'Captain Cook' Summary

Walter Besant's Captain Cook is a biography of James Cook, one of the greatest navigators of all time. Cook was born in Marton, Yorkshire, England, in 1728. He was the son of a farmer and received a basic education. At the age of 17, Cook apprenticed to a shopkeeper in Staithes. However, he soon realized that he wanted to be a sailor, and in 1746, he joined the Royal Navy.

Cook quickly rose through the ranks of the Navy. He was a skilled navigator and a wise leader. In 1768, he was chosen to lead an expedition to the Pacific Ocean to search for the fabled Terra Australis Incognita (Unknown Southern Land). Cook's expedition was a success. He discovered New Zealand and the east coast of Australia. He also mapped the coast of Hawaii.

Cook made two more voyages to the Pacific Ocean. On his second voyage, he discovered the South Sandwich Islands and the Society Islands. On his third voyage, he searched for the Northwest Passage, a water route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He was unable to find the Northwest Passage, but he did explore the Bering Strait and the Aleutian Islands.

Cook was killed in 1779 in a skirmish with Hawaiians. He was a great explorer who made significant contributions to our understanding of the world. Besant's biography tells the story of Cook's life in detail, and it provides insights into Cook's leadership skills and his relationships with his crew.

Essence and Spirit of the Book

The essence and spirit of Captain Cook is one of courage, exploration, and discovery. Cook was a pioneer who dared to venture into uncharted waters. He was also a skilled navigator and a wise leader. Besant's biography is a celebration of Cook's achievements and his contributions to the world.

Conclusion

Captain Cook by Walter Besant is a well-written and informative biography of one of the greatest navigators of all time. Besant's book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploration, adventure, and the history of the Pacific Ocean.