Captain Cook

More about the book

On the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's navigation to Australia, this absorbing story chronicles one of Britain's great national heroes, from his humble beginnings to his violent death at fifty-one. Hacked to death by Hawaiian islanders on 14 February 1779, Cook was already regarded as the greatest explorer of his time. Driven by an insatiable passion for discovery, he became an unparalleled seaman, navigator, and cartographer. His relentless pursuit of exploration inspired unwavering loyalty from his crew, who viewed him as their guiding star. Between 1768 and 1779, Cook completed three circumnavigations of the globe, setting records in exploration and endurance. He charted New Zealand's coasts, landed in Botany Bay, mapped the Pacific islands, and ventured further south than anyone before. He also explored the Great Barrier Reef and journeyed thousands of miles north in search of the North-West Passage. Alistair MacLean offers a vivid account of Cook's remarkable voyages and the challenges faced by his crews in largely uncharted territories. Cook's life exemplifies his ambition to explore beyond known limits, making his story a thrilling testament to human endeavor and exploration.