Five Years Before the Mast, or Life in the Forecastle, Aboard of a Whaler and Man-of-War (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Jacob A. Hazen

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9781333346508: Five Years Before the Mast, or Life in the Forecastle, Aboard of a Whaler and Man-of-War (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

This book tells the story of a young man from Pennsylvania who, after a series of misfortunes, decides to take to the sea. It is a true account of his voyages, which take him through the rough waters of the Atlantic, and the bustling ports of New York and Sag Harbor. The author, a common shoemaker by trade, offers an intimate perspective of life on a whale ship, detailing the hardships and rewards of seafaring life in the 19th century. The book delves into the social hierarchy that existed on board these ships, highlighting the stark contrasts between the lives of the officers and the sailors. While the author's voice is unpretentious and unadorned by literary flourish, he captures the gritty reality of a sailor's life, from his struggles with bed bugs in a New York boarding house, to his adventures on the high seas. Ultimately, the book offers a unique and compelling look into the world of American whaling in the 1830s, revealing the challenges, camaraderie, and adventures that were a part of a young man's life at sea.

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