Description

New York Times Bestseller • Named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times, Time, The Economist, NPR, The New Yorker, The Smithsonian, and Kirkus Reviews

A gripping and masterfully told account of one of the most significant voyages of the Age of Exploration, The Wide Wide Sea follows Captain James Cook’s final expedition—a journey that ultimately led to his death in Hawaii and left behind a legacy that continues to spark debate.

One of The New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of the Year

“In this deeply researched and vividly written history, Hampton Sides follows the English naval officer James Cook on his third and final voyage, creating a compelling narrative that weaves together extensive scholarship, firsthand accounts from European sailors, and the oral histories of Indigenous Pacific islanders.” — The New York Times Book Review

On July 12, 1776, Captain James Cook, widely regarded as Britain’s greatest explorer, embarked on what would be his last journey aboard the HMS Resolution. After more than two years at sea, he met a violent end on a beach in Hawaii during a confrontation with Native Hawaiians. How did a captain known for his respect toward Indigenous cultures find himself in such a tragic conflict?

Hampton Sides’ riveting narrative explores both Cook’s extraordinary career and the darker aspects of his final expedition, offering a rich portrayal of the dangers and ambitions that defined 18th-century exploration. Cook was celebrated for his unmatched navigation skills, enlightened leadership, and commitment to science—his first voyage famously included the naturalist Joseph Banks, and he is often seen as a central figure of the Age of Enlightenment. He approached the Indigenous peoples he encountered with curiosity and a desire to understand their customs. His mission on this last voyage even included returning Mai, a Tahitian man who had become a sensation in London, to his homeland.

Throughout his earlier expeditions, Cook had charted vast stretches of the Pacific, including the east coast of Australia, and initiated first contact with numerous Indigenous communities. He was known for treating his crew well and engaging with the cultures he encountered with an open mind. Yet on this final journey, something had changed. His once even-tempered leadership gave way to mood swings and harsh discipline. He repeatedly led his ships into perilous situations and became increasingly aggressive in his responses to perceived theft by Indigenous peoples.

His behavior may have been shaped by the secret orders he carried—to claim land for Britain before its imperial rivals could and to locate the elusive Northwest Passage. Despite his scientific and diplomatic aims, his expeditions played a role in advancing colonial expansion, bringing devastating consequences for Indigenous communities. The conflict between his official and covert objectives ultimately reached a breaking point in Hawaii. While his first landing there was peaceful, his return after surveying the Pacific Northwest and Alaska was marked by exploitation, igniting tensions that led to his fateful death.

At once a fast-paced tale of high-seas adventure and a thoughtful examination of the Age of Exploration’s complex legacy, The Wide Wide Sea is a landmark work from one of today’s most gifted nonfiction writers.