Redburn : his first voyage : being the sailor-boy, confessions and reminiscences of the son-of-a-gentleman, in the merchant service

Wellington Redburn is a 15-year-old from the state of New York, with only one dream - to run away to sea. However, when he does fulfil this long-held fantasy, he quickly finds that reality as a cabin boy is far harsher than he ever imagined. A sea journal and coming-of-age tale, he provides an insight into the mind of one of America's novelists.