(Dana, Richard Henry, Jr.)
Two Years Before the Mast. A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea
New-York: Harper & Brothers, 1840. First edition, first printing (with dotted “i” on copyright page and unbroken type in headline on p. 9). 12mo. 483 pp. Publisher's tan muslin (Howes's second issue of BAL's binding B), stamped in black, wear along front and rear joints, spine slightly darkened, soiling to front and rear boards; all edges trimmed; spotting to title-page; scattered spotting and soiling to text; scattered creasing to top corners; circular morocco book-plate stamped in gilt with a hunting horn on front paste-down; in blue cloth slip case and chemise; book-plate of William E. Simon and Carol G. Simon on interior front panel. BAL 4434B; Howes D-49; Adams, The Rampaging Herd 642

A lovely first edition of Dana's first book, his account of pre-Gold Rush California, in 1835 and 1836, that “surpassed in popularity all other books relating to that state.” (Howes)