The Explorations of Captain James Cook in the Pacific as Told by Selections of His Own Journals, 1768-1779.

by Captain James] Price ed. [Cook

"No man ever did more to alter and correct the map of the Earth," writes Percy Adams in his new Introduction, than James Cook, the Scotland-born British naval commander who rose from humble beginnings to pilot three great eighteenth-century voyages of discovery in the then practically uncharted Pacific. His explorations of the eastern coastline of Australia, leading to its eventual British colonization; his thorough charting of New Zealand, discovery of the Hawaiian Island, and his investigation of both the mythical 'Terra Incognita' in the southern ocean and the equally mythical Northwest Passage, as well as his contributions to cartography and to the cure and prevention of sea disease were all of immense scientific and political significance. Though lacking in formal education, Cook was a man of great intelligence and unbounded curiosity, and his journals reflect a wide-ranging interest in everything from island customs to specific problems of navigation, charting, command, and diplomacy.This reprinting of selections from Cook's journals, edited by A. Grenfell Price, celebrates the bicentennial anniversary of his explorations. It abounds in descriptions of newly discovered plant species, particulars of coastline and land features, details of navigation, and impressions of the various Pacific peoples he encountered. Cook's was a many-faceted genius, able at once to grasp the complexities of mathematics necessary for navigation and mapping and the subtle intricacies of politics and negotiation. He often recorded his keen judgments of both subordinates and native chieftains and priests in a way that displays his own great spirit and humanity. Always solicitous of the health of his crewmen, he took great pains to insure proper diet and conditions of cleanliness, and he carefully described these measures in his journal. His tragic death at the hands of Hawaiian islanders is fully rendered from eyewitness accounts, and the implications of his discoveries to the expansion of scientific knowledge are clearly presented by the editor.Although Cook's journals will prove of inestimable value to historians, anthropologists, and students of the history of science, they can be enjoyed equally as lively narratives of high adventure and discovery. Any sympathetically roving imagination will take unbounded delight in this great classic of exploration by a most "curious and restless son of Earth."

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography

Unknown Binding

First published June 1, 1971

Reviews

[Jesse]

The most interesting thing about the journals of Captain Cook is the fine and sensitive human being they reveal him to be. He reflects, "From what I have said of the natives of New-Holland they may appear to some to be the most wretched people upon Earth, but in reality they are far more happier than we Europeans; being wholly unacquainted not only with the superfluous but the necessary Conveniences so much sought after in Europe, they are happy in not knowing the use of them. They live in a Tranquility which is not disturbed by the Inequality of Condition: The Earth and Sea of their own accord furnishes them with all things necessary for life, they covet not Magnificent Houses, Household-stuff, etc., they live in a warm and fine Climate and enjoy a very wholesome Air, so that they have very little need of Clothing...many to whom we gave Cloth, etc. left it carelessly upon the Sea beach and in the woods as a thing they had no manner of use for. In short they seem'd to set no Value upon any thing we gave them."

It seems that Cook himself was free of all those material attachments and was as happy as the Islanders he met.

His story of his life choices is as powerful as his exploits as a navigator and explorer. After eight years out on the high seas, after two extraordinary and history-making expeditions completed, England offered him a comfy and prestigious job at home so that he could bask in the wealth and fame that followed his achievements. He hadn't been home for even a few months when he stood up up in the middle of a dinner party and volunteered to lead the next expedition into the Pacific. He says "A few months ago the whole Southern Hemisphere was hardly big enough for me, and now I am going to be confined to the limits of an office in Greenwich, which is far too small for an active mind like mine."

When Cook is killed on a beach in Hawaii on this third voyage - essentially because of a misunderstanding - his crew refrains from any retaliation under the influence of Cook's own peacefulness. They gather up the pieces, literally, of their Captain, finish their repairs and sail home quietly, acknowledging that there was no premeditation on the killers' part. This seems extraordinary for the 18th century and is a fitting tribute to a man who saw himself as an ambassador and as responsible for the welfare of the peoples that he met as well as his own crew.

And finally, after a lifetime of being irritated that every point, island and headland is named after some white guy, I finally really understand what an incredible feat of science and bravery the mapping of the oceans was. It's not about who was there first, it's about the risk, sacrifice, brilliance and dedication required to actually put together where all these places are in relation to each other. This is not a casual knowledge, and the consequences of understanding the map of the world were of unimaginable benefit to humankind as a whole. So finally, I agree: let it be Cook Inlet, and Vancouver Island and the Bering Sea.

[Dominic]

A wonderful, emotional read. Given his enormous contribution to geographical research, science, medicine, navigation, etc., Cook really deserves far greater recognition. And he did it all without so much as a trace of imperialistic arrogance. In fact, his approach to dealings with natives in the South Pacific, North America and elsewhere, and the rigid code of conduct imposed upon his crew, are among the most heart-warming features of this account.

My one criticism is all too often true of books about exploration: the original pre- and post- Cook maps are fine, but you also need a detailed modern map to comprehend the routes that Cook and his ships took, and the places they visited. Still a fine account though, and thoroughly recommended (especially for those who complain about discomfort on the Isle of Wight ferry!).

[Mariangel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The way this book is written makes it easy to read and enjoyable. It alternates the narrator's account of Cook's life and travels, including the necessary background for the reader, with excerpts of Cook's diaries corresponding to the most important days and discoveries. This way, we get to listen to Cook's own voice and descriptions.

My edition (Dover) has also very nice black and white illustrations and engravings. But it would have been even better if it included local maps at several stages of the voyages.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty cool to get his side of imperialism, as he was unknowing to the dominance his efforts would have on indigenous cultures.

the journal entries themselves are painful, and can almost be skipped in some cases. overabundance of nautical info.

[Ludo-Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice anthology of the journals. Clearly condensing the journals of three voyages in just 300 pages is no easy job, therefore some interesting parts are missing, like the description of Tongan customs of the third voyage.
Overall highly recommended

[Angus Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a good mixture of explanations by the narrator and relevant extracts from Cook’s journals. It is long enough to give a pretty complete idea of his expeditions and their outcomes without too much excess detail. It’s the second time I’ve read it. I think I read it 20 years ago on visiting Australia- this time I was inspired to reread it after visiting Ship Cove on Queen Charlotte Sound, where he anchored while surveying New Zealand. He comes across as a very thoughtful, capable man who was considerate of the humanity of the native peoples and of his crews, possessing little ego.

[Terry Steinborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an account of the voyages undertaken by Captain James Cook to explore the features and extent of the Pacific Ocean between 1768 and his death at the hands of natives in Hawai'i in 1779. This account is effectively set out using extensive quotations of passages of Cook's journals from the three expeditions. As such, the text is somewhat tedious to read because of Cook's lack of formal education and the English language usage of the period, but the first-hand accounts of the discoveries on land and sea are fascinating at the least. Accomplishments of these voyages include the delineation of the East coast of Australia, the detailed mapping of the islands of New Zealand, the discoveries of New Caledonia and the Hawaiian Islands, and many other geographical contributions. He also proved that there is no undiscovered large continent in the South Pacific, as was previously thought by many geographers, nor is there a sailable passage to the north of North America. He also proved that it was possible to undertake very long sea voyages without losing personnel to diseases such as scurvy, which had always had serious fatal consequences before. All-in-all a remarkable book to read.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly agreeable. This book collects lengthy extracts from Cook's journals, at a time of maritime journeys astonishing in every way to us now. The extracts are well placed in context, preventing the lay reader from having to scrounge through the entire pieces. Understandably, in the 2020s, many readers will approach these journals primarily from a racial context, as I see of some recent reviews here. Certainly this is important, and the complex layers of cultural expectations and understanding weight heavy on Cook's subconscious, as they do all of us, and we can clearly see the ways in which he applies thought and intellect and yet cannot always break free of his inculcated values. Given the consequences of this meeting (even though Cook himself had nothing do with the colonisation of Australia, and indeed was dead long before 1788), it's fair for readers to be engaged with this. However ultimately that's a comparatively minor part of this journal of maritime lore, exploration, and the (often repetitive, by their very nature) travails of taking dozens of men on a ship not much larger than a tennis court to sections of land and ocean which had never been visited by Europeans, where danger was not constant and potential but, in so many ways, fatal.

[Marlo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this having recently moved to Hawaii. It was long and a bit hard to get through, but I learned a lot about seafaring technology of the 1700s, Captain Cook himself, and the history of sea exploration in the Pacific. The most interesting parts to me were the accounts by Cook/others in his crew in his journals about various Pacific Islands, Antarctica, Australia, NZ and the plants, wildlife, peoples etc.. and just generally the preparations for voyages and all the considerations it took to navigate a ship safely and accurately and keep the crew healthy. I have not read other versions of Captain Cook's history, but I really appreciated from this book how skilled, thoughtful and insightful of a captain he was.

[James Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The comments by the author keep you focused on whats happening while the actual words from the journals of Cook make you feel like you are standing next to him during his trips. Get a good map of the trip by searching the internet, it will help you focus on the scope of his journeys which is awesome.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by all things regarding seamanship and nautical exploration of the 17th and 18th centuries, and am looking for more recommendations regarding circumnavigation and exploration. A very interesting biography so far.

[Preston Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The actual journals of Captain Cook. How cool is that.

[Rohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never stop exploring

[Will Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to a shortened version of this on audible. I will listen to the full book eventually. It was a crazy story. Very close to giving this 5 stars.