Captain Cook
By Walter Besant
Published by MacMillan & Co: London 1892 2nd Edition
"
Captain Cook by Walter Besant is a concise and engaging biography of the legendary British navigator and explorer James Cook, tracing his rise from humble beginnings to global renown as a pioneering seafarer. Besant recounts Cook's early life in Yorkshire, his entry into the Royal Navy, and the disciplined self-education that led to his expertise in navigation and cartography. The book emphasizes Cook's remarkable achievements during his three great voyages, particularly his meticulous charting of Newfoundland, the Pacific Islands, and the eastern coast of Australia. Besant presents Cook not only as a skilled sailor but also as a man of science, diplomacy, and discipline, whose voyages greatly expanded European knowledge of the Pacific.
The second half of the book focuses on Cook's encounters with indigenous peoples, his efforts to prevent scurvy among his crew, and the scientific aims of his expeditions, including astronomical observations and botanical studies. Besant portrays Cook as a figure of Enlightenment ideals—rational, humane, and curious—though not without the complexities of colonial interaction. The narrative builds toward Cook's tragic death in Hawaii during his third voyage, framing it as a sudden and violent end to a life of methodical exploration. Overall, Besant's account honors Cook's legacy as a transformational figure in maritime history, whose influence extended far beyond the maps he drew."
General wear and some staining to covers and spinbe as shown. Neat inscription from 1894 present. Binding is solid with no loose pages. Pages clean and well presented. A decent copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
