In Western myths, the Pacific is seen as a paradise of gentle trade winds, idyllic lagoons, and waving palms, captivating escapists and adventurers alike. Before James Cook's explorations, Europeans believed in a great southern continent filled with riches. While the South Pacific islands can be enchanting, they also present challenges, as early mariners discovered in the sixteenth century. The Pacific is home to fierce tropical cyclones, treacherous reefs, and exhausting distances. This work by maritime artist and historian Gordon Miller pays tribute to the small ships that first navigated these vast waters and the courageous sailors who manned them. It offers a selective narrative of the Pacific Ocean's exploration, exploitation, and occupation, primarily through the lens of wooden sailing vessels powered by wind and human effort. These maritime pioneers connected North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the many islands of the Pacific. Spanning the last four centuries of sail, this complex tale is vividly illustrated by Miller's meticulously researched text and exquisite maritime paintings.
