Two Years Before The Mast. A Personal Narrative Of Life At Sea

RICHARD HENRY DANA

Publication: Harper & Brothers, 1840, New York

First edition. Second issue with letter "i" in copyright notice lacking the dot, and a broken type in running title of p. 9. Original tan muslin printed in black, 16mo, 483 pp. A few minor nicks to fragile binding, and some occasional minor staining to text, other than these minor flaws, a superb copy. Although the book first came out in black cloth, it is more rare in the printed muslin. Six Score 28 says "This classic of American literature contains the best account of the early hide trade in California. The author's ship stayed on the coast for over a year in 1835 and 1836, for the purpose of buying hides. Cattle were plentiful in California in this period, but there was no market for the surplus beef. Hence the industry revolved around hide and tallow trade." Laid-in to this copy is a two-page letter, written in ink, dated July 2, 1850, and signed by Richard H. Dana, Jr. Housed in a quarter leather and marbled paper over boards clam shell case, with raised bands and titles stamped in gold gilt on the spine.

Inventory Number: 37943