• Master and Commander

  • Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 1
  • By: Patrick O'Brian
  • Narrated by: Patrick Tull
  • Length: 16 hrs and 45 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (7,165 ratings)

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Master and Commander  By  cover art

Master and Commander

By: Patrick O'Brian
Narrated by: Patrick Tull
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Publisher's summary

This, the first in the splendid series of Jack Aubrey novels, establishes the friendship between Captain Aubrey, Royal Navy, and Stephen Maturin, ship's surgeon and intelligence agent, against the thrilling backdrop of the Napoleonic wars. Details of life aboard a man-of-war in Nelson's navy are faultlessly rendered: the conversational idiom of the officers in the ward room and the men on the lower deck, the food, the floggings, the mysteries of the wind and the rigging, and the road of broadsides as the great ships close in battle.
Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.
©1984 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC.

Critic reviews

"The best historical novels ever written." (The New York Times Book Review)
"No writer alive can move one as O'Brian can; no one can make you laugh so loud with hilarity, whiten your knuckles with unbearable tension or choke with emotion. He is the master." (Irish Times)

Featured Article: The 20 Best Military Audiobooks from History to Fiction and Beyond


The titles that fall under the designation of military audiobooks are more varied and diverse than you might think. From firsthand combat accounts to imaginative works of fiction, these listens cover a lot of ground on both domestic and international disputes, scientific and sociological analyses, male and female perspectives, lessons from victory and loss, and more. What they have in common, though, are themes of courage, loss, and determination.

Editor's Pick

A historical masterpiece
"I came to this book through my dad, whose initial recommendation may have garnered an eye roll. But, like Young Frankenstein and yacht rock, sometimes his favorites end up being…cool!?! The first in the Jack Aubrey series takes you on a naval adventure, set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic wars and packed with period detail so meticulously authentic you can go on your own Master & Commander weekend getaway, complete with historically accurate menus and accommodations, should you choose. Or you can just listen to the epic audiobooks, handsomely narrated by the incomparable Patrick Tull. If there’s such a thing as a "dadsterpiece," this is it."
Kat J., Audible Editor

What listeners say about Master and Commander

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    4,777
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good story, well read.

This is just the first of several Master and Commander books. I look forward to the next one shortly.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An Amazing Story Based on a Real Life

Would you listen to Master and Commander again? Why?

You will be hooked. These books are addicting.

Who was your favorite character and why?

As a Doc myself I can help but love Dr Maturin

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Love this book. You will be cheering for the Aubry!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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awesome

well now i know what the next 19 fiction books on my reading list are going to be.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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excellent story and reader

This is a great story, and the reader is top notch, dramatic but not emotive. highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

you can hear the narrator's mouth noises.

The story is great and the narration isn't bad but I don't like hearing the narrator's mouth noises.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Worth a listen even if you've read it already!

The wonderful narration of this book adds drama and humor to the story. I highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Patrick O'Brian: The True Master and Commander

Every adventure story you ever read as a child not only becomes alive again, but also challenges you on the intellectual level as an adult. The erudition, the accurate attention to the smallest detail across a very wide palette, history, seamanship, the conduct of war, medicine, politics, espionage, commerce, human nature, command and management concepts and plain old human foibles, conceits, and magnanimity across the ages are not found elsewhere, I believe, in all of literature. Just as the opening of Wagner's "The Flying Dutchman" does in music, Patrick O'Brian does with words: You literally feel the salt spray in your face. You are at sea.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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fantastic narrator

The nautical terms make following this story tricky at times. the narrator is quite good, and really brought the story to life.

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A 'New' Patrick O'Brian

What made the experience of listening to Master and Commander the most enjoyable?

I was able to 'see' the action for not having to 'read' it as well...oh my! I love this series read by Patrick Tull....!!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Jack Aubrey...he is like all of us...Everyman! He is not above a few shenanigans, but he knows where his line is drawn...

Which character – as performed by Patrick Tull – was your favorite?

I think the Doctor...he is endearing for his inability to actually see that he has 'issues' I mean that in a very liking way...he is addicted to drugs and has no idea...being a doctor, seems like he might get a clue...but no...:)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When they became friends..right up front...the stiffness, the judgement, without knowing the other was a same gender soul mate..then the realization they were a good pair...

Any additional comments?

I have read this series 2 times through...and adore it, but when I listened to it, I found whole parts I could enjoy for the pure moving pictures in my head....Patrick Tull's narration bothered me in the beginning, But now,

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

You don't need to be a historical novel fan or a fan of military or maritime themes to enjoy this book. The story was quite engaging and also well read. I was interested enough to come away wanting to listen to/read the other books in the series at some point.

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