Publisher Description

During Charles Darwin's 1831-6 voyage on the Beagle, his on-board library included 'Cook's voyages' (the edition is not specified). This illustrated 1821 edition, in seven volumes, is representative of the versions available in the early nineteenth century. Volumes 5-7 cover the third Pacific voyage of James Cook (1728-79), which began in July 1776. Volume 7, written by James King (1750-84), Cook's astronomer and second lieutenant, first describes the events leading up to Cook's violent death, and its aftermath. In March 1779 the expedition sailed for Kamchatka to continue exploring the north Pacific for a second summer. However, the extent of the sea ice meant that in July the attempt was abandoned. The ships returned to England via Kamchatka (described in detail), Macao, Java and the Cape of Good Hope. The volume concludes with short vocabularies of Tongan, Hawaiian, and the language spoken at Nootka Sound.

Table of Contents

Book V. Captain King's Journal of the Transactions on Returning to the Sandwich Islands: 1. Description of Karakakooa Bay; 2. Farther account of transactions with natives; 3. Suspicious behaviour of the natives on our return to Karakakooa Bay; 4. Transactions at Owhyhee subsequent to the death of Captain Cook; 5. Departure from Karakakooa in search of an harbour on the south-east side of Mowee; 6. General account of the Sandwich Islands, their number, names and situation; 7. General account of the Sandwich Islands [and] their inhabitants; 8. General account of the Sandwich Islands, continued; Book VI. Transactions during the Second Expedition to the North, and on the Return Home: 1. Departure from Oneeheow; 2. Scarcity of provisions and stores at the harbour of Saint Peter and Saint Paul; 3. Continuation of transactions in the harbour; 4. Fruitless attempts to penetrate through the ice to the north-west; 5. Return to the harbour; 6. General account of Kamtschatka; 7. Of the inhabitants; 8. Plan of our future proceedings; 9. Working up to Macao; 10. Leave the Typa; 11. Departure from Pulo Condore; Appendix of languages.

Promotional "Headline"

This seven-volume illustrated edition of James Cook's journals, originally published in 1821, brings together these celebrated writings in an attractive format.

Description for Bookstore

This seven-volume illustrated collection, published in 1821, contains the journals of Captain James Cook (1728-79) from his three voyages to the Pacific, supplemented by material from other members of his expeditions, including the influential botanist Sir Joseph Banks. 'Cook's voyages' were essential reading for later explorers, including Charles Darwin.

Description for Library

This seven-volume illustrated collection, published in 1821, contains the journals of Captain James Cook (1728-79) from his three voyages to the Pacific, supplemented by material from other members of his expeditions, including the influential botanist Sir Joseph Banks. 'Cook's voyages' were essential reading for later explorers, including Charles Darwin.

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