The Wide, Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

If you have travelled anywhere in the South Pacific or parts of Alaska you have seen or heard mention of Captain James Cook. To some islanders and the British he was almost godlike, a consummate seaman and true adventurer whose travels brought back new territories and much needed maps home to Great Britain. To others however, he was a bit of a madman (especially on this last voyage) unpredictable, pompous and violent. To many of the native islanders he overstayed his welcome, stripped them of natural resources and left in violence. Hampton Sides offers us an unbiased look at Cook's last voyage back to the South Pacific and then north to locate and map a clear passage through Alaska. Sides has a gift for laying out not only the conditions and customs of the seafarers but also their interactions, customs and the response of the islanders. Comprehensive, immensely entertaining and a "True North" pick for any sea explorer by boat or armchair. This would make a wonderful gift for anyone planning a trip to Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, Hawaii or even Alaska. ​  4 1/2 stars