The meeting featured a presentation by Hampton Sides, whose latest book is called The Wide Wide Sea.1 Hampton discussed his research and writing process for the book about Captain Cook’s Third Voyage. Rather than having the usual lecture format, James Barnett interviewed Hampton, as well as taking questions from the audience. The discus¬sion covered Cook’s legacy, his interactions with indigenous peoples, and the changing perceptions of his historical significance. Hampton shared insights about his writing approach, and the challenges of balancing different historical perspectives, particu¬larly regarding Cook’s role in European exploration and colonization. The meeting included questions from members about Cook’s personality changes during his final voyage, his relationship with Omai, and the impact of his book in different countries. The session concluded with a discussion about what might have happened if Cook had survived his final encounter in Hawai`i.
Hampton explained that while Cook is well-known in England, Australia, and New Zealand, his name is less familiar in the United States. Hampton said that his book focuses on Cook’s Third Voyage with its significant American connections, and highlighted Cook’s contributions as an explorer and mapmaker. He acknowledged the controversy surrounding Cook’s legacy, particularly regarding his role in European colonization, but defended Cook’s intentions as primarily exploratory. Hampton also mentioned that his book has been optioned for a movie, though the project’s outcome remains uncertain.
Hampton discussed the limited awareness of Captain Cook’s extensive explorations in North America and the Arctic, noting that his charting of Alaska’s coast and his near-discovery of Antarctica are less well-known compared to his voyages in the South Pacific. Hampton said that his book aimed to present a nuanced view of Cook, acknowledging both his achievements and the negative impacts of his explorations, such as the introduction of diseases. Hampton expressed hope that his work has increased understanding of Cook’s complex legacy, particu¬larly among Indigenous communities. He spoke of an upcoming talk with a native Hawaiian to further explore local perspectives. He also highlighted the influence of Tony Horwitz’s Blue Latitudes2 and Barry Lopez’s Horizon3 on his own work.