The Three Voyages of Captain Cook

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Documentaries

Factual: Life Stories

Factual: History

Dr Nigel Rigby explores the voyages of the famous explorer.

The Three Voyages of Captain Cook: This Melancholy Affair

This Melancholy Affair

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Three Voyages of Captain Cook, This Melancholy Affair

Cook's third great voyage was to the South Pacific, to find the fabled North West Passage.

Dr Nigel Rigby on Cook's third great voyage, to find the fabled North West Passage between America and Asia. From 2002.

After the astounding success of his first two voyages, few imagined that Captain James Cook would go to sea again. 

In the last of three programmes, Dr Nigel Rigby of the National Maritime Museum, learns that Cook, already 48, wanted to find the fabled North West Passage between America and Asia, probably motivated by the prize of £20,000.

He died in the attempt, killed on Hawaii in 1779.

Reader: Bill Wallis

Music composed and performed by John Metcalfe.

Producer: Mark Smalley 

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2002.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Three Voyages of Captain Cook

This Melancholy Affair

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra