Captain Cook’s Endeavour

This book surveys the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century, focusing on Homo sapiens. It divides human history into four major parts: the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, the Unification of Humankind, and the Scientific Revolution. Harari argues that Homo sapiens dominate the world due to their unique ability to cooperate in large numbers through beliefs in imagined realities such as gods, nations, money, and human rights. The book also examines the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem and speculates on the future of humanity, including the potential for genetic engineering and non-organic life.

This book by Peter Moore provides a detailed and comprehensive history of the Endeavour, from its construction in Whitby as the Earl of Pembroke to its various roles, including carrying James Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific, participating in the American Revolution, and eventually being scuttled. Moore explores the ship's significance in the context of the Age of Enlightenment, highlighting its impact on scientific discovery, exploration, and the broader historical landscape. The book also delves into the ship's later incarnations, such as the Lord Sandwich, and its final days as a prison ship. Moore's narrative is enriched with quotes from historical figures and detailed accounts of the ship's voyages and the people involved.

Peter Moore's 'The Weather Experiment' explores the lives of naturalists, engineers, and artists who worked to decipher the skies. It highlights figures like Robert FitzRoy, who founded the UK's national weather service, and others who contributed to the development of modern meteorology. The book captures the intersection of Romanticism and Enlightenment values that drove these pioneers to understand the atmosphere.

Damn His Blood by Peter Moore is a gripping historical account of the brutal murder of Reverend George Parker in the rural village of Oddingley on Midsummer's Day in 1806. The book provides a detailed insight into English rural life at the beginning of the nineteenth century, highlighting the societal tensions and economic pressures that contributed to the crime. It is a blend of history, thriller, and detective story, offering a vivid portrayal of a bygone era.