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Primary sourceBook

The Third Voyage of James Cook, Volume 3

James King

A LibriVox audio reading of James King's eyewitness account of Cook's final voyage, including his death in Hawaii.

Describes Cook's final voyage and death, written by an officer who served under him.

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James King, The Third Voyage of James Cook, Volume 3. LibriVox volunteer audio reading, read by David Cole.

About this source

What it is

This is a modern volunteer audio recording from LibriVox of a text written by James King, an officer who sailed with Cook on his third voyage. The original narrative describes events of that voyage, including Cook's return to Hawaii.

Why it matters

King completed the official account of the third voyage after Cook's death, making it one of the earliest detailed records of what happened on that journey. It shows how Cook's own crew documented his final expedition and the places he visited.

Look closer

  • Why might an officer who was there be trusted more than someone writing later?
  • What details does King include about the places and people Cook encountered?
  • Remember this audio is a recent reading, not King's own voice — how does that change how we 'hear' history?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of James Cook on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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