Two Years Before the Mast

A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea

The book recounts Dana’s experiences as a common sailor on a merchant ship during the early 1830s. Motivated by a desire to improve his health, Dana embarked on the Pilgrim, a trading vessel, and spent two years at sea, documenting the hardships and challenges faced by sailors during the era of the California hide trade. 

First published in 1840, this edition is derived from the edition published in 1923 with 8 color illustrations and 50 black & white illustrations by E. Boyd Smith. Also included are 300 footnotes by Homer Eaton Keyes. As always, this edition is complete and unabridged.