Reading the 20th Century discussion

Patrick O'Brian's acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series of historical novels has been described as "a masterpiece" (David Mamet, New York Times), "addictively readable" (Patrick T. Reardon, Chicago Tribune), and "the best historical novels ever written" (Richard Snow, New York Times Book Review), which "should have been on those lists of the greatest novels of the 20th century" (George Will).

Set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars, O'Brian's twenty-volume series centers on the enduring friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and physician (and spy) Stephen Maturin. The Far Side of the World, the tenth book in the series, was adapted into a 2003 film directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture. The books are now available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book format.

In addition to the Aubrey-Maturin novels, Patrick O'Brian wrote several books including the novels Testimonies, The Golden Ocean, and The Unknown Shore, as well as biographies of Joseph Banks and Picasso. He translated many works from French into English, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir, the first volume of Jean Lacouture's biography of Charles de Gaulle, and famed fugitive Henri Cherriere's memoir Papillon. O'Brian died in January 2000.

The Aubrey-Maturin Series on Goodreads

I have read the first of the Aubrey-Maturin novels - and, I think, the second one too, though it was a good 20 years ago now. From what I can recall, I loved it/them.

Coincidentally Mrs Nigeyb is working her way through the entire series, and I have a friend who constantly rereads the entire series which either suggests they are peerless, or just a spectacular lack of imagination on his part. Probably a bit of both.

Anyway, all that's a long winded way of posting that I am poised to start a reread of Master and Commander for our forthcoming February 2020 buddy read.

In the meantime, anyone read the entire series?

Or a sizeable chunk?

Anyone tempted?

What else do you want to say about Patrick O'Brian? Or his work?


Master and Commander....

As the Royal Navy takes part in the wars against Napoleonic France, young Jack Aubrey receives his first command, the small, old, and slow HMS Sophie.

Accompanied by his eccentric new friend, the physician and naturalist Stephen Maturin, Aubrey does battle with the naval hierarchy, with his own tendency to make social blunders, and with the challenges of forging an effective crew - before ultimately taking on enemy ships in a vivid, intricately detailed series of sea battles.

I have read all of them, and they sit together on a shelf in the study, together with The Golden Ocean and The Unknown Shore.

I've read the earlier ones several times, in book form and as audio books, but tend to stop reading at the point where there is a 'cliff-hanger' as to which of the two lieutenants dies on an expedition, and I realise that I didn't care. But the earlier ones are excellent. I think my favourite is Desolation Island, particularly the chase with the Dutch ship in the Southern Ocean.

Congratulations Rosina - you are officially now our go-to expert when it comes to all things POB

I hope we will enjoy your expert commentary when we get to the buddy read next year

It's not quite my specialist subject - that's probably Georgette Heyer - but I'll do what I can to help. I've also fished out A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian, which I can look things up in!

Absolutely splendid. And a Georgette Heyer specialist too. How wonderful


I must confess, that A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion to the Complete Seafaring Tales of Patrick O'Brian looks very helpful

I'm underway with Master and Commander and have already encountered the wonderful phrase, wet the swab....

'But I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab.'

'Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this' -- patting his epaulette -- 'and when we first ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine.'

Master and Commander, p. 24

I'll be wetting the swab later, at a micropub in my locale and I shall be employing that very phrase when offering my friends an ale. Something like....

Would you care to join me in wetting the swab?

The description of Jack Aubrey first boarding the Sophie, and the pleasure he takes in it, would melt the hardest of hearts. Sublime stuff.

I’d forgotten just how much technical information there is in Master and Commander. There's something reassuring about a writer who appears to really have a solid handle on the technical aspects of life in the navy during the Napoleonic wars and, despite not understanding much of it, I love it

Patrick O'Brian writes splendid characters too - in particular Captain Jack Aubrey, Dr. Stephen Maturin, and First Lieutenant James Dillon

My sails are set, the rigging is tight - onward!

PS - has anyone else seen the (rather wonderful) Peter Weir 2003 film Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World?

Nigeyb wrote: "I’d forgotten just how much technical information there is in Master and Commander. There's something reassuring about a writer who appears to really have a solid handle on the technic..."

I remember the overwhelming sense of information overload on first reading M&C, but on later re-reading was impressed by the way that learning the ropes (and masts and spars) was dealt with - with the young Lieutenant explaining it all to a very lubberly Stephen.

Of course i've seen the film ...

That's wonderful Rosina - thanks


Rosina wrote: "Of course i've seen the film"

Never in doubt

One of the pleasures of M&C is to realise many common terms derive from the navy: show your true colours, all above board, by and large, the cut of his jib, in the offing, toe the line, under the weather, overbearing, take the wind out of his sails etc

What a book. I think this time I’ll follow through and read all 19 novels.

I’ve also read the entire series & the first few several times both in print & audio form. (Although I cant yet bring myself to read 21, the unfinished manuscript which was published posthumously)

The company of Jack and Stephen has become a great comfort to me in times of stress. You are in for a great treat. :)

That's a lovely post Renee - thank you


You're quite right, their relationship is something special and I can quite see how you might find it comforting when the chips are down.

Why Patrick O’Brian is Jane Austen at sea...


by Lucy Eyre

There are two types of people in the world: Patrick O’Brian fans, and people who haven’t read him yet. This second category includes many women who are put off by the seemingly excessive focus on ships. This worried me, too. I thought it would be all battles and no women: perhaps even (shudder) a seafaring Lord of the Rings.

Rest here....

https://www.theguardian.com/books/201...

I have to say I have never been inclined to read M&C, although we have them here. I half watched the film, but as I am not a fan of Russell Crowe, and I found the film too dark , I lost interest. I did read somewhere that the film was deliberately dark , as they couldn't shoot the film any lighter because of the background. I don't know if that was true.

Thanks Jill


Perhaps that article that I link to above might inspire you, after all....

There is vastly more to Jack than fair winds and rigging. For one thing, there is Stephen, the brilliant, bold, enigmatic Irish-Catalan naturalist-surgeon-spy. Although O’Brian doesn’t write up his physical charms, I’ve got a huge crush on Stephen: he is obsessional and secretive, but also fiercely intelligent, moral and passionate.

If you do attempt them – weigh anchor, if you like – you are likely to be grateful rather than daunted by the fact that there are 20 books in the series. (My record is four in a week, while travelling in Costa Rica with a friend who liked to go to bed early.) You will soon forgive the broadsides and fo’c’sles and, like Stephen, come to love this wet and wooden world.

I'm closing in on the ending of Master and Commander and am in the midst of the Sophie finally engaging with the much larger and better-armed Cacafuego, a Spanish 32 gun xebec-frigate. What a skirmish. What a read.

I was interested to learn that the Aubrey–Maturin series stopped being published in the US after book five, Desolation Island, in 1978, until fate took a hand in 1989.....

Master and Commander was first published in 1969, in the US by Lippincott, and in Great Britain and Ireland by Collins in 1970.

The series continued to be a modest success in both countries, though publication was only by Collins in the UK after the fourth novel.

Publication in the US ceased with Desolation Island in 1978.

However, in 1989 Starling Lawrence of W.W. Norton discovered the novels on a plane flight between London and New York. W. W. Norton began printing the books, and they were taken more seriously by critics and became a publishing success.

Patrick O'Brian's series of novels sold over 400,000 copies in the next two years and continued to be a success, selling over 2 million copies by 2000. In its review of the last unfinished novel in 2004, Publishers Weekly reported that the series had sold over 6 million copies.

The full series has been published in German, French and Italian translations, the twenty finished books also in Spanish, and part of the series in Catalan, Chinese, Czech, Finnish, Japanese, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish and Russian translation.

The Aubrey–Maturin novels comprise the heart of the canon of an author often compared to Jane Austen, C. S. Forester and other British authors central to the English literature canon. Though sometimes compared to Trollope, Melville, Conrad and even Proust, the Aubrey–Maturin series has most often been compared to the works of Jane Austen, one of Patrick O'Brian's greatest inspirations.

Nigeyb quoted: " Though sometimes compared to Trollope, Melville, Conrad and even Proust, the Aubrey–Maturin series has most often been compared to the works of Jane Austen, one of Patrick O'Brian's greatest inspirations."

Which just goes to show that comparisons can be deceptive. Jane Austen did not, as far as I know, write a twenty book series, not include sea-battles - or even any working class characters, other than in a non-speaking supportive role. O'Brian's books are monumental, covering a vast area (of canvas): Austen's are miniatures, painted on ivory.

All good points Rosina.


Why do you think those Austen comparisons come up so often?

Even Lucy Eyre (see message 14) states it’s Jane Austen at sea

I haven't read Austen for eons so don't feel qualified to meaningfully draw comparisons.

I did an internet search to try and answer my own question and came up with this GR link...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Chris, in the first message, puts forward a very convincing argument which concludes with....

.....if you love Austen's novels, I can virtually guarantee that you will enjoy these books too. I can tell you that O'Brian's books are some of my most favorite books; right up there with my works by Austen, the Brontes, Dickens, and Gaskell.

Have a look and please let us know what you think

Nigeyb wrote: "All good points Rosina.


Why do you think those Austen comparisons come up so often?

Even Lucy Eyre (see message 14) states it’s Jane Austen at sea

I haven't read Austen for eons so don't feel ..."

I suspect it's because it sounds clever. And it's Regency. And the men wear breeches. And Jack and Sophie could be thought of as Anne and Captain Wentworth, if you carefully pick your points of comparison, and ignore the differences.

Interesting. Thanks Rosina.

Actually, I would be interested to know on what points the 'comparison' is made. If it's just 'good writing of its kind' that doesn't require actual points of similarity - and also mentioning Dickens and Gaskell, Trollope and the Brontes suggests that it might be - then there's no problem

I was thinking about it in the bath, and thought that if you add in Georgette Heyer between the two, I can see the influences. Mrs Williams might remind one of Mrs Bennet, or Heyer's Mrs Scorrier, in Venetia. Thinking about Venetia, she has a brother called Aubrey, but her other brother Conway does remind me a bit of Jack Aubrey.

Rosina wrote: "Actually, I would be interested to know on what points the 'comparison' is made."

Did you look at the link Rosina?

Chris states (in the GR Jane Austen group)....

If you loved the references in Austen's Mansfield Park, and even more so in Persuasion, to the world of the Royal Navy; and if you're longing for some wonderfully witty, historically accurate, erudite reading involving men and women during the late-Georgian and Regency Period; well, look no more, as your ship has come in.

I imagine that some of you have read, or at least heard of, Patrick O'Brian's magnificent twenty-volume series featuring Royal Navy Captain Jack Aubrey, and his doctor/surgeon, cum intelligence agent, Stephen Maturin and their battles against Napoleon and his allies. Maybe some of you saw the Peter Weir-directed film with Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany titled, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. I have to say there is no better way to immerse yourself in Austen's world than through these masterfully crafted novels.

Jane Austen was Patrick O'Brian's favorite author, and her influence is clearly evident to even the most casual reader. He writes in the vernacular; and one would almost swear that Austen sat at his elbow as he drafted his manuscripts word-by-word. While there is adventure and action, much of each novel is taken up with the relationships between the major and minor characters. Great joy, sadness, grief, love, anger, jealousy, and angst abound; though liberally interspersed with some of the wittiest humour to be found in fiction -- very much reminiscent of the wonderful witty humour and dialog of Austen's Pride and Prejudice.

O'Brian's world is the world of Austen's Captains Frederick Wentwork, Bennick and Harville, and Admiral Croft and his wife Sophie; and also that of Jane Austen's brothers who were ultimately promoted up to Captain and Admiral themselves.

Which also sounds quite compelling too - although I am sure you are correct in your assertion that it's primarily just because it sounds clever, it's Regency, and the men wear breeches.

Because we know that O'Brian admired Austen, we can admit that she is one of the influences on his work. But I don't think that makes them comparable (except in the EngLit essay sense of 'compare and contrast'). My view is that despite it being the world of some of the Austen characters (and really, only in Persuasion and Fanny's brother in Mansfield Park - I don't think there are any other Navy officers), it's a world she never examined in her books. Even her soldiers seem to limit themselves to country towns and Brighton - there seems to be little indication that they are going off to get shot in the foreseeable future.

Austen focuses on the female characters: O'Brian's females seem to exist solely as partners for the men, and in an 'earthy' way that would be out of place in Austen. Austen doesn't give any real part of the lower orders: O'Brian is full of them, and they are some of the most vocal and interesting characters.

But there is indeed witty conversation and relationships between characters, which makes them like Austen - and like thousands of other books.

Perhaps it's just that POB was so in thrall to Austen that readers look for the similarities?

I think that's it - and to elevate a series to 'literary' level, worthy of literary criticism, as if you couldn't write in The Guardian praising it on its own merits.

I've never been that good at literary criticism, but I do feel that the differences with Austen, in form and subject matter and treatment, are too great. I did wonder about comparing them with Trollope, who probably wrote even more words in his Palliser and Barchester series, and who does have some interesting lower-deck characters (not literally lower-deck ...) But I prefer to enjoy them in their own right, and just note that here and there one may be able to detect an influence.

I am even more intrigued now. Really looking forward to this one. I was also doubtful about trying this series; wondering whether I would be interested in a novel about ships. I am, though, willing to give it a go.

Susan wrote: "I was also doubtful about trying this series; wondering whether I would be interested in a novel about ships"

I just let that stuff wash over me. It's clearly an added level of enjoyment for people that revel in those historical details.

Susan wrote: "I am, though, willing to give it a go."

And I suspect you'll be glad you did. I'm looking forward to your reaction when the time comes.

I am more keen as Clive James raved about the series in Latest Readings.

I’ve finished Master and Commander


The plot of Master and Commander is almost secondary to the character development, and it was getting to know the foibles of each of the characters that is probably more of a pleasure than the skirmishes and action.

My sails are set, the rigging is tight - onward to Post Captain.

Here’s my review

4/5

Nigeyb wrote: "I’ve finished Master and Commander


My sails are set, the rigging is tight - onward to Post Captain."


Does anyone fancy a buddy read of Post Captain?

Just a thought

I'm going to read it anyway

I realise we haven't even started our buddy read discussion of the first book, which we're doing in February, however I'll just leave the question hanging and, if anyone is tempted, we'll do it, if not, then it's a solo mission.

Nigeyb wrote: "Does anyone fancy a buddy read of....


Post Captain?

Just a thought. I'm going to read it anyway

I realise we haven't even started our buddy read discussion of the first book, which we're doing in February, however I'll just leave the question hanging and, if anyone is tempted, we'll do it, if not, then it's a solo mission."

I'm going to start Post Captain today. I can't put it off any longer

All hail Aubrey and Maturin

I need to finish Wolf Hall before embarking on Aubrey and Maturin, Nigeyb. Hopefully, we will all like the first book and continue the series, though, so we might catch you up at some point!

I hope you enjoy Master and Commander as much as I did Susan

I am really looking forward to it. Thinking of the Philippa Gregory book you mentioned, on the kindle thread, dare I suggest that, if you fancy a Tudor series, you would - I think - love Shardlake. If you haven't tried them already, then Dissolution is the first. I think they would be more to your taste than Gregory.

Dissolution is currently £1.99 on kindle, while the second book, Dark Fire is 99p.

Thanks Susan


You've recommended them to me before and I do intend to give them a try - it's just fitting them in.

I'm keen to contine with Patrick O'Brian, plus finish two Len Deighton series, also the Flashman books, and I've still got a couple of Conn Igguleden Caesar books to complete.

So many series....

I know, I know. Too many books and series. I just think you would enjoy them more than Gregory, who is fairly lightweight. Shardlake stands next to Bernie Gunther in my affections, which is saying something!

Thanks again Susan.


Anything that is at Gunther levels is an essential read

I'm now underway with Post Captain
It's great to be back with Jack and Stephen - surely one of the great duos in literary history. The back and forth dialogue fair sparkles.

I found myself making Austen-O’Brian comparisons frequently while reading Post Captain the first time. I love the way O’Brian handles Jack on land versus at sea. He is such a fish out of water!

And Stephen, too, seems different on land (although for very different reasons). We learn so much more about him in P. C.

Renee wrote: "I love the way O’Brian handles Jack on land versus at sea. He is such a fish out of water! "


Isn't he just?

Thanks Renee - your positive comments have stoked up my anticipation levels

Predictably enough, I am revelling in the world of....


Post Captain

Our heroes are up against it with debt collectors circling. Whilst Jack needs a ship to keep the creditors at bay he was doubltless not reckoning with the Poppycrest

An absolute delight, again

I've now finished....


Post Captain

It's an absolute delight, again.

The human interactions are deftly handled, the life in the Royal Navy is once again evoked powerfully, and the sporadic descriptions of battles at sea are thrilling.

Here’s my review

4/5

Next up H.M.S. Surprise.

I look forward to trying the first in the series, Nigeyb, although I someone daunted by discovering that, with this group and Detectives, I have 7 buddy reads next month, not counting group/challenge reads!

That's a lot of books in a month. Good luck Susan

I may need it...

So, having recently reread the first two books - Master and Commander and Post Captain - in the series of Aubrey-Maturin novels, I was keen to continue with the series, so with my sails set, my rigging tight, it was onward to number three, H.M.S. Surprise.

Here’s my review

4/5