Richard Henry Dana, Jr. (1815–1882)

Delightful, just delightful. Started out thinking g I would tire of it as I still don’t truly follow the whole sails thing (which ones go up or down in a storm or get added or subtracted in which wind) but still enjoyed the enthusiasm of the descriptions. Then he hit the California coast and I had a blast reading the descriptions of the coastal “towns” (like San Francisco) in 1820….then it blew me away to read the epilogue where he returns in 1855 and sees all the huge changes of the gold rush…Truly fun read..… (more)

Loved this. Dana writes in a clear, straightforward style and in a down-to-earth tone. This book, more than many sea accounts of that period, showcases the contrast between life behind the mast (officers) and before it (the crew). Issues of class and dignity are central to this memoir, and Dana's first-hand experience of the work required of sailors gives his account a certain degree of weight. His concern for others is palpable throughout, and it's clear that his ideas of how to improve life at sea are the informed suggestions of one who has live that life. This book also serves as a sort of travelogue, as Dana describes the different places he visits and people he encounters. This was before California was part of the US, so much was different, and I appreciate the way that Dana breathed life into that time and place. Finally, I greatly enjoyed the portions about the sea journey itself. His account of Cape Horn was riveting, one of the most powerful and stunning passages I've read in any memoir. I was especially glad that Dana didn't try to over-simplify the technical aspects of sailing: his use of correct nautical terminology was a wise decision. To people who understand it, it makes perfect sense. To people who don't understand, it still conveys a sense of the amount of work involved, and the different elements connected to sailing. It also in no way hinders one's understanding of the narrative. On the contrary, it imbues it with a richness not to be found in many books of the sea. An afterward gives more details as to the changes out west and the fates of his fellow crew members. Brilliant, and not to be missed.… (more)