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

Mixed Feelings

First off, let me start by saying I LOVE Peter FitzSimons. He's absolutely brilliant in his writing, which makes history feel like edge-of-your-seat adventure thrillers. Not to mention his uproarious humor leaps from every page of his work. But, this story just doesn't adventure and intrigue of "Mutiny on the Bounty" or "The Catalpa Rescue," both of which kept me on the edge of my seat. "Mutiny" has the daring sense of adventure, and so does "Catalpa." The characters are more intriguing and cinematic. And FitzSimons numerous works on World War I and World War II are true unparalleled masterpieces. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that James Cook is virtually unknown in America. That could be what it is. Or the fact that Cook himself isn't a hero or a villain, and there is a definite lack of tension. No matter. It's a privilege regardless. And my love for FitzSimons works is as strong as ever. I'm a fan for life. Michael Carman is one a reader could listen to all day. He's a flawless reader and any Australian narrator is delightful.

This Hass to be the preeminent account

The research into the records, and his knowledge of all the journeys I believe is unparalleled. He’s a great writer; the sentences flow like water. Everyone should love this book.