CookJames Cook (1728-1779) was a British explorer, navigator, and cartographer. When he was a young man, Cook joined the British Royal Navy as a merchant. He stayed in the navy and worked his way up the ranks until he became a captain. As a captan, Cook led many ground-breaking explorations. He recorded and mapped islands and coastlines that were not previously charted, creating detailed and innovative maps. Because of his incredible cartography and adventurous journeys, Cook left a legacy of invaluable scientific and geographical knowledge. Read More Read Less