Before the Mast in the Clippers : Composed in Large Part of the Diaries of Charles A. Abbey Kept While at Sea in the Years 1856 to 1860

Charles A. Abbey went to sea at the age of 14, sailing "before the mast" on clipper ships traveling to California, Hawaii, China, and the East Indies. His account is one of a small legacy of actual first-hand descriptions of daily life aboard the clippers. Not only do Abbey's accounts ring true, most having been written within a few hours of the events described, but the quality of the writing is remarkably mature for one so young.

The diary accounts are interspersed with short chapters written by Harpur Allen Gosnell, U.S. naval commander and noted marine historian. These informative interludes give fascinating background material on the life and times of Charles A. Abbey, his voyages, and the fabled clipper ships themselves. A chart is provided for each voyage, with every locality of importance to the narrative shown on the pertinent chart. The text is further enhanced with illustrations of actual clippers, including the Surprise, the Charmer, the Game Cock, the Henry Brigham, and others; vintage views of New York and San Francisco harbors in the mid-19th century; ship rigging and sail plans, winds and routes, and more.

Reprinted from a rare limited edition published in the 1930s, when clipper ships were still within living memory, this book offers an exceptionally clear presentation of life aboard those dashing and romantic vessels. It belongs in the library of any maritime enthusiast, clipper ship buff, or armchair sailor thrilled by the sight of a full-rigged clipper flying before the wind.