Sea of Dangers ─ Captain Cook and His Rivals in the South Pacific

In 1769 two ships set out independently in search of a missing continent: a French merchant ship commanded by Jean de Surville, and a small British naval vessel, the Endeavour, commanded by Captain James Cook. Neither knew of the other's existence. Cook's first long voyage was one of the most remarkable in recorded history: in a ship not much larger in area than a tennis court, he not only sailed around the world, following the most difficult route any navigator had ever attempted, but also changed the map of the world. He was the first to explore most of the New Zealand coast and much of the east coast of Australia. He lost a third of his crew to tropical illnesses, after earlier saving them from scurvy. Historian Geoffrey Blainey brings his storytelling powers to bear on this fascinating and important adventure, drawing us into the lives of the major figures.--From publisher description.

Geoffrey Blainey, one of Australia's most important historians, has also written A Short History of the World, A Short History of the 20th Century, and Black Kettle and Full Moon. He holds Australia's highest honor, Companion in the Order of Australia. He lives in Melbourne.