Patrick O'Brian's Navy

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View books by Richard O'Neill.

Just what I was hoping for - Rated
I'm now up to Far Side of the World and returned to this book last night. I'd forgotten just how good it is.

For me, the Aubrey/Maturin books can be hard work when it comes to understanding the terminology, background and detail. O'Brian assumes a considerable level of knowledge (indeed he effectively says this in one of the early books) but this frequently leaves me lost on comprehension.

Perhaps the most obvious example is the rigging and sails. Each book has the illustration of a ship at the start, but this is wholly inadequate.

This illustrated companion brilliantly explains all aspects of naval warfare in Aubrey's time, from the rigging, terminology, crews, health, pressing, construction, battle, discipline etc etc. Through text and pictures, the O'Brian books are literally brought into colourful understanding. It weaves facts, history, technical details and the plots together (don't worry - you can easily avoid reading these bits).

It isn't cheap, but will be one of those books which you open up and instinctly know it is worth every penny - irrespective of whether you are into the O'Brian series.

all pond live should read - Rated
Spent 22 years in the Andrew as R M,and this book is a ideal companion to all O,BRIANS BOOKS and anybody interested in british naval history.

good book but doesn't feel like it was written for the purpose - Rated
This book is good and the illustrations and photos are great but it really seems as if the book was written as a generic guide to the Royal navy and then they added on the Jack Aubrey stuff later on. There is no real understanding of Aubrey and Maturin and the books in the series - it's a bit generic. Pity

Hazard warning! - Rated
This is a very useful book to read as background for the Aubrey series, BUT it should come with a warning - if you read it before you finish the series (as indeed you would want to) it will spill the beans on some of the story lines...

Marvelous! Even better than I'd hoped! - Rated
I really must say I loved this book. It's quite beautiful, with many stunning paintings and illustrations. Plus, it is full of helpful and interesting information the time period of the M & C books. I had primarily been looking for some maps, more detail about the ships and perhaps a more detailed explanation of naval ranks and uniforms, and I found all of this and so very much more. Books like this one add so very much to one's enjoyment of the novels. I heartily recommend it.