The voyages of Captain Cook are endlessly fascinating to a wide audience, and no aspect of them has been more controversial than Cook's death. This book contains introductory essays that discuss Samwell's contribution to our understanding of the dramatic period in Pacific and maritime history, and examines the personality and career of Samwell.

"The work of Martin Fitzpatrick and Nicholas Thomas is widely respected in the academic community. Both are distinguished senior scholars, and both have produced work of the highest quality. Readers familiar with their previous publications will not be disappointed with The Death of Captain Cook." Dr Andrew Hassam, Director of Australian Studies Program, National Centre for Australian Studies, Australia'The Death of Captain Cook and other Writings by David Samwell is a wonderful addition to the scholarship on James Cook's voyages. This book is a marvelous compilation of scholarly reflections and original materials relating to David Samwell, and the product of a rewarding collaboration between the authors. I commend it warmly to all those interested in Captain Cook, his shipmates, and their adventures in the Pacific.'Anne Salmond, Journal of Pacific History

Prof. Nicholas Thomas is Head of the Anthropology Dept. at Goldsmith University, London, and previously Director of the Centre for Cross-Cultural Research (Australia). Dr. Martin Fitzpatrick is former Senior Lecturer in History and Welsh History, University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and has published widely on eighteenth century literature. Jenny Newell is Assistant Curator of the Pacific and Australian Collection, Dept. of Ethnography, British Museum and has contributed to a number of publications on eighteenth century travel/exploration.