Farther Than Any Man

The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook

By: Martin Dugard

Narrated by: Jack Chekijian

Length: 11 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

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.

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!

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.

the age of sail at its finest

Cook was an exceptional mariner. Wished there was more detail for careening a wooden ship

History that reads like a novel

What a story! The author did a superb job in connecting the author to history. Entertaining and educational. Well done.

Spell binding. I couldn't put it down!!!!

Spell binding. I couldn't put it down. The writing put me right there with every word.

Great Story/Distracting Narration

I almost didn't listen to it as the narrator was so slow and deliberate in his presentation it was distracting. By speeding it up to 1.6x it became bearable. The story and writing were incredible. it gives the reader an idea for what it would be like aboard a vessel at that time. Would readily recommend it!

Great Explorer

I really enjoyed the life story of Captain Cook. The naration took some getting used to but wasn't too bad after a while. Cook started his exploring career as a savvy navigator but becsme somewhat careless and arrogant in his later years. He is still one of the greatest explorers of all time and we should be grateful for bold, adventurous men like him.