Two Years Before the Mast is Richard Henry Dana’s memoir of a two year sea voyage from Boston to California in 1834. It was published in 1840. The book was purposefully and deliberately written in sympathy for the treatment of the common sailors on such voyages. Beyond this topic, the book provides a wonderful description of coastal California back in the days this was a province of Mexico.
Included in this memoir is a memorable tale of how Dana Point acquired its name. I would share it, but, then that would spoil the opportunity to read it. Hint: it’s named after the author.
The main thrust of the work is that it was conceived as a protest to improve the life of the common sailor. It was written very plainly and yet still managed to have sway over writers such as Herman Melville.
Two Years Before the Mast, Chapter 5, can be read here:
http://www.bartleby.com/23/5.html
This work can be listened to here:
ALOHA PROMISES FOREVER 