Peter Moore, author of "Endeavour," joins to shed light on the remarkable history of the ship that transformed exploration. He discusses Alexander Dalrymple's ambitious quest for a southern continent and how The Endeavour became key during the Enlightenment. They explore her evolution from a coal hauler to a vital exploratory vessel for the transit of Venus. Additionally, they celebrate the adventurous spirit of Joseph Banks and delve into the intricate social dynamics among ship crews and the significant maritime legacy of Whitby.
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Endeavour's Multiple Identities
Peter Moore's book Endeavour was inspired by a single line about the ship's origins as a coal vessel.
This sparked his curiosity about the ship's transformation and its three distinct historical identities.
insights INSIGHT
The Importance of Oak
The type of oak used to build the Endeavour mattered significantly.
If the wood had been flawed, the ship might have broken apart when it hit the Great Barrier Reef, altering history.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Acorn Search
During Brexit, Peter Moore searched for the specific acorns that might have grown into the Endeavour's timbers.
He couldn't be certain due to a lack of records, but he aimed to explore this aspect of the ship's history.
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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[1][3][4].
A History of the World in 100 Objects
A History of the World in 100 Objects
George Orwell
Neil MacGregor's "A History of the World in 100 Objects" is a captivating exploration of human history through the lens of 100 carefully selected objects. Each object serves as a portal to a specific moment in time, revealing the cultural, social, and technological forces that shaped our world. The book delves into the stories behind these artifacts, from ancient tools to modern technology, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the human journey. MacGregor's engaging narrative style makes complex historical events accessible to a wide audience, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared past. The book's success lies in its ability to connect seemingly disparate objects to broader historical narratives, creating a cohesive and compelling account of human civilization.
Chasing Venus
Andrea Wulf
Chasing Venus tells the story of the international scientific endeavor to observe the transit of Venus in the 18th century. This rare celestial event allowed astronomers to calculate the distance between Earth and the Sun, marking a pivotal moment in scientific history. The book vividly portrays the challenges faced by astronomers from various countries, including Britain, France, and Russia, as they navigated political strife, harsh weather conditions, and personal hardships to achieve their goal.
In the 1760’s a clever, young, ambitious Scotsman named Alexander Dalrymple began advocating a theory as to the existence of a great southern continent. The idea of a landmass that would counterbalance the known world had long been the stuff of legend. Now Dalrymple wanted to prove it. Momentum built behind his expedition which was a product of the evidence-based scientific approach of the Enlightenment. Soon they had a ship, a Whitby-based collier called The Endeavour. A ship that would go on to change the course of world history. Listen as William and Anita are joined by Peter Moore to discuss The Endeavour.
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