The Wide Wide Sea

Autori

• Hampton Sides

Parametri

• Biografie

Maggiori informazioni sul libro

From New York Times bestselling author Hampton Sides comes an epic account of Captain James Cook’s final voyage, which ended in his death in Hawaii and left a complex legacy still debated today. On July 12, 1776, Cook, celebrated as Britain’s greatest explorer, embarked on his third voyage aboard the HMS Resolution. Two-and-a-half years later, he was killed in a conflict with native Hawaiians. Sides explores how Cook, known for his respect for Indigenous cultures, reached this tragic end. This narrative delves into Cook’s last journey, highlighting the dangers and challenges of 18th-century exploration. Renowned for his seamanship and humane leadership, Cook was dedicated to science, accompanied by naturalist Joseph Banks on his first voyage. He aimed to return a Tahitian man, Mai, to his homeland and had previously mapped vast areas of the Pacific, including Australia’s east coast, while fostering first European contacts with various peoples. However, during this final voyage, Cook’s demeanor changed; he became increasingly harsh, enforcing discipline with violence and ordering retaliation against perceived theft by native peoples. His secret orders to claim lands for Britain intensified tensions, leading to catastrophic consequences for Indigenous populations. The conflict in Hawaii, initially harmonious, turned deadly due to Cook's exploitative actions. This work combines thrilling adventure with a profound examination of

Lingua: Inglese

Pubblicato: 2024

(In brossura)