Author
Richard Henry Dana
1815-1882
Richard Henry Dana (1815-1882) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Richard Henry Dana
Two Years Before the Mast
"Two Years Before the Mast" by Richard Henry Dana Jr. is a memoir published in 1840, recounting his 1834-1836 voyage as a common sailor from Boston to California. Dana vividly chronicles life at sea aboard a merchant brig trading for cow hides along the Mexican California coast. He describes navigating Cape Horn's treacherous winter storms, witnessing brutal floggings by his captain, befriending Hawaiian sailors, and observing early California settlements. This groundbreaking account exposed the harsh realities of maritime life and advocated for seamen's rights.
The Seaman's Friend Containing a treatise on practical seamanship, with plates, a dictionary of sea terms, customs and usages of the merchant service
"The Seaman's Friend" by Richard Henry Dana is a comprehensive guide on practical seamanship written in the early 19th century. This work serves as a crucial resource for sailors, providing detailed information about ship construction, rigging, and the laws and customs governing maritime life. It is particularly aimed at those new to sea life and includes technical diagrams and practical advice for both novice and experienced mariners. The beginning of the book outlines its purpose and dedication to various stakeholders in the maritime industry, including sailors, ship owners, and legal authorities. It introduces the first section, which focuses on practical seamanship, including the construction of vessels and the management of sails and rigging. The text elaborates on the technical specifications and proportions vital for building and operating merchant vessels, offering insights into the various kinds of equipment and terminology pertinent to seamanship. This foundational content sets the stage for deeper explorations into the complexities of maritime duties and regulations as the book progresses.
To Cuba and Back
"To Cuba and Back" by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. is a travelogue written in the late 19th century. The work captures the author's journey from Manhattan to Cuba, evocatively detailing the sights, sounds, and experiences he encounters along the way. It explores not only the lush landscapes and the vibrant cultural life of Cuba but also offers insightful observations on social and political issues, including slavery, as well as the interactions between cultures. The opening of the travelogue begins with the author's excitement as he boards a steamer in Manhattan, joining a diverse group of passengers heading to Cuba. As the ship sets sail, Dana describes the atmosphere on deck, highlighting the bustle and anticipation surrounding the journey. He recounts moments of reflection on the voyage, detail by detail, from observing the changing landscape as they approach the Cuban coast to the delicate and picturesque appearance of Havana as they anchor near the famed Morro fortress. The prose sets a captivating tone, mixing personal narrative with broader socio-political reflections that hint at the deeper themes explored throughout the work.