James Сook (1728 — 1779) was an explorer, navigator, cartographer, discoverer. He committed two trips around the world and during the third one he was killed on one of the Hawaiian islands by native people. James was born on 27 October 1728 in the village of Marton, the English County of Yorkshire. Cook began attending school when his family moved to the village of Great Aiton. After having studied for five years, he worked on his father's farm. At the age of 18 years, James becomes a cabin boy.(юнга) His first expedition was the journey from London to Newcastle. All his free time Cook spent self-educating. He studied maps, astronomy, geography and mathematics. In 1755 he joint the Royal Navy, preferring the hard work of sailor till he was offered the position of captain on a private vessel. He participated in the Seven years' war, and then after retiring from fighting, he continued to make up maps. For successful work he was appointed captain of the ship "Newfoundland". In 1762, he returned to England. There he got married Elizabeth Batts. They had 6 children. He died at the age of 50.
