Lights and Shadows of Sailor Life
Author
Joseph G Clark
Date1848
Object number00001363
NameBook
MediumCloth, gilt, engravings, printed text on paper
DimensionsOverall: 198 x 125 x 25 mm, 0.35 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionBook titled "Lights and Shadows of Sailor Life, as Exemplified in Fifteen Years' Experience, Including the More Thrilling events of the U.S. Exploring Expedition, and Reminiscences of an Eventful Life on the "Mountain Wave.", by Joseph G. Clark
HistoryIn his book 'Lights and Shadows of Sailor Life', Clark was attempting to awaken "the public sympathy to the nature and importance of claims of seamen; this, in my estimation, may be best accomplished by a truthful and lucid exhibition of the 'lights and shadows of sailor’s life..One great truth has long been apparent to my mind, which is, that the condition of the sailor must be improved before his character can be materially elevated.'"
There was a push, particularly in America, at this time for reform for the lives and conditions experienced by sailors. Democracy demanded rights aboard ships should reflect those experienced on land and sailors began to feel themselves 'politicised" by the cause. (Page 139, 'Devising Liberty', Konig, David (ed), Stanford University Press, 1995). Reform was written about and efforts by those such as Clark pushed to improve the life and morals of sailors, using notions of democracy and religion.SignificanceJoseph Clark was a vocal advocate for sailors. He was concerned with how sailors were perceived by the rest of society and argued that rather than being a lesser class as others may perceive them, sailors should be seen as a distinct class with rights and priorities unique to their situation
