About this season
In this first ever television documentary of Banks' life, journalist Ian Cross explores his influence over five decades during a critical period of great change in the world, from 1770 to 1820.
Episodes (5)
1. A Great Endeavour
Aired 6 August 2016
“A Great Endeavour” looks at Banks’ early privileged life as the son of a wealthy landowner who inherited vast estates, and his developing friendship with Swedish botanist, Daniel Solander, who would accompany him on his journey and adventures to the South Seas on board the Endeavour with Captain Cook.
2. First Contact
Aired 13 August 2016
“First Contact” follows the Endeavour as it encounters the native peoples of New Zealand and Australia for the first time.
3. Empire’s Plant Hunter
Aired 20 August 2016
“Empire’s Plant Hunter” follows Banks and his companions on their botanical journey of exploration of the eastern coast of Australia, the disastrous loss of life on board the Endeavour in the East Indies and Banks’ return to London in 1771, which made him a celebrity.
4. Science and State
Aired 27 August 2016
“Science and State”, looks at Banks’ the imperialist and globalist who fused the worlds of science and state, re distributed the world’s crops and transformed its landscapes including that of Australia.
5. Legacy
Aired 3 September 2016
” Legacy” examines Banks fragmented and sometimes forgotten legacy, and the mystery behind the final resting place of one of the great collectors, influencers and patrons of the Georgian age.