Autorentext

Richard Henry Dana Jr. (August 1, 1815 January 6, 1882) was an influential American lawyer, writer, and politician from Massachusetts, born to Richard Henry Dana Sr. A descendant of a colonial family, Dana is best known for his classic memoir Two Years Before the Mast, which recounts his experience as a sailor aboard a merchant ship. The book exposed the harsh realities of life at sea and contributed to important reforms in maritime labor. Dana was also a dedicated lawyer and social reformer, defending the rights of the marginalized, including fugitive slaves and freedmen. His most notable legal achievement was successfully representing the U.S. government before the Supreme Court in the Prize Cases, which upheld the Union s naval blockade during the Civil War. In addition to his literary and legal work, Dana wrote several other books, including To Cuba and Back and Twenty-Four Years After. Both as a writer and an advocate, Dana remained committed to justice and social change, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and law.

Klappentext

The seaman s friend presents a detailed account of maritime knowledge intended to educate and guide individuals engaged in seafaring life. Focused on precision and structure, it offers a clear framework for understanding the essential workings of a vessel, from the layout of sails to the logic behind rigging systems. The book outlines the roles and responsibilities on board, emphasizing the importance of discipline, cooperation, and familiarity with nautical terms and tools. Rather than romanticizing sea life, it provides a practical lens through which readers can grasp the demands and routines of maritime labor. The guidance within reflects the values of order, safety, and accountability, serving both as a manual for daily conduct and a record of professional standards. Attention is also given to legal practices and customary expectations, indicating the complex intersection of maritime work with authority and tradition. The seamans friend acts as both instructional reference and ethical compass, bridging physical labor with institutional knowledge. Its thorough attention to technicality reveals the structured mindset necessary to navigate both ship and ocean. In doing so, it underscores the relationship between mechanical mastery and social order at sea.