I very much enjoyed this book. This reads like an adventure story, which it is, of course. The author does a superb job of weaving excerpts from journals, recorded history, and his own flair for historical narrative, into an enjoyable book. You get to be a bug-on-the-wall of the Endeavour, and watch it all first-hand (almost!). He makes it that 'real'.
To read about the sighting of what must have been tens of thousands of Ulysses butterflies was wondrous. To think of all the things they saw in abundance, that have since disappeared, or have been significantly reduced. And that's just one tiny incident, in a journey that took 3 years! The book is full of many other tidbits.
Probably the best book ever about Captain Cook's epic first voyage. I was carried along with the participants, wondering with them at the marvels they saw as the voyage progressed, with the dangers they faced, and watching the strength and resolution of their captain. Mr. Aughton's writing is splendid -- his is a strong narrative voice, and in the summing up in the final chapter, he writes stirringly of the return to England and the catalogue of achievements of captain, crew, and specialists such as Joseph Banks.
This was an incredible read. James Cook & his crew were on this voyage for three years mapping out the coast line of New Zealand & part of Australia which today we take for granted. I can't imagine the dangers, difficulties, illness & fatalities they faced during this time.
While only reading this in the Readers' Digest abridged version, it made for fascinating reading. The more I read about Cook, the more amazing a person he becomes. Talk about being under valued. He truly was a great sea faring captain in all respects.
Vždy som milovala rozprávania o cestách za nepoznanou zemou ... Je to úžasné čítať o výprave, o jej príprave, čo sa dialo na palube a mimo nej ... Knihu dopĺňajú krásne kresby ... Už len ju mať doma ! :)