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

RICHARD HENRY DANA

Other works by 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. "It is one of the great works of maritime adventure by an American, a classic coming-of-age tale in which a sickly youth finds himself in hard work. It is also the best account of California in the Mexican period. Dana's ship was engaged in the hide trade, working its way up and down the California coast collecting cow skins in 1835 and 1836....It remains one of the most readable books in Western Americana."--Bill Reese, The Best Of The West-74. 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