The Annotated Two Years Before the Mast

Two Years Before the Mast is a classic travel narrative by Richard Henry Danas, inspiring canonical works such as Moby Dick and Sailing Alone Around the World. Rod Scher annotates the tale with critiques, compliments, and tie-ins to today, as well as little-known facts about the book and the milieu of Danas time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 406 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Two Years Before the Mast is a classic travel narrative by Richard Henry Dana, which has inspired canonical works such as Moby Dick and Sailing Alone Around the World. Rod Scher, the author, follows Dana (the Harvard dropout-turned-sailor) on his voyages around North America, annotating his tale with critiques, compliments, ties to today, and little-known facts about both the book and the milieu of Dana's time.

Dana's story is a poignant portrayal of the brutal life of a foremast crewman on a nineteenth-century merchant ship. He describes the harsh conditions, the long hours of work, and the low pay and treatment of the crew. Despite the hardships, Dana remains determined to survive and make the best of his situation.

Scher's annotations provide valuable insight into the historical context of the book and the social and cultural milieu of Dana's time. He discusses the political and economic conditions of the nineteenth century, the role of merchant ships in the global economy, and the social and cultural norms of the time. He also provides little-known facts about the book, such as the fact that Dana was a Harvard dropout who turned to sailing to make a living.

Two Years Before the Mast is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Its portrayal of the brutal life of a foremast crewman on a nineteenth-century merchant ship is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience and determination. Scher's annotations provide a valuable perspective on the historical and cultural context of the book, making it an essential read for anyone interested in nineteenth-century literature, maritime history, or the human condition.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 178 x 256 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493075980