Right now I am reading Two Years Before the Mast. It was written in the 1830s by Richard Henry Dana., a Harvard student who took time off from college to go to sea, hoping it would help his eyesight after a bout of the measles adversely affected it. He is hired on to a merchant brig sailing to California to trade for cow hides. I'm a little over half way through it and it is a really interesting glimpse into the life of a merchant sailor and California in the 1830s. .
Liberal isn't a dirty word . . Meticulous research and engaged prose of a time most people hold no fond memories for. Being born and raised in Brooklyn and a proud grad of public school including CUNY makes me partial to Kim's subjects and her views. Like many I left NYC in the 80's but fate brought me back last year. Now after reading Fear City I don't feel so foolish, it's not the same same city I left . . .
Sea Devil: The Adventures of Count Felix von Luckner, the Last Raider under Sail Sam Jefferson spins a yarn about pirates in the 20th century, recommended for sailors, naval and military fans
A Christmas gift from my wife. Each chapter begins with a description of a meal, and then examines the process of trade and conquest that led to the discovery of the ingredients and the creation of the recipe. Fascinating for foodies or students of the history of empire.
I got this just before Christmas and am slowly working through it, last thing at night of course. Packed with fascinating odd stuff that I never knew I wanted to know about.