Description
Book Synopsis: The Pacific of the early eighteenth century was not a single ocean but a vast and varied waterscape, a place of baffling complexity, with 25,000 islands and seemingly endless continental shorelines. But with the voyages of Captain James Cook, global attention turned to the Pacific, and European and American dreams of scientific exploration, trade, and empire grew dramatically. By the time of the California gold rush, the Pacific's many shores were fully integrated into world markets-and world consciousness.
The Great Ocean draws on hundreds of documented voyages--some painstakingly recorded by participants, some only known by archeological remains or indigenous memory--as a window into the commercial, cultural, and ecological upheavals following Cook's exploits, focusing in particular on the eastern Pacific in the decades between the 1770s and the 1840s. Beginning with the expansion of trade as seen via the travels of William Shaler, captain of the American Brig Lelia Byrd, historian David Igler uncovers a world where voyagers, traders, hunters, and native peoples met one another in episodes often marked by violence and tragedy. Igler describes how indigenous communities struggled against introduced diseases that cut through the heart of their communities; how the ordeal of Russian Timofei Tarakanov typified the common practice of taking hostages and prisoners; how Mary Brewster witnessed first-hand the bloody "great hunt" that decimated otters, seals, and whales; how Adelbert von Chamisso scoured the region, carefully compiling his notes on natural history; and how James Dwight Dana rivaled Charles Darwin in his pursuit of knowledge on a global scale.
These stories--and the historical themes that tie them together--offer a fresh perspective on the oceanic worlds of the eastern Pacific. Ambitious and broadly conceived, The Great Ocean is the first book to weave together American, oceanic, and world history in a path-breaking portrait of the Pacific world.
Details
If you are fascinated by the mysteries of the Pacific, then "The Great Ocean: Pacific Worlds from Captain Cook to the Gold Rush" is the book for you. With its detailed accounts of 18th and 19th-century voyages, this captivating book takes you on a journey through the vast and diverse waterscape of the Pacific. Discover the trade, exploration, and empire-building dreams that unfolded as Captain James Cook's expeditions brought global attention to this incredible region.
In "The Great Ocean," historian David Igler delves into the documented voyages of brave explorers, traders, and hunters, shedding light on the commercial, cultural, and ecological upheavals that occurred as the Pacific became fully integrated into world markets. This book focuses on the eastern Pacific, from the 1770s to the 1840s, uncovering stories of encounters between different communities, sometimes marked by violence and tragedy.
As you immerse yourself in this gripping narrative, you'll witness the struggles of indigenous communities against introduced diseases and the devastating impact of the "great hunt" that decimated the region's wildlife. You'll also follow the footsteps of naturalists like Adelbert von Chamisso and James Dwight Dana, who meticulously documented the flora and fauna of this vast oceanic realm.
By weaving together American, oceanic, and world history, "The Great Ocean" offers you a fresh and unique perspective on the captivating and complex world of the eastern Pacific. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the vastness of the Pacific and the historical events that shaped it.
Embark on an enthralling journey through the Pacific and uncover the secrets it holds. Experience the awe-inspiring adventures of explorers, witness the clash of cultures, and delve into the ecological changes brought forth by trade and exploration. Order your copy of "The Great Ocean: Pacific Worlds from Captain Cook to the Gold Rush" today and dive into this groundbreaking portrait of the Pacific world.
Click here to order "The Great Ocean: Pacific Worlds from Captain Cook to the Gold Rush" now!
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