In 1769, two ships set out in search of a missing continent: a French merchant ship (the St Jean-Baptiste) commanded by Jean de Surville, and a small British naval vessel (the Endeavour) commanded by James Cook. That Christmas, in New Zealand waters, the two captains were almost within sight of each other, though neither knew of the other's existence. This is the story of the rival ships and the men who sailed in them - their daily lives and thoughts, and the hardships (scurvy, storms, loneliness) and pleasures (discovery, ...
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In 1769, two ships set out in search of a missing continent: a French merchant ship (the St Jean-Baptiste) commanded by Jean de Surville, and a small British naval vessel (the Endeavour) commanded by James Cook. That Christmas, in New Zealand waters, the two captains were almost within sight of each other, though neither knew of the other's existence. This is the story of the rival ships and the men who sailed in them - their daily lives and thoughts, and the hardships (scurvy, storms, loneliness) and pleasures (discovery, trade, women) they experienced. Their voyages changed the history of Australia and New Zealand. 'A master storyteller's account of the way fantasy and rumour have driven science and exploration' - "Weekend Australian". 'Blainey's characteristic curiosity raises new questions about Cook and his reputation' - "The Age".
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