As a boy, James Cook dreamed of a life at sea, but he never imagined the thrilling career ahead of him. He became an officer in the Royal Navy, commander of the first British ship outfitted for science, and leader of three long voyages to the Pacific.

James Cook grew up in a small clay farmhouse and had little schooling, but he went on to teach himself. He became England's finest chart-maker and a good astronomer too. He was a born leader. Strong, courageous and kind, firm, considerate and just, he was obeyed and loved by his men. In the days when death from scurvy was all too common on long voyages, James Cook taught his crews how to prevent the dread disease. Cook felt this was one of his proudest achievements.

Cooke was one of the world's most daring explorers. He set foot on six continents, named hundreds of bays and islands and straits, and sailed farther south than anyone before him. Wherever he went he tried to make friends with the natives and treat them fairly.

Adèle deLeeuw writes with clarity, verve and a warm feeling for plot and personality. Captain Cook's life makes one of the best adventure stories imaginable.

From the dust jacket