Any recommendations of maritime/sailing history books?

Question

I'm doing research for a story set in Portland, OR during 1894. I would appreciate any web sources and books about the vessels and the lives of sailors. The books I've consulted so far have been jargon heavy and not very useful for a boating novice. Is there an Idiot's guide to 19th century clippers?

Answer 1

Try this sight and hit the Library   http://www.schoonerman.com/book/clipper....

Have fun,  it was an interesting era.

Answer 2

"Two Years Before The Mast" - a great story I read as a teenage.  Fantastic read!  - Geez, I sound like some book critic.  Good luck!