Captain James Cook and the Search for Antarctica

by James C. Hamilton

Two hundred and fifty years ago Captain James Cook, during his extraordinary voyages of navigation and maritime exploration, searched for Antarctica - the Unknown Southern Continent. During parts of his three voyages in the southern Pacific and Southern Oceans, Cook 'narrowed the options' for the location of Antarctica. Over three summers, he completed a circumnavigation of portions of the Southern Continent, encountering impenetrable barriers of ice, and he suggested the continent existed, a frozen land not populated by a living soul. Yet his Antarctic voyages are perhaps the least studied of all his remarkable travels. That is why James Hamilton's gripping and scholarly study, which brings together the stories of Cook's Antarctic journeys into a single volume, is such an original and timely addition to the literature on Cook and eighteenth-century exploration.

Using Cook's journals and the log books of officers who sailed with him, the book sets his Antarctic explorations within the context of his historic voyages. The main focus is on the Second Voyage (1772-1775), but brief episodes in the First Voyage (during 1769) and the Third Voyage (1776) are part of the story. Throughout the narrative Cook's exceptional seamanship and navigational skills, and that of his crew, are displayed during often-difficult passages in foul weather across uncharted and inhospitable seas.

Captain James Cook and the Search for Antarctica offers the reader a fascinating insight into Cook the seaman and explorer, and it will be essential reading for anyone who has a particular interest the history of the Southern Continent.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published May 30, 2020

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The passion Dr. Hamilton has for his subject is unmistakeable and his dedication to research is unarguable. There is an incredible level of detail in the book and it's focus on the three explorations of the Antarctic area allow for a very laser focused approach. It can be a bit much and a bit repetitive in spots because he relies so heavily on the various logbooks, reports, etc and (as he states in the book) in some cases, they all copied each other to ensure a common report. Regardless, it's incredibly informative and really illustrates Cook's impacts on exploration in his (short) time.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Alexandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

A look at his three voyages and three ships, who he was and some of the people who backed him and worked with him. Maps of the three journeys and other trips. Very informational and have details of the voyages and day to day things or events.

[Dale Dewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have recently become interested in early Arctic exploration including the Franklin expedition and this was a great re-telling of Cooks expidition. I found it well researched and was happy to read it.