The Wide Wide Sea

The Wide Wide Sea is a book by Hampton Sides that tells the story of Captain James Cook's third voyage, which ended in his death in Hawaii. The book explores Cook's mission to return a Tahitian man to his home islands, as well as his secret orders to discover the Northwest Passage and chart and claim lands before Britain's imperial rivals. The book is praised for its vivid storytelling and examination of the consequences of the Age of Exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 11 April 2024
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

From the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller, Hampton Sides, comes the epic tale of the most significant expedition of the Age of Exploration, culminating in the tragic death of Captain James Cook.

On July 12, 1776, Captain James Cook, already revered as the greatest explorer in British history, embarked on his third voyage aboard HMS Resolution. Two and a half years later, on a beach in Hawaii, Cook met his demise—beaten and stabbed in a conflict with the indigenous people.

What led to Cook's untimely end, so contrary to his esteemed reputation? Renowned for his compassionate leadership, unwavering dedication to science, and the genuine curiosity and respect he displayed toward societies he encountered for the first time, Cook had already charted vast expanses of the Pacific and established the first European contact with numerous native peoples.

The official mission of his third voyage was to return a Tahitian man named Mai, who had become the toast of London high society, to his home islands. However, Cook carried secret orders to venture north, to discover the fabled Northwest Passage and chart and claim lands before Britain's imperial rivals. And on his final, fatal voyage, Cook himself was different.

The Wide Wide Sea is a meticulously researched and vividly narrated masterpiece that seamlessly blends an exhilarating, epic adventure with a profound exploration of the consequences of the Age of Exploration. Written by a master storyteller, this book captivates readers with its gripping pace, while also offering a thought-provoking examination of the human cost and ethical dilemmas of the era.

Hampton Sides has once again delivered a literary masterpiece that transports readers to a bygone era, while shedding light on the complexities and consequences of one of history's most remarkable journeys.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 240 x 161 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241437339