Historical dictionary of the discovery and exploration of the Pacific islands

"Historical Dictionary of the Discovery and Exploration of the Pacific Islands presents the familiar names of Laperouse, Bougainville, Cook, and Dampier, as well as intriguing stories of The Bounty mutiny, scurvy, and the mysterious Northwest Passage, Terra Australis Ignotia, and Davis Land. Also included are entries on first contacts, ships, navigational instruments, mapping, and botany. The scene is carefully set in the introduction, the chronology spans several centuries, and the extensive bibliography offers a guide to further reading. This book is more than just dry facts; it has a whiff of salt air, the clash of empires, cross-cultural beach encounters, and personal adventure."--BOOK JACKET.