The Rest Is History

380. Captain Cook: History’s Greatest Explorer (Part 1)

Oct 22, 2023

James Cook, the greatest sea explorer of all time, and Joseph Banks, part of history's first ever scientific research team, discuss Cook's three epic voyages to the Pacific, encountering a new continent and embodying the tensions of the Enlightenment. They also touch on the controversy and criticism surrounding Cook's exploration.

52:11

Episode guests

James Cook

Joseph Banks

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Quick takeaways

Captain James Cook led three epic voyages to the Pacific as part of history's first scientific research team.

The expedition marked the first contact between Europeans and the Fuegians, sparking curiosity and fascination in both Cook and Banks.

Cook and Banks developed a greater appreciation for the indigenous peoples they encountered, moving beyond initial stereotypes and preconceptions.

Deep dives

The Voyage Begins: Cook and Banks Set Sail

Captain James Cook and Joseph Banks embark on the Endeavour, a scientific expedition to observe the transit of Venus in the South Pacific. The ship is packed with equipment, scientific assistants, and a vast crew of sailors from various backgrounds. They stop at Madeira and Rio de Janeiro, facing suspicion from the Portuguese. They cross the equator, participating in the tradition of dunking sailors who haven't crossed before. The crew reaches Tierra del Fuego, where they encounter the Fuegians, an indigenous people they believe to be giants. Banks collects plants, while Cook remains focused on the expedition's goals.

The Inner life and Yorkshire spirit of James Cook

00:43

Captain Cook: An Emblematic Figure of the Enlightenment

00:52

Captain Cook's Scientific Research Expedition is Filled with Challenges and Extravagance

01:21

Introduction

2min

Captain Cook: A Controversial Figure of Colonialism

8min

Captain Cook's Early Life and Controversies

14min

Observing the Transit of Venus

2min

Captain Cook and the Endeavour

15min

Captain Cook's Journey: Madeira to Rio

5min

Captain Cook's Open-Mindedness and Journey Ahead

2min

The greatest sea explorer of all time, James Cook was born to a humble Yorkshire family, and first stood out for his talents as a cartographer for the Royal Navy in Newfoundland. He would go on to lead three epic voyages to the Pacific during the 18th century, as part of history’s first ever scientific research team, accompanied by Joseph Banks, two cats, a dog and a goat. First sent to track the transit of Venus, he would go on to encounter a new continent, Terra Australis… Join Tom and Dominic in the first part of our series on Captain Cook, as they explore the life of a man who embodied the tensions and complexity of the Enlightenment, and its relationship with the wider world.

*The Rest Is History Live Tour 2023*:

Tom and Dominic are back on tour this autumn! See them live in London, New Zealand, and Australia!

Buy your tickets here: restishistorypod.com

Twitter:

@TheRestHistory

@holland_tom

@dcsandbrook

Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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The Rest Is History

380. Captain Cook: History’s Greatest Explorer (Part 1)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Voyage Begins: Cook and Banks Set Sail

Cook and Banks in Tierra del Fuego

The Journey Continues: Heading into the Pacific

Challenges and Discoveries Along the Way

Evolution of Perspectives: Cook and Banks

The Inner life and Yorkshire spirit of James Cook

Captain Cook: An Emblematic Figure of the Enlightenment

Captain Cook's Scientific Research Expedition is Filled with Challenges and Extravagance

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
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highlights

Save any
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The Rest Is History

380. Captain Cook: History’s Greatest Explorer (Part 1)

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Voyage Begins: Cook and Banks Set Sail

Cook and Banks in Tierra del Fuego

The Journey Continues: Heading into the Pacific

Challenges and Discoveries Along the Way

Evolution of Perspectives: Cook and Banks

The Inner life and Yorkshire spirit of James Cook

Captain Cook: An Emblematic Figure of the Enlightenment

Captain Cook's Scientific Research Expedition is Filled with Challenges and Extravagance

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