Two Years Before the Mast: A Personal Narrative of Life at Sea
New York: Harper & Brothers, 1840.
First edition, first printing, first issue with dotted "i" on copyright page, In the BAL's state B binding, first state with list of titles in the Harper's Family Library ending at number 105. 483 pp. Bound in publisher's tan muslin, rebacked with new cloth spine lettered in black. Very Good, extremities rubbed with some minor losses to muslin at corners, light soiling to covers, moderate foxing throughout, front free endpaper repaired at corner, small closed tear to p. 6. Housed in custom morocco-backed slipcase. A memoir written after the author's two-year voyage on a merchant ship sailing from Boston to California, sailing around Cape Horn and detailing the trade between New England and Mexican California. One of America's first great literary achievements, it greatly influenced Herman Melville, who called this work "unmatchable."
Price: $3,500