Banks: A riveting account of one of the world's most famous explorers, a story of lust, science, adventure, and voyages of discovery, from the award-winning author of BANJO, SISTER VIV and HUDSON FYSH book by Grantlee Kieza
By Grantlee KiezaLust, science, adventure - Joseph Banks and his voyages of discovery Sir Joseph Banks was a man of passion whose influence spanned the globe. A fearless adventurer, his fascination with beautiful women was only trumped by his obsession with the natural world and his lust for scientific knowledge. Fabulously wealthy, Banks was the driving force behind monumental voyages and scientific discoveries in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Europe, North America, South America, Asia, Africa and the Arctic. In 1768, as a galivanting young playboy, he joined Captain James Cook's Endeavour expedition to the South Pacific. Financing his own team of scientists and artists, Banks battled high seas, hailstorms, treacherous coral reefs and hostile locals to expand the world's knowledge of life on distant shores. He returned with thousands of specimens of plants and animals, generating enormous interest in Europe, while the racy accounts of his amorous adventures in Tahiti made him one of the most famous and notorious men in England. As the longest-serving president of Britain's Royal Society, Banks was perhaps the most important man in the scientific world for more than half a century. It was Banks, one of the first Europeans to set foot on Australia's east coast, who advised Britain to establish a remote penal settlement and strategic base at Botany Bay, and he eventually became the foremost expert on everything Australian. Early governors in the colony answered to him as he set about unleashing Australia's vast potential in agriculture and minerals. For decades, major British voyages of exploration around the globe only sailed with his backing. By award-winning bestselling writer Grantlee Kieza, Banks is a rich and rollicking biography of one of the most colourful and intriguing characters in the history of exploration. Published By on 2021-07-28
Book details
- Paperback
- 592 pages
- English
- 0733340512
- 9780733340512
About Grantlee Kieza
award-winning journalist grantlee kieza oam held senior editorial positions at the daily telegraph, the sunday telegraph and the courier-mail for many year Read More about Grantlee Kieza
People who bought this also bought
Sarton Selected: An Anthology of the Journals, Novels, and Poetry of May Sarton
Used Book
During: A Couple's Intimate Experience With Breast Cancer Treatment
Used Book
Boundaries in Marriage: Understanding the Choices That Make or Break Loving Relationships book by Henry Cloud
New Book
If Only I Knew: Gentle Reminders to Help You Treasure the people in your life
Like New
Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards
New Book
3 Books in 1: Potluck/Weeknight Meals/Old-Fashioned Bake Sale Cookbook
Used Book
Singapore Business: The Portable Encyclopedia for Doing Business with Singapore
Used Book
What a Time to Be Alone: The Slumflower's Guide to Why You Are Already Enough book by Chidera Eggerue
New Book
Destiny Disrupted: A History of the World Through Islamic Eyes book by Tamim Ansary
New Book
How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: The 25 Principles of Success book by Jack Canfield
New Book
Approaching Vietnam: From World War II Through Dienbienphu, 1941-1954 book by Lloyd C. Gardner
Used Book
Our Heritage: A Brief History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Used Book
Every Woman's Battle: Discovering God's Plan for Sexual and Emotional Fulfillment book by Shannon Ethridge
New Book
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything book by Joshua Foer
New Book