Captain James Cook's pioneering journeys across the Pacific in the eighteenth century changed the course of science. They also provided us with a superb visual record of this period of exploration.

The four spears were taken by Captain Cook's crew during their first contact with Australia in 1770. Captain Cook Square is being redeveloped into a leisure destination to attract new businesses.

Series editor John Farren writes: In the late 18th century Captain James Cook led three great voyages of discovery which would push the borders of the British Empire to the ends of the earth.