man of letters. Two Years before the Mast appeared in 1840, while its author was still a law student. Though at the time it created no great stir in the United States, it was most favorably received in England, where it paved the way for many pleasant and valuable acquaintanceships. The following year, Dana produced a small volume on seamanship, entitled The Seaman's Friend. This, and a short account of a trip to Cuba in 1859, constitute the sole additions to his early venture. He was a copious letter-writer and kept full journals of his various travels; but he never elaborated them for publication. Yet, long before his death, he had seen the narrative of his sailor days recognized as an American classic. Time has not diminished its reputation. We read it to-day not merely for its simple, unpretentious style; but for its clear picture of sea life previous to the era of steam navigation, and for its graphic description of conditions in California before visions of gold sent the long lines of "prairie schooners" drifting across the plains to unfold the hidden destiny of the West.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Charles Agvent (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 018320
- Title
- TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST
- Author
- DANA, Richard Henry
- Illustrator
- Hans Alexander Mueller
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- Used - Slight foxing to endpapers and pastedowns. Spine somewhat darkened, as often the case with this title. Still Near Fine in a Near
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Publisher
- Limited Editions Club
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 1947
- Keywords
- Signed, Illustrated Books, Color Plates, Wood Engravings, Limited Editions Club, Hans A. Mueller, Nautical Fiction, LEC, 19th Century American Literature, 19th Century Literature, Literature: American
- Bookseller catalogs
- Nautical Fiction;
Terms of Sale
Charles Agvent
All books subject to prior sale. Payment with order; institutions may be billed. Postage additional: $11.00 for the first book, $6.00 each thereafter. Overseas postage billed at approximate cost. Pennsylvania residents must add 6% sales tax. Mastercard, Visa, and American Express accepted. We are also open to reasonable payment terms. A book may be returned within 7 days of receipt for any reason provided it is in the same condition as sent and prior notice is given. Please insure returns for their full value.
About the Seller
Charles Agvent
About Charles Agvent
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Colophon
- The colophon contains information about a book's publisher, the typesetting, printer, and possibly even includes a printer's...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Octavo
- Another of the terms referring to page or book size, octavo refers to a standard printer's sheet folded four times, producing...