Richard Henry Dana, Jr. (1 August 1815-6 January 1882), author and lawyer, was the son of Richard Henry Dana, Sr., a minor poet and founder of the North American Review. Dana received his elementary education at various schools in the Boston area, including one taught by Emerson, and entered Harvard College in 1831. After a six months' rustication, from March to September 1832, Dana returned to Harvard briefly, but a bout with the measles caused eye problems which eventually forced him to leave college. Faced with having to get an education by means other than reading or study. Dana signed aboard the brig Pilgrim as a common sailor. Subsequently, he sailed for California in August 1834. For the next two years Dana lived the life of boredom, drudgery, and adventure which is detailed in Two Years Before the Mast. Dana returned to Boston in September 1836 and reentered Harvard, graduating in 1837 after a total...