Richard Henry Dana's book "Two Years Before the Mast" actually did remind me of the ocean -- my interest level in the book ebbed and flowed like the tides. I found much of his tale of sailing to be somewhat mundane, but every once in a while, he'll get into a story about a crew member that is utterly fascinating. I particularly enjoyed reading about his experiences in wild California... which was the very highlight of the book for me. Overall, this book would be best for someone with a particular interest in sailing (as opposed to a general interest in exploration.)

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this first-person account of the author's two years spent as an able seaman aboard a cargo vessel sailing around the world.

As a young student at Harvard, his health was only fair, so it was decided that a break from his studies would be beneficial. And what a break it was! To go from being a fairly sedentary young man who spent his time with his nose in his books to scrambling up and down the rigging in all kinds of weather, and no comforts that he was accustomed to was a huge challenge. But it was a challenge he met, and excelled at.

When I first read this book in about grade 9 (about 35+ years ago) it was my first look into what life was like for the brave men and boys who sailed in the days before steam, and communications, and radar, etc., and I was hooked on adventure.

This book really made me reflect on how a writer from a different time had no way to fully anticipate a future audience. I do not mean this in any kind of negative way. However, there were many interesting comments on life, places, and sailing that truly reflects 1835.

I would recommend this book to people that have a basic knowledge of sailing terms since much of the text is relating what happens on Dana's ship that he is a seaman for.

Thanks for the book Mark.

I might have liked this better if I'd known anything about sailing. The descriptions of the sails being used and how they went up and down were all in sailors' parlance, so it was hard for me to follow. The personal reminiscences are interesting, though. At one time this book was the foremost authority on California, and was reference for many who went there before the gold rush. Perhaps that is why is is on the list of Harvard Classics.

Thank goodness I read the Patrick O'Brian books before this, as already being familiar with the nautical terms in the age of sail makes this a lovely read.

Rereading this book is a real pleasure. Dana was an extraordinarily good writer, his images so clear that it is easy to follow the complicated life aboard ship. It is of especial interest, I think, to California residents, as he spent most of his time sailing up and back along the coast, and thus describes what well-known cities were like during his time of visitation. One of his frequent stops was just a few miles from me--and the house still exists, now protected.