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James Cook

The story behind the man who mapped the world

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James Cook

By: Peter FitzSimons
Narrated by: Michael Carman
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About this listen

 The name Captain James Cook is one of the most recognisable in Australian history - an almost mythic figure who is often discussed, celebrated, reviled and debated.

But who was the real James Cook?

This Yorkshire farm boy would go on to become the foremost mariner, scientist, navigator and cartographer of his era, and to personally map a third of the globe. His great voyages of discovery were incredible feats of seamanship and navigation. Leading a crew of men into uncharted territories, Cook would face the best and worst of humanity as he took himself and his crew to the edge of the known world - and beyond.

With his masterful storytelling talent, Peter FitzSimons brings the real James Cook to life. Focusing on his most iconic expedition, the voyage of the Endeavour, where Cook first set foot on Australian and New Zealand soil, FitzSimons contrasts Cook against another figure who looms large in Australasian history: Joseph Banks, the aristocratic botanist. As they left England, Banks, a rich, famous playboy, was everything that Cook was not. The voyage tested Cook's character and would help define his legacy.

Now, 240 years after James Cook's death, FitzSimons reveals what kind of man James was at heart. His strengths, his weaknesses, his passions and pursuits, failures and successes.

James Cook reveals the man behind the myth. 18th Century Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Europe Expeditions & Discoveries Great Britain Modern Oceania World Sailing England Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

Fitzsimons has a novelistic style... He is also able to convey the drama of the voyage
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This book is an excellent insight into the life of Cpt. James Cook. The man has recently been demonised by popular belief and his deeds and thoughts misquoted and misconstrued . His thoughts and nature have been fairly discussed and documented in this book and that may surprise some readers (listeners).

A must read... or must listen.

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Loved been on board Endeavour for the voyage if only i bought more nails!
Dont past this book by, beautiful narrative, great research full of facts and a ripping story
cheers peter

Great story of a legend we didnt really know.

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So well written like all your books that I’ve read so far Peter FitzSimons- well done. To Michael the narrator- this was superbly read, could not stop listening. Thank you.

Fantastic

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an excellent book documenting the whole life of Captain Cook. also very interesting his views on Aboriginal Australians as well as other natives. definitely worth the read.

great historical book

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Well done Peter Fitzsimmons, beautifully portrayed, thoroughly researched and a joy to listen to. If I didn’t have your next book ready to start reading I’d listen to captain at once again and again.

Another stellar achievement

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