The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses colonial violence and imperialist attitudes.

The Wide Wide Sea is set during the height of the 18th-century Age of Exploration, a period characterized by intense maritime activity, scientific inquiry, and imperial ambition. This era saw European powers, particularly Britain, Spain, and France, competing to reach new lands, establish trade routes, and expand their empires. Captain James Cook’s voyages epitomize this period, as they were driven by both scientific curiosity and the strategic interests of the British Empire.

Cook’s expeditions were part of a broader geopolitical context in which European nations sought to outmaneuver each other by claiming uncharted territories and accessing new resources. The quest for the Northwest Passage, a sea lane between the Atlantic and the Pacific through the Arctic Archipelago of Canada, is a central topic in the text. This quest was motivated by the desire to find a shorter route to Asia, thereby enhancing trade and exerting geopolitical influence. This search was emblematic of the larger imperial competition that defined the era, as nations vied for dominance on the global stage.

In addition to imperial ambitions, the 18th century was marked by significant advancements in science and