Endeavour: The Story of Captain Cook's First Great Epic Voyage

by Peter Aughton

Peter Aughton's Endeavor The Story of Captain Cook's First Great Epic Voyage is the first dramatic narrative that tells the courageous story of Captain James Cook's expedition through the South Pacific.

Cook's voyage, which later resulted in the mapping of New Zealand and the east coast of Australia, takes us through the uncharted waters around the coastlines of South America, Africa, and Australia. Together the shipmates sail in their wooden ship around the unknown territory where in their three-year trip, Cook and his crew encounter different cultures and, different people like the amorous Tahitians, the fierce and warlike Maoris, and the reticent Australian Aborigines.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, Peter Aughton's Endeavor: The Story of Captain Cook's First Great Epic Voyage is truly an adventure story that tells the real life journey of one man's epic dream.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Travel

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Diane in Australia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

4 Stars = It gave me much food for thought.

[Rosella · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jill Bramhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain James Cook, what a man! What a story!

I deeply enjoyed this book, and the author very skillfully told the story in a very engaging way.

This book touches on many aspects, like leadership, psychology, astronomy, natural history, botany, morals and many others.

All within the adventure of the discovery that changed the world.

[Maurice Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable adventure of which I only had scant details.

[Ela Bělíková · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool images and maps

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ! :)

[Gugeswe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great