Farther Than Any Man

The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Jack Chekijian

In the annals of seafaring and exploration, there is one name that immediately evokes visions of the open ocean, billowing sails, visiting strange, exotic lands previously uncharted, and civilizations never before encountered - Captain James Cook.

This is the true story of a legendary man and explorer. Noted modern-day adventurer Martin Dugard, using James Cook's personal journals, strips away the myths surrounding Cook's life and portrays his tremendous ambition, intellect, and sheer hardheadedness to rise through the ranks of the Royal Navy - and by his courageous exploits become one of the most enduring figures in naval history.

Full of realistic action, lush descriptions of places and events, and fascinating historical characters such as King George III and the soon-to-be-notorious Master William Bligh, Dugard's gripping account of the life and death of Captain James Cook is a thrilling story of a discoverer hell-bent on going farther than any man.

©2001 Martin Dugard (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A thoroughly readable biography of the famed sea captain and explorer.... [General readers are] likely to enjoy Dugard's well-made narrative, and to come away sharing his abundant admiration for the admirable - and ultimately unfortunate - Cook." ( Kirkus)

Interesting Story

I chose this book because a dear friend considered Captain James Cook to be a great explorer.
Narrator good but could have been a bit more animated.

Amazing Book

Jack Chekijian is fantastic narrator - I enjoyed this as much as Martin Dugard's other book 'into Africa'. These are the kinds of books that get you hooked on history!

Told the true story better that a school teacher

When people take on the challenge and leave the family behind three times. He was the right man for the job as he cut his teeth as a cartographer in Canada. That is what Britain needed in exploration. Written very well and very entertaining read for those who enjoy history. I have read three Dugard books (Into Africa, Training Ground) as I have never been disappointed.

Great book!

If you like adventure tales then this a book for you! Details all of Cook’s life and his travel and with vest little fluff that other adventure books like to pad with.

Very Enjoyable

History lovers will probably appreciate this telling of Cook’s life, the good, bad, and ugly. Very much enjoyed this biography. Narrator was a bit one-toned, but that didn’t ruin the book for me. The facts alone kept me engaged in the story.

Author fills the pages with his own perspectives

Cook's life and adventures are truly amazing, so I wish the author would tell the story and emphasize what actually happened; instead he fills the pages with commentary, imagining what he thinks Cook might be thinking. Although much of the story is very interesting, the last few chapters are light on events and heavy on the author forcing his interpretation of Cook. The author becomes condescending and presumptuous regarding Cook's motivations and behavior. Poor historical writing, but brilliant historical story.

Great book! Boring reader.

Great book! Reads like fiction. I’ve always hoped a movie would be made from it.

Boring reader.

Tougher than any man

Great historical documentation of Post Captain James Cook. What drives a man to lead such a courageous life?

Great story but not narration not so much

Very interesting & informative. Not sure what narrator was going for but in my opinion could have been better.

Great writing, not as good performance

Martin Dugard has written a very compelling story covering an extensive period of time and locations all across the globe. The reader, unfortunately, was rather poor. Monotone, and some mispronounced land masses took away from the book. It is still worth the read because of the overall quality of Dugard's research.