NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR SO FAR FOR 2024 BY THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW A “thrilling and superbly crafted” ( The Wall Street Journal ) account of the most momentous voyage of the Age of Exploration, which culminated in Captain James Cook’s death in Hawaii, and left a complex and controversial legacy still debated to this day. “Hampton Sides, an acclaimed master of the nonfiction narrative, has taken on Cook’s story and retells it for the 21st century.”— Los Angeles Times On July 12th, 1776, Captain James Cook, already lionized as the greatest explorer in British history, set off on his third voyage in his ship the HMS Resolution . Two-and-a-half years later, on a beach on the island of Hawaii, Cook was killed in a conflict with native Hawaiians.

How did Cook, who was unique among captains for his respect for Indigenous peoples and cultures, come to that fatal moment? Hampton Sides’ bravura account of Cook’s last journey both wrestles with Cook’s legacy and provides a thrilling narrative of the titanic efforts and continual danger that characterized exploration in the 1700s. Cook was renowned for his peerless seamanship, his humane leadership, and his dedication to science–the famed naturalist Joseph Banks accompanied him on his first voyage, and Cook has been called one of the most important figures of the Age of Enlightenment.

He was also deeply interested in the native people he encountered. In fact, his stated mission was to return a Tahitian man, Mai, who had become the toast of London, to his home islands. On previous expeditions, Cook mapped huge swaths of the Pacific, including the east coast of Australia, and initiated first European contact with numerous peoples.

He treated his crew well, and endeavored to learn about the societies he encountered with curiosity and without judgment. Yet something was different on this last voyage. Cook became mercurial, resorting to the lash to enforce discipline, and led his two vessels into danger time and again.

Uncharacteristically, he ordered violent retaliation for perceived theft on the part of native peoples. This may have had something to do with his secret orders, which were to chart and claim lands before Britain’s imperial rivals could, and to discover the fabled Northwest Passage. Whatever Cook’s intentions, his scientific efforts were the sharp edge of the colonial sword, and the ultimate effects of first contact were catastrophic for Indigenous people around the world.

The tensions between Cook’s overt and covert missions came to a head on the shores of Hawaii. His first landing there was harmonious, but when Cook returned after mapping the coast of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, his exploitative treatment of the Hawaiians led to the fatal encounter. At once a ferociously-paced story of adventure on the high seas and a searching examination of the complexities and consequences of the Age of Exploration, THE WIDE WIDE SEA is a major work from one of our finest narrative nonfiction writers.

In "The Wide Wide Sea," Matthew Jameson immerses readers in the tumultuous world of 18th-century exploration, chronicling Captain James Cook's fateful final voyage. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, this book delves into the intertwining ambitions and challenges that defined Cook's journey. With a narrative that captures the spirit of adventure and the complexities of first contact with indigenous cultures, Jameson offers a captivating account of one of history's most renowned explorers.

As the sea stretched wide before him, so did the vast possibilities and perils that awaited.

Captain James Cook's final voyage was a pivotal moment in maritime exploration and cultural encounters. The book intricately examines imperial ambitions and their influence on global exploration during the 18th century. Through detailed research the narrative delves into the human experiences and challenges faced during Cook's journey.

Matthew Jameson\'s "The Wide Wide Sea" offers a meticulously researched account of Captain James Cook\'s final voyage exploring the profound impact of imperial ambition on 18th-century exploration. Jameson delves deep into the cultural encounters faced by Cook and his crew bringing to life the complexities and challenges of navigating uncharted waters. \nThe narrative centers on the intricate dynamics of first contact with indigenous populations.

Through firsthand accounts and historical records Jameson paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted relationships that developed amid exploration efforts. He emphasizes the blend of curiosity misunderstanding and conflict that characterized these crucial interactions. \nAs Cook\'s voyage unfolds readers are drawn into the tension between discovery and conquest.

Jameson captures the era\'s thirst for expansion and the moral dilemmas faced by explorers. With every chapter the author layers historical insight with compelling storytelling making the past resonate intensely with modern audiences. \nThe book\'s exploration of Cook\'s final days and untimely demise provides a thought-provoking conclusion.

Jameson presents an unvarnished yet empathetic portrayal examining the legacy of a man whose name remains synonymous with exploration. Through "The Wide Wide Sea readers embark on a journey of discovery that mirrors the uncertainty and possibilities of the voyage itself.

Jameson's in-depth research and vivid storytelling breathe life into historical accounts making Captain Cook's final voyage an engrossing narrative that captures the imagination His empathetic approach to portraying the cultural interactions between explorers and indigenous peoples sets this book apart in its nuanced and balanced perspective The book balances historical accuracy with engaging prose creating an accessible entry point into 18th-century exploration for both history enthusiasts and casual readers Jameson's talent for weaving together diverse historical sources into a seamless narrative makes this work a standout in maritime literature The Wide Wide Sea" stands out for its focus on the human element within a monumental historical event By highlighting the personal struggles ambitions and moral conflicts faced by those on Cook's voyage Jameson provides a comprehensive exploration that goes beyond a mere recounting of events.