'First Voyage of James Cook Volume 2' Summary

James Cook's 'First Voyage, Volume 2' continues the account of his groundbreaking voyage, focusing on his exploration of the east coast of Australia. Following his successful circumnavigation of New Zealand, Cook sailed westward, encountering the Australian mainland for the first time at Botany Bay. Despite attempts to establish contact with the indigenous people, his efforts proved unsuccessful. The voyage continued northward, with Cook meticulously charting a thousand miles of coastline, a task made particularly challenging by the presence of the treacherous Great Barrier Reef. His ship, the Endeavour, was severely damaged after striking one of the reefs, requiring extensive repairs on the mainland. Following these crucial repairs, Cook reached Cape York, the northernmost point of Australia, successfully completing his circumnavigation of the globe. The journey took the ship through Batavia (present-day Jakarta, Indonesia), the Cape of Good Hope, and St. Helena. This volume provides a detailed account of Cook's maritime skills, his encounters with indigenous cultures, and the significant scientific discoveries made during this expedition. The book is a testament to Cook's resilience and his unwavering dedication to charting the unknown.