Redburn. His First Voyage Being the Sailor Boy Confessions and Reminiscences of the Son-Of-A-Gentleman in the Merchant Navy

"Redburn. His First Voyage" by Herman Melville is a tale of youthful discovery set in the mid-1800s, chronicling the journey of Wellingborough Redburn, a young man from a privileged background who defies expectations to become a sailor. The book details Redburn's initial steps as he leaves behind his familiar life, armed with a shooting jacket and his brother's fowling piece for protection, and heads to New York City. There, he faces the harsh realities of securing work on a ship and life in the city. As Redburn embarks on his first sea voyage, he is quickly confronted with seasickness, the grueling work, and the complexities of interacting with his fellow crewmates. The story weaves together his romanticized ideals of the sea with the gritty experiences of real-world seafaring, portraying his evolution as he grapples with the challenges, loneliness, and camaraderie that define his new life.