Sea of Dangers: Captain Cook and His Rivals

Blainey Geoffrey

ISBN 10: 0670073164 / ISBN 13: 9780670073160

Published by Penguin, 2010

, . NB: This is a secondhand book in very good condition. See our FAQs for more information. Please note that the jacket image is indicative only. A description of our secondhand books is not always available. Please contact us if you have a question about this title.Author: Geoffrey BlaineyFormat: Paperback Number of Pages: 420Two ships set out in search of a missing continent: the St Jean-Baptiste, a French merchant ship commanded by Jean de Surville, and The Endeavour, a small British naval vessel captained by James Cook. Distinguished historian Geoffrey Blainey tells the story of these rival ships and the men who sailed in them. Just before Christmas 1769, the two captains were almost close enough to see one another - and yet they did not know of each other's existence. Both crews battled extreme hardships including scurvy, storms and loneliness; but they also experienced the euphoria of 'discovering' new lands, and the fascination of meeting peoples so different they may as well have come from separate worlds. This is the most revealing narrative so far written of Cook's astonishing voyage along the east coast of Australia. It also casts new light on the little-known voyage by Jean de Surville; Blainey argues that the Frenchman was in the vicinity of Sydney Harbour months before Cook arrived. Eventually Cook set out to explore the hazardous Barrier Reef and find a way through Torres Strait, while the Frenchman searched for a mysterious Jewish colony in the South Pacific. In Sea of Dangers, Blainey once again takes us on a vivid journey through history, challenging accepted views. Seller Inventory # 9780670073160-SECONDHAND

Synopsis:

In 1769, two ships set out in search of a missing continent: a French merchant ship (the St Jean-Baptiste) commanded by Jean de Surville, and a small British naval vessel (the Endeavour) commanded by James Cook. That Christmas, in New Zealand waters, the two captains were almost within sight of each other, though neither knew of the other's existence.

This is the story of the rival ships and the men who sailed in them - their daily lives and thoughts, and the hardships (scurvy, storms, loneliness) and pleasures (discovery, trade, women) they experienced. Their voyages changed the history of Australia and New Zealand.

'A master storyteller's account of the way fantasy and rumour have driven science and exploration' - Weekend Australian

'Blainey's characteristic curiosity raises new questions about Cook and his reputation' - The Age

About the Author:

Geoffrey Blainey is one of Australia's most significant and popular historians. He has written more than thirty books including The Tyranny of Distance, Triumph of the Nomads, A Short History of Australia, Black Kettle and Full Moon, and the best-selling A Short History of the World. He is one of the few Australians whose biography appears in Encyclopaedia Britannica. In 2000 Professor Blainey was the recipient of Australia's highest honour, Companion in the Order of Australia (AC).

A note from the editor:

As always, Blainey's latest history is beautifully written, drawing us into the lives of those on board. He uses just enough contemporary comparisons to allow us to reposition ourselves in time.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Sea of Dangers: Captain Cook and His Rivals
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: 2010
Binding: Secondhand, Paperback
Book Type: Secondhand, Paperback