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Master and Commander

Series: Aubrey-Maturin
4.07 goodreads logo

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( 59,947 ratings, 4,392 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brian follows the early career of Captain Jack Aubrey in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Alongside his ship's surgeon and friend, Stephen Maturin, Aubrey faces fierce naval battles and intrigue at sea. Their adventures blend historical accuracy with rich character development and thrilling storytelling.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy rich historical detail, thrilling naval battles, and complex character development. It offers a captivating glimpse into life at sea during the Napoleonic Wars through the eyes of a formidable captain and his crew.

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Master and Commander

In this, the first of Patrick O’Brian’s much lauded Aubrey–Maturin novels, discover a vibrant world conjured by a master storyteller, rich with detail and character.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brian is the enthralling first instalment in the acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series, celebrated as one of the finest collections of historical novels ever penned. The story sets sail in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars and introduces the reader to Captain Jack Aubrey RN and Dr Stephen Maturin, a ship’s surgeon with a covert role as an intelligence agent. Aubrey, an ebullient and audacious captain, freshly promoted to command the sloop-of-war HMS Sophie, is eager to prove his mettle and earn glory on the high seas.

The narrative springs to life with the chance meeting of Aubrey and Maturin at a concert in Port Mahon, Minorca, where their friendship is instantly kindled. As they embark on their maiden voyage together, readers are drawn into the meticulously detailed world aboard the HMS Sophie, expertly navigating battles, naval tactics, and life at sea. Aubrey’s seafaring skills and tactical brilliance are tested against menacing privateers and formidable naval opponents, whilst Maturin’s undercover operations and medical acumen provide an intriguing counterbalance.

This masterfully composed tale is awash with the vivid atmosphere of the era, replete with accurate portrayals of life aboard a man-of-war, from weaponry and naval protocol to the camaraderie and tensions among the crew. Patrick O'Brian's expertise in depicting the intricacies of naval warfare and the authentic ambiance of the period is unparalleled. He captures the essence of the time with acute period detail, from the rich descriptions of the natural landscape and the rolling sea to the historical context that frames the narrative.

Beyond the exhilarating sea battles and strategic encounters, O’Brian excels in character development. Captain Aubrey’s daring and jovial nature contrasts beautifully with Dr Maturin’s intellectual and enigmatic disposition, creating a dynamic and compelling duo whose evolving friendship is central to the series’ enduring appeal.

Patrick O'Brian’s profound storytelling, matched with his impeccable research and characterisation, sets Master and Commander apart as a seminal work in historical fiction. As Alan Judd in the Sunday Times proclaims, this series represents "the most significant extended story since Anthony Powell's A Dance to the Music of Time." The reissues by HarperCollins breathe new life into these classics, coupled with a cinematic adaptation to captivate and introduce a new generation to these timeless adventures.

Whether you are a seasoned fan of nautical fiction or embarking on this journey for the first time, Master and Commander promises an unforgettable voyage that will leave you eager for the next chapter in the Aubrey-Maturin saga.

Series: Aubrey-Maturin

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brian is widely praised for its energetic prose and historical accuracy. Critics herald O’Brian as a master of maritime literature, with characters crafted in rich detail akin to the ships they navigate. The book stands out in its genre, offering both expert ship handling descriptions and deep character development, earning it high recommendations from literary figures and publications.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780006499152

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 October 1996

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperCollins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 27.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 448

About the Author

Patrick O'Brian, one of our greatest contemporary novelists, is the author of the acclaimed Aubrey/Maturin tales and the biographer of Joseph Banks and Picasso. His first novel, Testimonies, and his Collected Short Stories were recently republished by HarperCollins. In 1995, he was the first recipient of the Heywood Hill Prize for a lifetime's contribution to literature. In the same year he was awarded the CBE. In 1997 he was awarded an honorary doctorate of letters by Trinity College, Dublin. He died in January 2000 at the age of 85.

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