Farther Than Any Man: The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook

Written 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Sep 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781541483255

Martin Dugard

Martin Dugard is the New York Times bestselling author of Into Africa, The Training Ground, Last Voyage of Columbus, and The Explorers. He is also the coauthor, with political commentator Bill O’Reilly, of Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus, and Killing Patton. He lives in Southern California with his wife and three sons.

Reviews for Farther Than Any Man

[Carl L. Peacock · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Details that developed his character that no movie could convey.
Great phrasing in getting a 21st century person glimpse of 18th century life.?

[Charles Wright · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very interesting history of one of the greatest adventurers. Especially if you have an interest in the South Pacific, New Zealand and England.

[Tanya · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As I first began listening, I did not like the reader's style. I increased the speed to 1.2x which helped tremendously. The story is very captivating and I enjoyed it immensely! It is also fun to hear the author describe the places he personally visited in his research.

[Kerthin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a compelling and exhilarating journey this book was to listen to. An adventure worthy of the adventurer himself.

[Bill Yeadon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very detailed great reader. One of the better adventures books.

[Desander Más · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Outstanding and very interesting and informative. I never knew of the valiant but flawed legacy of this great explorer. Wonderful book and excellent audio version.

[Paul Bentley · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting overview of Cooks life and voyages. The author's attempt to personalize the journey detracts. Like a lot of recent historical biographies, he starts and ends talking about himself. Cook's life story is well written although you can tell when large chunks of factual information i.e. life aboard a ship in the 18th century and the cultural context of the various indigenous people sounds like it's been extracted from scholarly resources and forced into the narrative. The Narrator's voice was almost a deal breaker in the beginning... like a younger person who likes to hear themselves talk- trying to sound old and wise? I set playback speed on 1.5 and it was toletable.

[GARY S. SETTLES · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best biographies I have read. The author is rather harsh with Captain Cook in the final chapters, but perhaps that is just realistic. Cook was not only the foremost explorer of the age and a masterful Seafarer and navigator, but also he was no tyrant of the men who served with him. I feel a certain kinship with the Captain, who worked his way up from his start as a poor farmboy. So did I.

[buffalogr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Easy read. Well written, Dugard brings Cook to life in this book, even if some of the things are embellished slightly...that makes for a good read from the driest of histories. Cook was a very appealing character, until he wasn't. The author's theme of boy commoner to near Admiral in the Royal Navy beat me over the head every time. History that reads like a novel is a fun read and I'll listen to more of Dugard, I'm sure.

[mbmackay · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Captain Cook's rise from farm hand to superstar.
Read in Samoa Jan 2003

[maggie1944 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this biography while I was in Hawaii. The author definitely brings the Captain, his ships, his time and events to life. The writing was very dramatic and the author may have taken some liberties with historical accuracy to give the book color and drama. I am sure the major points are accurate but I doubt he has sources to verify some of his more colorful conversations and events told.

[dichosa_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Easy read. Well written, Dugard brings Cook to life in this book. It was hard to put down. It was disappointing to see no notes or bibliography in the book. I wonder why there is a total absence of references.