Publisher's Synopsis
During the second half of the 18th century, Britain and France despatched a number of major expeditions to the Pacific. The greatest contribution by far was that of James Cook, but the voyages of Bougainville, Surville and Marion Du Fresne had each played an important part in Pacific exploration. After Cook's death, France, with the active support of Louis XVI, organised a large-scale expedition to the Pacific, planned to last four years, concentrating on areas of the Pacific left unexplored or inadequately surveyed by Cook. It was to be led by an experienced and highly regarded naval officer, Galaup de La P?rouse. All the major French scientific societies and savants of the times co-operated in drawing up instructions and, overseas, such men as Joseph Banks willingly assisted.
