James Cook - Clint Twist

Focusing on James Cook, this book is part of a series which looks at explorers whose discoveries helped to change the world, and which together chart 1000 years of seafaring, exploration and discovery. Each book describes the background to these amazing journeys, focusing on the economic pressures and technological advances which combined to make them possible. The books also examine the native societies that the explorers encountered, and assess the long-term impact of their discoveries at home and abroad.;Tracing Cook's rise from Yorkshire grocery boy to explorer and navigator, this book shows how he was instrumental in improving the science of exploration. It looks at the many innovations that he made during his journeys, including the use of microscopes and thermometers, feeding his crew with vitamin C and taking collier ships half-way across the world. The book also studies the peoples that Cook encountered, how they were treated and what effect westernization still has on them today.;The horizon boxes at the end of some chapters list people, places and events which readers can research to find out more about the period.