Upon my pointing a musquet at them they in some measure desisted, but return'd again in an instant seemingly determined to haul the boat up upon the Shore.

James Cook, a August 1774

1
by twice visiting the Pacific Tropical Sea, I had not only settled the situation of some old discoveries but made there manu new ones and left, I conceive, very little more to be done.

James Cook, 12 February 1775

2
I, however, have made no very great discoveries, yet I have explored more of the Great South Sea than all that have gone before me.

James Cook, 17 August 1771

3
Was it not for the pleasure which naturly results to a Man from being the first discoverer, even was it nothing more thn sands and Shoals, this service would be insuportable.

James Cook, 17 August 1770

4

Welcome to the Captain Cook Society

The Captain Cook Society has an international membership from countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. In all, we have about 500 members and they receive a free quarterly publication called Cook's Log. Each issue contains articles on many aspects of James Cook's Life and those associated with him.

Membership is open to anyone interested in Captain James Cook, whether professionally or as a hobby. Your interests might be in animals, astronomy, birds, books, botany, coins, discovery, engravings, ethnography, exploration, family history, journals, magazines, medals, navigation, ships, stamps, wills, or zoology. You'll find that Cook's Log covers all these subjects and more!

The answers to many Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can be found by clicking here.

The Society was formed in 1975 as the Captain Cook Study Unit and changed its name to the Captain Cook Society in 2001. The first officers lived in the USA and Australia. Currently, one officer lives in New Zealand, and the other three live in the UK. There is also an Australian branch with additional officers and an additional journal called Endeavour Lines. Members in Canada, Germany and New Zealand also hold meetings from time to time.

Click here to read news about our future and past meetings, including Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and UK.

Biography

These are perhaps the most notable dates in James Cook's life.

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The crew

Who were members of the crew, and what do we know about them?

The ships

Read about the ships that Cook sailed in.

Upcoming events

Ice! Exploring the Far South’ at CCMM, Whitby until 31 October 2023

Ice! Exploring the Far South is a special exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the first crossing of the...

Upon my pointing a musquet at them they in some measure desisted, but return'd again in an instant seemingly determined to haul the boat up upon the Shore.

1

by twice visiting the Pacific Tropical Sea, I had not only settled the situation of some old discoveries but made there manu new ones and left, I conceive, very little more to be done.

2

I, however, have made no very great discoveries, yet I have explored more of the Great South Sea than all that have gone before me.

3