White-Jacket

First published in 1850, White-Jacket; or, The World in a Man-of-War is a powerful and socially conscious novel by Herman Melville, drawn from his own service aboard a U.S. Navy warship.

The narrative follows an unnamed young sailor—nicknamed "White-Jacket" for the distinctive coat he wears—as he serves aboard a massive man-of-war. Through a series of vivid episodes, Melville presents an unflinching portrait of life at sea, exposing the rigid hierarchy, harsh discipline, and brutal practices...