A memoir about the author's experiences as a sailor on a voyage around Cape Horn in the late 19th century aboard the ship "Royalshire". The phrase "before the mast" refers to the area where the common sailors were quartered. The book details life at sea, including daily routines, dangers, and the relationships among the crew. It is considered a classic of maritime literature and provides insights into sailing during that era. The book is also historically significant for its depiction of sailor life in the late 19th century. The cover is torn on the sides and is a bit loose.