John Beaglehole facts for kids

John Cawte Beaglehole (born June 13, 1901 – died October 10, 1971) was a very important historian from New Zealand. He is most famous for carefully editing the three travel journals of James Cook. These journals describe Cook's amazing voyages of exploration. John Beaglehole also wrote a highly praised book about Cook's life. This book was published after Beaglehole passed away.

He spent most of his working life connected with Victoria University of Wellington. After he died, the university named its special collection of historical documents after him.

Growing Up and Starting a Career

John Beaglehole was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1901. He was the second of four sons. His younger brother, Ernest, became a well-known psychologist. John went to Mount Cook School and Wellington College. Then, he studied at Victoria University College in Wellington. This college later became an independent university. He would spend most of his career there.

After finishing his first degree, John won a scholarship. This allowed him to study in England in 1926. He spent three years studying at the London School of Economics. There, he earned his PhD by writing about British colonial history. During this time, he was influenced by teachers who had left-wing ideas.

When he returned to New Zealand, it was hard for him to find a job at a university. Some people thought his ideas were too radical. For a while, he worked different jobs. He even taught for the Workers' Educational Association. He also spent time on other interests. These included fighting for civil rights, writing poetry, and playing music.

In 1932, he got a temporary teaching job at Auckland University College. But this job was quickly removed. Many believed it was because of his reputation for having radical views. His university career truly began in 1934. This was after he published his first major book, The Exploration of the Pacific. After this, he became very interested in James Cook. He later became a professor at Victoria University College.

John Beaglehole married Elsie Mary Holmes in 1930. They had three sons together.

Awards and Special Recognitions

John Beaglehole received many important awards for his work. In 1958, he was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. This was for his great contributions to history and literature.

In his last ten years, he received many honorary degrees. These came from universities in New Zealand and other countries. He also got other special honors. Perhaps the most important award was the British Order of Merit in 1970. He was only the second person from New Zealand to ever receive this award. The first was the famous scientist Ernest Rutherford.

Later Life and Passing Away

John Beaglehole passed away in 1971. Just before he died, he was working on updating his detailed book about Captain Cook. This important book was later finished and published by his son, Tim Beaglehole. Tim also became a professor and Chancellor at Victoria University of Wellington.

Archival Collections at Victoria University

Victoria University of Wellington was John Beaglehole's university. They named their special collection of historical documents after him. This collection is in the J.C. Beaglehole Room. In this room, you can see a portrait of him painted by W.A. Sutton. The J.C. Beaglehole Room moved to a brand new space in 2011.

Main Books and Works

• The Exploration of the Pacific, published in London, 1934.
• Edited The Endeavour Journal of Joseph Banks 1768–1771, in two volumes, published in Sydney, 1962.
• Edited The Journals of Captain James Cook: The Voyage of the Endeavour, 1768–1771, published in Cambridge, 1955.
• Edited The Journals of Captain James Cook: The Voyage of the Resolution and Adventure, 1772–1775, published in Cambridge, 1961.
• Edited The Journals of Captain James Cook: The Voyage of the Resolution and Discovery, 1776–1780, in two volumes, published in Cambridge, 1967.
• The Life of Captain James Cook, published in Stanford, California, 1974.
• The Death of Captain Cook. Published in Wellington, New Zealand, by the Alexander Turnbull Library, 1979.

See Also

• I Think I am becoming a New Zealander: Letters of J C Beaglehole edited by Tim Beaglehole (2013, Victoria University Press) ISBN: 978-0-86473-902-5
• The Beaglehole Glacier in Antarctica is named after him.