Thirteen year old Katherine Cook sailed to India with her family in 1709 on the first fleet of the newly-formed United Company of Merchants of England trading to the East Indies. Within two years she was twice-widowed, a mother, penniless and alone.
Masters of the Eastern Seas
The book explores the voyages of East India Company ships to India and China during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, highlighting the complexities of trade and the Company's engagement in maritime warfare. It delves into the economic and political implications of these expeditions, illustrating how they shaped international relations and influenced the course of history in the region. Through detailed accounts, it provides insights into the challenges faced by sailors and traders in this pivotal era.