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The Wide Wide Sea summary

Hampton Sides

The Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook

4.4 (79 ratings)
21 mins

Brief summary

The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides narrates the gripping story of an audacious sea expedition, combining rich historical context with personal tales of courage, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of scientific discovery.

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    The Wide Wide Sea
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    The pride of Great Britain

    In 1776, Captain James Cook was at the peak of his fame. He was a world-renowned explorer who’d charted the iciest corners of the planet. His two monumental voyages were hailed by England’s King George III, as well as by scientists and anthropologists everywhere. 

    His personal life, however, was less glamorous. He lived a modest life in London with his wife Elizabeth, enduring a strained relationship due to his frequent absences at sea. Elizabeth had endured the grief of losing three of their five children while Cook was away, and Cook himself felt restless at home, longing for the purpose and discipline of naval life.

    Cook’s rise from a farm manager’s son to a celebrated explorer was remarkable. His career began in the coal-hauling ships of Whitby, leading to a Royal Navy commission to observe the transit of Venus in the South Pacific, which launched his legendary status. Cook was not only a skilled navigator but also an early anthropologist who approached Indigenous cultures with respect. He made significant advances in preventing scurvy among his crew and revolutionized navigation with the newly invented marine chronometer, which allowed him to map new territories with remarkable accuracy.

    Now, in 1776, the 46-year-old Cook was drawn back to exploration by a new Admiralty mission. This expedition had an element of secrecy to it. Part of the mission was to explore the icy northwest coast of North America in search of the Northwest Passage – a route that might provide English ships passage from the Pacific to the Atlantic. 

    Cook eagerly accepted the command of this final voyage. While some thought it hubris for him to press his luck on a third journey, he was driven by a passion for exploration and belief in his continued success. This final voyage promised to extend his legacy, blending his achievements in exploration with his unrelenting curiosity.

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    What is The Wide Wide Sea about?

    The Wide Wide Sea (2024) recounts the final expedition of Captain James Cook, the legendary European “first navigator.” His exploration of a vast uncharted sea led to amazing discovery as well as tragedy. It encapsulates the thrills of scientific advancement while also revealing the perils of colonization.

    Who should read The Wide Wide Sea?

    • History enthusiasts
    • Adventure seekers
    • People interested in cross-cultural encounters

    About the Author

    Hampton Sides is an acclaimed American author and journalist known for his exciting narratives and deep historical insights. HIs work often explores themes of adventure and conflict, and have earned him praise for his meticulous research and engaging prose. His best-selling books include Blood and Thunder and In the Kingdom of Ice.

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