Voyages of Discovery: Captain Cook and the Exploration of the Pacific [Paperback]

Lynne Withey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 18, 1989

Voyages of Discovery is the story of the last great age of European sea exploration, when state-supported expeditions driven by both scientific and political motives set out to map the remaining unknown parts of the globe. Focusing on the voyages of the preeminent explorer, Captain James Cook, who commanded three round-the-world expeditions between 1768 and 1780, Lynne Withey illuminates the Pacific islanders' views of their "discoverers" as well.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A history of 18th-century British exploration of the Pacific, concentrating on Cook's three voyages (1768-80). Withey covers some of the same ground as John C. Beaglehole's The Exploration of the Pacific (1966. 3d ed.), but emphasizes the interaction between the English explorers and the Pacific islanders, mutually fascinated, but trying to comprehend an exotic society in terms of their own. The differences between the various island groups visited by the English are well delineated by Withey, biographer of Abigail Adams ( Dearest Friend) . The author makes good use of contemporary journals and reports to put together a readable narrative. Jonathan F. Husband, Framingham State Coll. Lib., Mass .
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"In a time of growing worry about trade with the Pacific Rim countries, the story of the opening of the Pacific itself has on the face of it a certain interest. . . . [Withey] does a nice job examining the way in which Europeans' moral and romantic expectations colored their reactions to and interactions with the Pacific Islanders through her skillful quotation from and sensitive readings of the voyagers' own writings." -- Caroline Rand Herron, The New York Times Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (January 18, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520065646
• ISBN-13: 978-0520065642
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,032,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A thorough and balanced account of Cook's explorations., May 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Voyages of Discovery: Captain Cook and the Exploration of the Pacific (Paperback)

Lynne Withey succeeds in providing a balanced and well-researched account of the famous explorations of Captain James Cook in the South Pacific. She discusses the impact of Cook's journeys on both the 18th century Europeans and the native peoples of the South Pacific. Although it has been popular to cast the "Age of Discovery" as a violent and invasive period for indigenous people, Withey shows that Cook generally had the best intentions when dealing with the inhabitants of these islands, and that most unfortunate incidents were the result of misunderstandings. Further, Cook showed an uncommon concern and compassion for all the people he came in contact with. Withey's book provides the reader with numerous insights into the motivations which spurred on this age of exploration, both political, in the case of the English government, and personal, in Cook's case. Her fascinating account of the complex events surrounding Cook's death in Hawaii, and the Hawaiian belief system that contributed to this unfortunate event, clearly show how two cultures can come unwittingly into conflict when they first meet. Overall, this book is a clearly written, comprehensive, and highly informative treatment of this fascinating period of our history.