Whitcombe's Historical Story Books
Under Cook's Flag
Published by Whitcombe And Tombs Limited: Melbourne c1910 (undated)
"Under Cook's Flag is an engaging early twentieth-century historical adventure written for younger readers as part of Whitcombe's Historical Story Books series. Framed through the experiences of youthful characters sailing with Captain James Cook, the narrative introduces readers to the great age of Pacific exploration in an accessible, story-driven manner. While clearly fictionalised, the book is firmly anchored in real events from Cook's three voyages, blending imaginative dialogue with historically recognisable settings, ships, and personalities to bring the era vividly to life.
The story follows Cook's expeditions from the South Seas to New Zealand and New Holland, touching on encounters with Indigenous peoples, life aboard ship, and the dangers and wonders of exploration. Episodes set in Tahiti, along the New Zealand coast, and during early contact with Māori communities are presented in a tone typical of Edwardian juvenile literature—adventurous, instructive, and reflective of contemporary imperial attitudes. Period illustrations, portraits of Cook, and explanatory passages reinforce the educational intent, making the book both a narrative and an introduction to geography and history.
Published by Whitcombe & Tombs Limited around 1910, this undated Melbourne issue is a characteristic example of Australasian children's historical publishing, produced to foster interest in empire, exploration, and the Pacific world. Today it stands as both a collectible juvenile book and a cultural artefact of its time, illustrating how Cook's legacy was interpreted for young readers in the early twentieth century. This volume would appeal to collectors of Captain Cook material, historians of children's literature, and those interested in early Australian and New Zealand educational publishing."
Light wear to covers and spine as shown. No loose pages. No inscriptions. Pages are clean with pleasant age toning only. A nice copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
