Midshipman William Reynolds brings to life American's first ocean-going voyage of discovery. The U.S. Exploring Expedition of 1838-1842 covered 87,000 miles in four years, circuiting the globe. This first-person narrative paints a picture of the terrifying majesty of the seas, colored by a young man's wonder at new experiences, and also describes the peril of sailing under abusive commander Charles Wilkes, who eventually lost the support of his crew.
