James Cook

 was the captain of the Endeavour in 1770. (AUDIO: The Transit of Venus)

He was killed by a member of a Hawaiian tribe in 1779. (PROSE: The Adventuress of Henrietta Street)

Barbara Wright was inspired as a child by a book she had on Captain Cook. According to Barbara herself, her interest in history stemmed from there. (AUDIO: An Unearthly Woman)