The Apotheosis of Captain Cook

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Gananath Obeyesekere challenges the myth of the Western civilizer as a divine figure in the context of imperialism. By examining shipboard journals and logs from Captain James Cook and his crew, he illustrates how Cook embodies both the role of a civilizer and, ultimately, a "savage" when his mission falters. This exploration redefines perceptions of civilization and conquest, highlighting the complexities of cultural encounters during the age of exploration.