The Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides

Setting Sail on a Journey of Discovery and Dilemma

In the vast expanse of human history, few endeavors have captured our collective imagination quite like the Age of Exploration. It’s a period that conjures images of intrepid adventurers braving uncharted waters, unfurling maps of newfound lands, and bridging worlds previously unknown to each other. At the heart of this era stands the towering figure of Captain James Cook, whose voyages redefined our understanding of the globe. In “The Wide Wide Sea,” Hampton Sides embarks on a literary journey to unravel the complexities of Cook’s final expedition—a voyage that would ultimately lead to the explorer’s demise on a Hawaiian beach.

Sides, a master of narrative non-fiction, sets out to do more than simply recount the events of Cook’s third voyage. He aims to navigate the treacherous waters of legacy, colonialism, and cultural collision. The result is a book that is as much an adventure story as it is a thoughtful examination of the consequences of exploration.

Charting a Course Through History

“The Wide Wide Sea” opens with Cook’s departure from England in 1776, a year that would prove pivotal in world history. As the American colonies declared their independence, Cook set sail on a mission that would take him to the far reaches of the Pacific. Sides skillfully weaves together the threads of global events, creating a tapestry that provides rich context for Cook’s journey.

The narrative follows Cook and his crew as they make their way across the vast Pacific, encountering various island cultures and facing the harsh realities of 18th-century sea travel. Sides’ prose is vivid and engaging, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of life aboard the HMS Resolution. You can almost feel the salt spray on your face and hear the creaking of the ship’s timbers as Sides describes the voyage.

A Captain’s Descent

One of the book’s strengths lies in its portrayal of Cook himself. Sides presents a nuanced picture of the famed explorer, showing both his brilliance as a navigator and his growing instability as the voyage progresses. We see Cook’s initial efforts to treat indigenous peoples with respect, but also witness his descent into erratic behavior and harsh discipline.

Sides doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of Cook’s character, exploring the captain’s increasing reliance on violence and his sometimes exploitative treatment of native populations. This unflinching examination adds depth to the narrative and raises important questions about the nature of exploration and its impact on both the explorers and the explored.

The Complexities of Contact

Perhaps the most thought-provoking aspect of “The Wide Wide Sea” is its exploration of first contact between Europeans and Pacific Islanders. Sides delves into the cultural misunderstandings and assumptions that characterized these encounters, offering a balanced view that considers both European and indigenous perspectives.

The author’s treatment of the Hawaiian episode is particularly compelling. He presents various theories about why the Hawaiians initially welcomed Cook as a god, and explores the tragic series of events that led to the explorer’s death. Sides’ analysis is nuanced, avoiding simplistic explanations and instead grappling with the complex interplay of cultural beliefs, political maneuvering, and human nature.

Navigational Strengths and Shortcomings

Sides’ writing shines brightest when he’s describing the physical and emotional challenges of the voyage. His depictions of the crew’s battles against scurvy, the harsh Arctic conditions, and the constant threat of shipwreck are gripping. The author has a knack for making historical figures feel alive on the page, from the brilliant but troubled Cook to the young midshipmen dreaming of adventure.

However, at times the narrative can feel a bit meandering, much like Cook’s own circuitous route around the Pacific. Some readers might find themselves wishing for a more streamlined account of the voyage. Additionally, while Sides does an admirable job of incorporating indigenous perspectives, there are moments where the narrative still feels predominantly Euro-centric.

A Sea of Historical Context

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the way Sides contextualizes Cook’s voyage within the broader sweep of history. He draws connections between Cook’s expedition and the American Revolution, the expansion of the British Empire, and the Enlightenment’s scientific pursuits. This broader view helps readers understand the significance of Cook’s journey beyond mere geographical discovery.

Sides also does an excellent job of explaining the navigational and scientific aspects of the voyage without getting bogged down in technical details. His descriptions of how Cook and his crew used the latest technology to chart their course and make astronomical observations are clear and engaging, even for readers without a background in these areas.

Riding the Waves of Controversy

“The Wide Wide Sea” doesn’t shy away from the controversial aspects of Cook’s legacy. Sides addresses head-on the devastating impact that European contact had on many Pacific Island cultures, from the spread of disease to the disruption of traditional ways of life. He also explores the ongoing debates about how Cook should be remembered, particularly in places like Australia and Hawaii.

While Sides doesn’t offer easy answers to these complex questions, he provides readers with the historical context and multiple perspectives needed to form their own opinions. This approach makes the book feel balanced and thought-provoking rather than preachy or judgmental.

A Few Rough Seas

Despite its many strengths, “The Wide Wide Sea” isn’t without its flaws. At times, the pacing can feel a bit uneven, with some sections of the voyage receiving more attention than others. Additionally, while Sides’ prose is generally engaging, there are occasional passages that feel overwrought or repetitive.

Some readers might also wish for more in-depth exploration of the long-term consequences of Cook’s voyages. While Sides touches on these issues, particularly in the epilogue, there’s room for a more extensive examination of how Cook’s expeditions shaped the future of the Pacific and global colonialism.

Docking at the Final Port

In spite of these minor quibbles, “The Wide Wide Sea” is a compelling and insightful exploration of one of history’s most famous voyages. Sides has crafted a narrative that is at once a thrilling adventure story and a thoughtful examination of the complexities of exploration and cultural contact.

The book succeeds in presenting Cook as a fully realized human being, with all his strengths, flaws, and contradictions. It also offers a nuanced look at the indigenous peoples Cook encountered, avoiding the pitfalls of either noble savage romanticism or cultural condescension.

Navigating the Legacy

Perhaps the greatest achievement of “The Wide Wide Sea” is the way it encourages readers to grapple with the ambiguous legacy of exploration. Sides doesn’t offer easy answers, but instead invites us to consider the costs and benefits of humanity’s drive to chart the unknown.

In an age when we’re still reckoning with the long-term impacts of colonialism and grappling with issues of cultural appropriation and respect, “The Wide Wide Sea” feels particularly relevant. It’s a reminder that history is rarely black and white, and that even our greatest achievements can come with profound and lasting consequences.

Final Bearings

“The Wide Wide Sea” is a worthy addition to Hampton Sides’ impressive body of work, which includes bestsellers like “Ghost Soldiers” and “In the Kingdom of Ice.” Fans of Sides’ previous books will find the same meticulous research and engaging storytelling here, applied to a subject that feels both timeless and timely.

For readers new to Sides’ work, “The Wide Wide Sea” serves as an excellent introduction to his style of narrative non-fiction. It’s a book that will appeal to history buffs, adventure lovers, and anyone interested in the complex interactions between cultures.

While not without its flaws, “The Wide Wide Sea” is a thought-provoking and engrossing read that deserves a place on any history lover’s bookshelf. It’s a testament to the enduring fascination of the Age of Exploration and a nuanced examination of one of its most iconic figures.

“The Wide Wide Sea” is a captivating exploration of Captain Cook’s final voyage, offering both high-seas adventure and thoughtful analysis. Hampton Sides’ engaging prose and meticulous research bring the 18th-century Pacific to life, while grappling with the complex legacy of exploration. Despite occasional pacing issues and a somewhat Eurocentric perspective, the book provides a nuanced and thought-provoking look at a pivotal moment in world history. A must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the complexities of cultural contact.

A Barack Obama 2024 Summer Reading List Pick

It’s worth noting that “The Wide Wide Sea” has been selected as part of Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Reading List. This recognition speaks to the book’s ability to engage with important historical and cultural issues while providing an entertaining read. Obama’s selection adds an extra layer of credibility to Sides’ work and is likely to introduce it to a wider audience.

In conclusion, “The Wide Wide Sea” is a voyage worth taking, offering readers a chance to explore not just the vast expanses of the Pacific, but the even vaster complexities of human nature and cultural interaction. It’s a reminder that the greatest journeys are often those that challenge our assumptions and expand our understanding of the world and ourselves.