Persons, Animals, Ships and Cannon in the Aubrey-Maturin Sea Novels of Patrick O'Brian

by Anthony Gary Brown

This book catalogs every person, animal, ship and cannon mentioned by name in Patrick OBrians series on the maritime adventures of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin. The novels, renowned for their "far-ranging web of wit and allusion, " teem with thousands of characters and ships, both imaginary and historical. From Master and Commander to The Hundred Days, this dictionary distinguishes the fictional from the factual, making a useful series companion for both the casual reader and the most ardent OBrian fans. Each of the more than 4,500 alphabetized entries provides a reference to the novels and chapters in which the topic appears. Additionally, biographical notes on the historical figures are included, with sources provided in an annotated bibliography.

342 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Cary]

Patrick O'Brian is the finest writer of the Napoleonic era/age of sail conflict. Aubrey, the captain, and Maturin, his friend the spy are fascinating characters. The plot is well conceived and historically accurate BUT Do not read it if you can't follow 18th century conversation. This writing isn't for everyone. Also, the description of the sailing maneuvers used in the sea battles are too exacting for my taste and absolutely meaningless to a landlubber. If one skims these swampy places, it can move, but slowly. This is not a book for fast reading.