The association of the name James Cook with ideas of seafaring adventure and discovery is truly an indelible one. Even if you do not know the details of this extraordinary man's life, you can probably avow that he left a unique stamp on history. In this book, we will explore the life of James Cook from his birth in 1728 in a humble Yorkshire village all the way to his death on the newly discovered Sandwich Islands-today known as Hawaii-in 1779. You will gain insight into the character of this famous yet markedly private man, and explore the factors that might have contributed to this tragic downfall. James Cook's legacy is by no means without controversy. While gifted, he was a complex and imperfect character. This book will immerse you in his life and help you imagine his adventures at sea in the eighteenth century.