classics

Helping those in need

Visit Site

MP3 Audio Sample

Short Synopsis
In 1834, Richard Henry Dana, Jr., went from Harvard student to common seaman, sailing from California to Cape Horn. This journal survives as one of the most vivid accounts of the relationship between man and sea—and still rings true as a portrayal of man's endurance.

Full Synopsis
Two Years Before the Mast is a book by the American author Richard Henry Dana, Jr., written after a two-year sea voyage starting in 1834 and published in 1840.

While at Harvard College, Dana had an attack of the measles that affected his vision. Thinking it might help his sight, Dana, rather than going on a Grand Tour as most of his fellow classmates traditionally did (and unable to afford it anyway), and being something of a nonconformist, left Harvard to enlist as a common sailor on a voyage around Cape Horn on the brig Pilgrim. He returned to Massachusetts two years later aboard the Alert (which left California sooner than the Pilgrim). He kept a diary throughout the voyage, and, after returning, he wrote a book based on his experiences. Recognized as an American classic, Two Years Before the Mast was published the same year that Dana was admitted to the bar.

"Possesses...the romantic charm of Robinson Crusoe." ---Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Heyborne's portrayal is spot-on." ---AudioFile

Two Years Before the Mast

A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea

Author Richard Henry Dana, Jr.

Narrated by Kirby Heyborne

Publication date Dec 31, 2010

Running time 16 hrs 22 min

Available Formats

Bonus Content
Suggestions?
Let us know!