# The Life and Voyages of Captain James Cook/Preface

PREFACE.
The Life of Captain Cook, by Dr. Kippis, was published in 1788, four years after the appearance of his last Voyage to the Pacific; and although several biographical sketches have since been produced, no other respectable Life of Cook has issued from the press. During the 48 years that have intervened, materials for an improved history of the great navigator have been accumulating. Much light has been thrown on his discoveries, by the labours of succeeding voyagers, and the progress of events; important effects have resulted from his voyages; and not a few particulars of his history, unknown to Dr. Kippis, have transpired. A new Life of Cook, embodying the substance of this additional information with what is already published, has therefore been long required.
A work of this description has for some years been contemplated by the author, whose attention was drawn to the subject, by an early predilection for this renowned mariner, and the pleasure experienced in preparing a sketch of his life, for the biographical department of the History of Whitby and its Vicinity; but especially by the enjoyment of facilities for obtaining an intimate acquaintance with his history, during a residence of thirty years near the spot where he was born, and amidst the scenes where he passed his childhood and youth. Several original anecdotes, unpublished letters, and other valuable materials for history, have been procured, through intercourse with his relations, friends, and acquaintance, including one or two surviving school companions.
​As the most interesting portion of the life of Cook was spent in his three successive voyages of discovery, it is chiefly from the published narratives of these voyages that his biographer must draw materials. At the same time, the author has availed himself of those illustrations of his character and discoveries, which have been furnished by cotemporary publications, and the journals of succeeding navigators; as well as by the writings of Missionaries, and others, who have resided for years in the countries which he discovered. A much more extensive use of such helps was at one time intended, and the value of the present work might have been greatly enhanced, by introducing more copious illustrations from Forster, Vancouver, Turnbull, Ellis, Beechey, and others. But the Voyages of Cook himself comprise so much interesting matter, that such additions could not have been made, without condensing that matter too closely, or extending the work beyond its proposed limits.
The abridged view of Cook's voyages and discoveries here given, is not copied from Kippis, but drawn up from the original narratives, with the assistance derived from other sources referred to. This volume is, therefore, not a mere abridgment, or compilation; but an original work, the result of much labour, and patient investigation. In a composition of this nature, great care is necessary, to exhibit a fair, perspicuous, and interesting view of successive transactions and events; with a judicious selection of details and illustrations, and an accurate statement of dates, localities, and other particulars: and, notwithstanding the pains bestowed on this work, the intelligent reader may ​detect various blemishes. In a field so extensive, and amidst objects so multitudinous, it is difficult to give every thing its proper place, and its proportionate share of attention. A prominent position may have been assigned to inferior topics, while others more worthy of notice are placed in the back ground; and matters comparatively trivial are perhaps amply set forth, while subjects of greater moment are unreasonably compressed, or altogether thrust out. The author has not, in every instance, preserved as he intended, a uniformity in the spelling of S. Sea names and words. Inaccuracies of this kind are, however, excusable, as the names are spelled differently in the different voyages; and, having then no written language as a guide, each navigator adopted an orthography of his own. Thus, the name Tamehameha is written by Samwell, Ka-mea-mea; by Vancouver, Tamaahmaah; by Turnbull, Tamahama; while, in Cook's last voyage, it is Maiha-maiha: and hence, Capt. Beechey, not adverting to this, erroneously states, that this chief "is not mentioned in the official account of Cook's voyage."
Yet, whatever faults may be discerned by a critical eye, in this account of the life and voyages of Cook, the author flatters himself, that it will be found both ample and interesting. Care has been taken, to preserve as nearly as possible in all their freshness, those graphic delineations of nature and of man, which abound in the original narratives; and to give a becoming prominence to those passages which best display the grand features of our navigator's character, and to those also which convey the most important moral lessons. In this way, it is hoped, the work is calculated to profit, ​as well as to please: for, while the surprising adventures and singular discoveries of our hero, can scarcely fail to give delight; the exhibitions of his conduct, and the occurrences of his life, are fraught with valuable instructions, which it is the duty of his historian to point out. It would have been gratifying, to have dwelt longer on the happy results of his voyages, in the extension of commerce, science, civilization, and religion; but it was necessary to confine the book within certain bounds, to adapt it for general circulation; especially among seamen, for whose use it is peculiarly designed. With this view, it does not come forth in the shape of a bulky tome, but assumes the form of a neat pocket volume, to be a suitable companion in voyages and travels.
In conclusion, the author would express his gratitude to his respected friends, who have liberally patronized and promoted this undertaking. In every quarter where he has had occasion to apply for information or assistance, he has received the most polite attentions: and as his obligations are too numerous to be acknowledged in detail, he entreats his correspondents and friends, who have furnished him with books, extracts, letters, registers, inscriptions, and oral information, to accept this general acknowledgment of their esteemed services. May the work which they have so kindly encouraged, afford them all the entertainment which they have expected; and may it prove an incitement to virtue and piety, to benevolence and temperance, to bold enterprise and patient continuance in well doing; to every thing, in short, that constitutes genuine goodness, and true greatness!