≡ Download Master and Commander Patrick O'Brian 9780393307054 Books

Master and Commander Patrick O'Brian 9780393307054 Books

Download As PDF : Master and Commander Patrick O'Brian 9780393307054 Books

Master and Commander Patrick O'Brian 9780393307054 Books

I came to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series through the 2003 film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" and, knowing that the film took certain liberties, I was excited to experience the original text. I'm glad to say that O'Brian does not disappoint. In focusing on the relationships between his characters, he makes it easy for a reader without a nautical background to jump in and follow the text. O'Brian furnishes explanations when necessary, but does not succumb to the temptation to halt the narrative à la Herman Melville in "Moby Dick".
This first book in the series introduces readers to O'Brian's main characters, Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin. The two are different enough that O'Brian can use each to focus on different aspects of nineteenth century life and give them their own motivations, but have enough similarities that readers will not question their friendship. The confined atmosphere of a ship at sea allows O'Brian to explore a great deal of communal psychology and the drama (and humor) that comes with it.
This Folio edition includes gorgeous period illustrations that the publishers expertly paired with examples from the text to the benefit of readers. Both previous fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy this edition.


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Master and Commander Patrick O'Brian 9780393307054 Books Reviews

One of the best books I've ever read. This was a "guy" book, an adventure tale with battle scenes and naval strategy, yet I (a girl) found much in it to absolutely love. I look forward to enjoying some of the others in the Aubrey Maturin series.

It's an historical fiction novel, written in 1969. The setting is early 1800's seafaring, aboard an English naval sailing vessel. Life at that time and situation was unique--harder, different customs and knowledge, etc. The period dialog and humor could be quite salty but really immersed me. The book was perfect reading on , where I could highlight a historical reference and have it explained instantly, depending on proximity to wireless. Then there were the sea terms and references to parts of the ships. Again, to the rescue. Also, the reader is educated on sailing technique by experts (characters explaining to other characters.) The author really knows early 1800's without showing off.

People are still only just people. This is still only a novel about characters, and Patrick O'Brian was skillful with his characters. From page one, we get to know these characters through conversations, through private diary entries, and through dialog between lesser characters.

A great story, and well-written.
The greatest historical fiction series ever written in the 20th century. It owes a debt to the authors of Royal Navy-based fiction that went before - but easily surpasses them all. O'Brian himself said that his secret was focusing on the lives, interests and surroundings of his characters, without enslaving them to mechanical plot devices. The opening scene alone, Port Mahon, April 1, 1800, sets the stage for one of best literary friendships of all time.
As others mentioned, I had previously read the printed version and was terribly disappointed in finding missing material, especially the brain surgery that exemplifies the doctor's genius. When kindle came out with an update I was so hoping that the commissions had been rectified. Unfortunately they have not. This kindle edition ought to be clearly marked as ABRIDGED. I would very much like my money back . Shame on you for your sloppy work.
This is the first volume in O'Brian's wonderful series about the life and career of Jack Aubrey and his friend and companion Stephen Maturin, a surgeon and spy, who joins him on his very first command, the Sophie.

I only gave this first volume four stars because as others have mentioned it is a bit slow, in the beginning, as there are so many characters that need to be introduced, along with some background to give them context, and a lot of historical information necessary for the reader to understand the time and place in which series occurs.

Once the stage is set and the action begins it's a fast paced runaway that you won't want to put down, so bear with the introduction and then get to the fun!

It's Naval history, brought to life, by an author who's attention to detail and accuracy is unsurpassed by any and matched only by a very few. Blend that with his ability to pull you right into the story, until you will have trouble returning to reality when you put the book down, and you can't go wrong with O'Brian.
For my commentary on this book, I'll reference the tags that asks you to choose between for the plot, mood, pace, and characters. Patrick O'Brian's work, and 'Master and Commander' in particular, is not served well by these kinds of choices. There are surprising plot elements, and ones that are foreshadowed long in advance. There are parts of the book that are light-hearted and hopeful, and parts that are very dark. The pace is slow as a walk on the island of Mahon, and fast as the seconds on the deck of an enemy ship.

In other words, O'Brian writes life. I can't give a better recommendation than that. Nailing him down as a sea-story guy or a history guy is a mistake. He writes friendships and hatred, hope and fear, and all the reasons and ways that we suffer and rejoice in little events and big. Read it.
I came to Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series through the 2003 film "Master and Commander The Far Side of the World" and, knowing that the film took certain liberties, I was excited to experience the original text. I'm glad to say that O'Brian does not disappoint. In focusing on the relationships between his characters, he makes it easy for a reader without a nautical background to jump in and follow the text. O'Brian furnishes explanations when necessary, but does not succumb to the temptation to halt the narrative à la Herman Melville in "Moby Dick".
This first book in the series introduces readers to O'Brian's main characters, Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin. The two are different enough that O'Brian can use each to focus on different aspects of nineteenth century life and give them their own motivations, but have enough similarities that readers will not question their friendship. The confined atmosphere of a ship at sea allows O'Brian to explore a great deal of communal psychology and the drama (and humor) that comes with it.
This Folio edition includes gorgeous period illustrations that the publishers expertly paired with examples from the text to the benefit of readers. Both previous fans of the series and newcomers alike will enjoy this edition.