The only book of its kind, and indispensable to those who wish to learn the story of Yankee ships and sailors.
J.R.Hutchinson, "The Press Gang Afloat and Ashore" (1914).

This recent volume, written from an English point of view, illuminates the system of conscription which caused the War of 1812.
Nothing can take the place, however, of the narratives of those master mariners who made the old merchant marine famous: Richard Henry Dana, Jr., "Two Years Before the Mast" (1840).

The latest edition, handsomely illustrated, (1915).

The classic narrative of American forecastle life in the sailing-ship era.
Captain Richard Cleveland, "Narrative of Voyages and Commercial Enterprises" (1842).

This is one of the fascinating autobiographies of the old school of shipmasters who had the gift of writing.
Captain Amasa Delano, "Narrative of Voyages and Travels" (1817).
Another of the rare human documents of blue water.