Captain James Cook of the Royal Navy, along with Sir Francis Drake and Ferdinand Magellan, circumnavigated the globe and is seen as one of the most notable explorers of the age, a point of pride for Great Britain. This book focuses on his third and final voyage of discovery, his primary assignment from the Admiralty to find the passage over North America, linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. He launched on July 12, 1776, the time of the War for Independence of the American colonies from Great Britain, when all other Royal Navy assets were deployed in America—that is how important this mission was. It was viewed as a global mission, with Benjamin Franklin proposing successfully that any American encounter with Cook should be peaceful, and provide him assistance, as needed. Cook is so esteemed that he is thought to be the inspiration for Star Trek’s Captain James Kirk.

HMS Resolution and the HMS Discovery traveled down the coast of Africa, around the Cape of Good Hope, to Tasmania, New Zealand, Tahiti, then upward to Hawaii, a then new discovery for Europeans. Cook next sailed to the coast of northwest America, from (now) Oregon upwards along the coast of Alaska, through the Bering Strait, trying to find that northern passage, but blocked by a wall of ice, even in August. Upon return to Hawaii for replenishment, he met his tragic, violent end. Cook was a masterful navigator and map maker, so he was able to provide accurate, reliable detail of these regions for subsequent explorers. His skills were remarkable, considering he did not have the benefit of accurate mapping himself. His seamanship was also exemplary, considering the dangerous, rocky coasts, and stormy conditions in this part of the world.

Most interesting is Sides’ assessment of the personality of Cook, his examination of the evidence to determine the reasons for his choices, successes, and tragic death. Cook was a simple man, a complex person, a man of talents, a person with strengths and shortcomings. He inspired great loyalty, displayed strong leadership, was bold and courageous. Sides shows great sensitivity to the viewpoints of the indigenous peoples Cook encountered, and does not excuse behavior on either side of first contact. He provides useful context, is fair and even handed, not at all woke.

If you shy away from nonfiction or history, consider this a terrific book of adventure and suspense. I highly recommend this well-researched book, as an engaging read, and a chance to learn a great deal about this era of exploration.