The Captain Cook Encyclopaedia - Hardcover

This new encyclopedia of the life of the great explorer Captain Cook is both a meticulous piece of scholarship and an attractive, accessible reference book for the general reader.

Cook — the great sailor, surveyor, cartographer, and explorer — has had much written about him, but many published works inevitably explore only aspects of his career. In The Captain Cook Encyclopedia, the author, with the help of some twenty distinguished scholars and writers, sets out to answer any question about Cook likely to be raised in the study of his life and career.

Key Features:

• Alphabetical Arrangement: The work is organized alphabetically, with essay-length entries providing proper context to:

  • People
  • Voyages
  • Events
  • Places
  • Ships important in Cook's life.

  This format allows the author to delve deeply into the latest findings.

• Cross-Referencing: Each entry is fully cross-referenced and followed by a suggested reading list for those wanting to explore topics further.

• Additional Resources:

  • Appendices
  • A full bibliography
  • A chronology of Cook's life and times

Introductory Essay:

An introductory essay traces Cook's journey from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire to his violent death in Kealakekua Bay at the age of fifty. It puts his achievements in context, addressing the latest findings and controversies.

Illustrations and Maps:

The book is rounded off with a carefully curated selection of illustrations and maps, enhancing its appeal and utility.

Not only is The Captain Cook Encyclopedia an unrivaled companion to every aspect of Cook's career, but it is also an ideal introduction to the great century of exploration. During this time, Cook — more than anyone else — delineated the world as we know it today.