On August 26, 1768, James Cook (1728-1779) set sail from Plymouth aboard the Endeavour to explore the largely unknown Pacific Ocean. On board were 90 crew members, including scientists, botanists, and artists. This was the first of three adventurous voyages to the South Seas. The nautical charts created by Cook during this journey were so accurate that they were not surpassed until the 20th century. This book recounts, through countless eyewitness accounts, letters, logs and diaries, illustrations, and maps, how Cook and his companions fared on their expeditions and the awe they felt when encountering exotic places like Hawaii and New Zealand. The British Library in London holds the world's most extensive collection of documents related to Captain Cook, which forms the basis of this beautifully illustrated volume.