Master and Commander

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 1

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Length: 16 hrs and 45 mins

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)

Gets your face wet!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very much so! I have too! This is a wonderful story that is very interesting. There is a lot of details that can bog you down, but overall it is agreat story!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Master and Commander?

The taking of the prize.

Have you listened to any of Patrick Tull’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I thought he was very good. British accent adds to the realness.

If you could rename Master and Commander, what would you call it?

Quest for a Prize.

Good narrator, terrible audio quality.

The narrator gives a decent performance but the audio quality is terrible. it was consistently bothersome as I feel like I'm listening to an old tape recorder rather than a person talking to me

One of my favorites

The Aubrey Maturin series is one of my all time favorite sets of books. I first read the novels over ten years ago and the characters leapt to life for me. This audiobook version brought back my joy at first discovering these characters. The narration is delivered quite superbly.

A fine story and performance

This is a great performance of the Patrick O’Brian book. Accents added where needed but not overdone. I throughly enjoyed it and would heartily recommend it

Masterful Tale

Patrick Tull brings the entire story of Aubrey and Maturin to vivid life! An expert storyteller. My third time, and thrilling as ever!

One of my favorite books

The opening volume of a series that has been highly praised. It is one of my favorite books. Seems It is very accurate as to historical detail and language and customs of the time. The level of detail and description in the story also contribute to the very memorable characters and story. And Patrick Tull is the ideal reader, he makes me laugh out loud and the characters live vividly. I have listed to the book previously with a different and lesser reader. I am sure I will listen to it again.

Amazing book

I knew little more than a vague love for Russel Crowes famous portrayal in "Master and Commander: Far Side of the World" the famous movie. by the time I've finished this book (in no more than two weeks I would add, which with my busy schedule is quite quick) I have grown into a deep appreciation for this series and Patrick O'Brian's work. As soon as I finished this book, I bought and am now listening to the second. Please buy and enjoy this book as well, and Happy Sailing!

Great book terrible narration

I loved the Master and Commander movie, and wanted to hear the audiobooks. But the narrator was below par. He took way too many "pregnant pauses" which really ruined the flow of the book. I really pushed myself to finish it, because he made it sound very boring. If Mr. Tull narrates them all, I doubt I'll listen to them.

Incredible

I was putting off reading this for a little while. A friend recommended it and he loves sailing and studied his rigging when reading it, so I thought I might find it technical and a little dry. It was certainly technical, but man! I haven’t been so completely consumed in a book in a long time. The fight scenes can’t be stopped halfway through. It’s an incredible feat of writing. There simply aren’t movies that are this good or exciting. Master and commander movie is of a different story too, so don’t worry, but I wouldn’t watch it at the same time. Give this book its room. It deserves it.

Masterful and Commanding

My first introduction to Patrick O’Brian was over 40 years ago. I read each episode as soon as it was available. I admire the attention to nautical detail and of establishing the action with a “you are there” perspective. With the wind and spray on my face, I welcome all to sail along with Patrick O’Brian’s Captain Aubrey and Crew.