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Cannibalism, heartbreak and Madame Guillotine: George Forster's extraordinary life

Cannibalism, heartbreak and Madame Guillotine: George Forster's extraordinary life

Andrea Wulf explores the extraordinary escapades of George Forster, the 18th-century traveller, botanist and revolutionary

Spencer Mizen

Published: June 26, 2026 at 9:18 AM

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He sailed to Antarctica with Captain Cook, rubbed shoulders with Benjamin Franklin and helped found a revolutionary republic.

It’s little wonder, then, that Andrea Wulf describes George Forster – the 18th-century traveller, botanist and champion of human rights – as “one of the most fascinating figures you've never heard of”.

In conversation with Spencer Mizen, Andrea explores a life that reads like an adventure story.

Authors

Spencer MizenSenior production editor

Spencer is senior production editor of HistoryExtra magazine