Larry's review of Two Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea
Two Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea (Penguin Classics) by Richard Henry Dana, Jr.
Dana's book illustrates so much of what makes America, that it is hard to believe it was written in the middle of the 1800's. The descriptions of the people, the attitudes, and California are as modern as the binding.
Yeah, California really hasn't changed that much.
The pious ending 24 years later could be taken from today's self-congratulatory piety that is seen in every right wing politician.
Because Dana seemed to be writing for himself and his friends, the writing is clear and interesting. The descriptions are understandable and don't have the overblown descriptions that ruin so much of 1800 literature.
Well worth the read because it tells us about America then and now and because it is just fun to read.
Yeah, California really hasn't changed that much.
The pious ending 24 years later could be taken from today's self-congratulatory piety that is seen in every right wing politician.
Because Dana seemed to be writing for himself and his friends, the writing is clear and interesting. The descriptions are understandable and don't have the overblown descriptions that ruin so much of 1800 literature.
Well worth the read because it tells us about America then and now and because it is just fun to read.
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