Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before

by Tony Horwitz | Travel |
ISBN: 0805065415 Global Overview for this book
Registered by wingGoryDetailswing of Nashua, New Hampshire USA on 9/15/2014
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1 journaler for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by wingGoryDetailswing from Nashua, New Hampshire USA on Monday, September 15, 2014
I found this fair-condition hardcover at the local Salvation Army thrift shop; I'd read the book some time back, and nabbed this for another release copy.

It opens in a wonderfully "gory details" manner, with the presentation of a hunk of human flesh to Cook's crew by a Hawaiian holy man. Additional remains were delivered soon afterwards, and a scar on one of the hands confirmed that it was Cook's. ("C.S.I. Hawaii, 1779"?)

Farther on, the author compares the adventures of James Cook to the storyline of "Star Trek" - "where no man has gone before"...

I loved the episode where the author got to make a short cruise on a replice of Cook's ship; while I doubt I'd have lasted very long on a real sea voyage on an old-style sailing ship, I'd love the chance to spend a few days climbing the rigging and whatnot. [It's not nearly as charming when you're becalmed and running out of water, of course.]

It was interesting to contrast the modern-day travels of the author with the excerpts from Cook's journals. Some of the stops included local re-enactments of historical scenes, with some interesting differences in viewpoint about the "discovery" of their particular part of the world by Cook & co.

I was especially interested in the sections of the voyage through the Bering Strait and off the coast of Antarctica; I always associate Cook with tropical islands, but his travels took him to the Arctic and Antarctic regions as well.

Overall, an enjoyable and fascinating look at a truly remarkable historical figure. And with a charming personal touch, as when the author mentions recounting Cook's adventures to his five-year-old son at bedtime - the death-and-dismemberment scene is the kid's favorite; clearly a child after my own heart!

Journal Entry 2 by wingGoryDetailswing at Holiday Inn, 9 Northeastern Blvd in Nashua, New Hampshire USA on Monday, September 15, 2014

Released 9 yrs ago (9/15/2014 UTC) at Holiday Inn, 9 Northeastern Blvd in Nashua, New Hampshire USA

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I plan to leave this book in the lounge at around 6; hope the finder enjoys it!

*** Released for the 2014 You're Such an Animal release challenge, for the embedded "tit" in the title. ***

*** Released for the 2014 Travel release challenge. ***

*** Released for the 2014 September Sapphire release challenge. ***

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