A fine biography of naturalist and explorer Joseph Banks by one of our great writers of the sea. O'Brian's account of the three-year voyage of the Endeavor -- and the discovery of Australia -- is particularly good. Chapters cover globe-trotting botanical adventures with James Cook and others in Polynesia, Australia & New Zealand, Iceland, England and France. With a few maps, engravings and illustrations.  (AUS47, $20.00)