James Cook

The story behind the man who mapped the world

By: Peter FitzSimons

Narrated by: Michael Carman

The name Captain James Cook is one of the most recognisable in Australian history - an almost mythic figure who is often discussed, celebrated, reviled and debated.

But who was the real James Cook?

This Yorkshire farm boy would go on to become the foremost mariner, scientist, navigator and cartographer of his era, and to personally map a third of the globe. His great voyages of discovery were incredible feats of seamanship and navigation. Leading a crew of men into uncharted territories, Cook would face the best and worst of humanity as he took himself and his crew to the edge of the known world - and beyond.

With his masterful storytelling talent, Peter FitzSimons brings the real James Cook to life. Focusing on his most iconic expedition, the voyage of the Endeavour, where Cook first set foot on Australian and New Zealand soil, FitzSimons contrasts Cook against another figure who looms large in Australasian history: Joseph Banks, the aristocratic botanist. As they left England, Banks, a rich, famous playboy, was everything that Cook was not. The voyage tested Cook's character and would help define his legacy.

Now, 240 years after James Cook's death, FitzSimons reveals what kind of man James was at heart. His strengths, his weaknesses, his passions and pursuits, failures and successes.

James Cook reveals the man behind the myth.

Critic reviews

Fitzsimons has a novelistic style... He is also able to convey the drama of the voyage

Fast paced , compelling , very readable

I’ve waded thru so many biographies that got lost, & tedious, in all the details I hesitated with one this long. It turned out to be excellent. Enough detail to understand as well as could b his motivations & actions, yet fast paced & compelling to the last paragraph!

Wonderful biography

Brings the Captain to life as a brave and sensitive man who navigated and charted the oceans, and realized that the native tribes were being affected and tried always to come in peace and establish good relations with them.

well narrated

the wit & dry humour of the book... colourful characters that make it a easy listen

Very good indeed.

Difficult at first but pulled me in simular to a ship moving twards a horizon... Thumbs up on this well researched piece of history.

Great book

Well researched and well told and a great story!
The narrator has a easy to listen to and captivating voice.