Master and Commander

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Patrick O'Brian

Literature

Aug 12, 2018

Master and Commander, which introduces readers to Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, ship’s surgeon and intelligence officer Stephen Maturin, is the thrilling first volume in an unparalleled series of novels that British-born Patrick O’Brian wrote about the Royal Navy—or “Nelson’s Navy,” as it’s also called, in honor of Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar. That a series steeped in naval adventure begins with chamber music is a telling indication of the wit and sophistication of the Aubrey/Maturin novels. The contrast between the men’s characters and interests (encompassing music, food, poetry, science, and natural history) provides a substantial foundation upon which O’Brian erects exciting plots of dangerous action. In Master and Commander and all the books that follow, authentic details of life aboard a man-of-war in Commodore Nelson’s navy are admirably rendered, and the author’s narrative skills deftly convey the excitement of ships closing in battle.

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RONALD CASARES

Nov 9, 2019

Patrick O'Brian creates and intricate story melting the point of view between two charters: Dr. Maturin freelance Navel Intelligence and Capt Aubrey of the Royal Navy. He not only tells a story of England's life during the Age of Sail, but he give a gimps into the seedier side of things in the 17-1800's. O'Brian artfully places our hero's in some of the more notable British navel engagements and intrigues of the time, while presenting us with natural and scientific discovery's which are often left out in your typical war time novels. I am on my fourth reading of the Aubrey/Maturin series and due to the unfortunate passing of the author, I will always be left wanting more.

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