The Wide Wide Sea

More about the book

From New York Times bestselling author Hampton Sides comes an epic account of Captain James Cook's final voyage, culminating in his tragic death. On July 12, 1776, Cook embarked on his third journey aboard HMS Resolution, which would lead to his demise on a Hawaiian beach, where he was killed in a conflict with the indigenous people. Known for his humane leadership and respect for new cultures, Cook had previously mapped vast areas of the Pacific and made first contacts with various native populations. His mission was to return a Tahitian man, Mai, to his homeland, but he also carried secret orders to explore the fabled Northwest Passage and claim new territories for Britain. This voyage marked a shift in Cook's character, revealing a more complex figure than the celebrated explorer he was known to be. Deeply researched and vividly narrated, this account is both a fast-paced adventure and a thoughtful exploration of the consequences of the Age of Exploration. Critics have praised Sides for his riveting storytelling and meticulous research, describing the work as a gripping nonfiction thriller that reads like an epic adventure.