Master and Commander

Aubrey-Maturin Series, Book 1

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Ric Jerrom

Master and Commander is the first of Patrick O’Brian’s now famous Aubrey-Maturin novels, regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. It establishes the friendship between Captain Jack Aubrey RN and Stephen Maturin, who becomes his secretive ship’s surgeon and an intelligence agent. It displays the qualities which have put O’Brian far ahead of any of his competitors: his depiction of the detail of life aboard an early 19th century man-of-war, of weapons, food, conversation and ambience, of the landscape and of the sea. O’Brian’s portrayal of each of these is faultless and the sense of period throughout is acute. His power of characterisation is above all masterly. Ric Jerrom reads this classic sea story from Patrick O’Brien.

©2014 Audible, Inc.; 1970 The Estate of the late Patrick O’Brien CBE

Technically dense but thoroughly enjoyable

this is the kind of book that I would never make it through if I were reading it off a page. never mind that I would completely butcher the pronunciation of many of these nautical terms, but I know that I would be so encumbered by the urge to look up definitions and parts of the sailing ship to try to understand what is going on at any given moment. Here, the audiobook is a satisfying and expeditious way to enjoy the novel at a reasonable pace. The narration allows you enough inference to glean what's going on in any given scene even when you don't understand every 10th word. The story is well written, well-paced, and the characters enjoyable.

Such a wonderful story

Yes I agree Patrick Hulls narration is perfect. I still hear it. But the brilliance of this novel delivered by Ric Jerrom shines thru. The last minutes brought tears to my eyes although I know this story well. O Brian is certainly one of the greatest novelists of all time- but if you are reading this you must know that already. This is true literature. So satisfying and so engaging.

The Beginning of an Incredible Series...

I made a mistaking buying this audiobook. I wanted the version narrated by Simon Vance. So I was shocked when Ric Jerrom started reading the story to me. Initially, I was disappointed at my error but now I consider it a real stroke of luck. Simon Vance is a brilliant voice artist for sure, but Ric Jerrom give this tale (of sharp historical insight and high seas adventure) a more theatrical performance and it is a very nice contrast to Vance's reading (while is also brilliant). The story itself is in turn funny, insightful, vivid, and utterly gripping in its description of the (two) culminating conflicts. It is also the beginning of one of the greatest series every written. I had no particular interest in the great battle ships of the 1700s and 1800s, but after being exposed to Mr O'Brian's story I consider myself completely fascinated. (AUDIBLE 20 REVIEW SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY.)

Incredible!

Most entertaining and interesting piece of great literature. Enjoyable from beginning to end.
How i wish they made more movies based in these type of literature.

A great classic!

A strong reading.
Obviously, the writing is brilliant, especially when it comes nautical descriptions and terms. (The history seems accurate, he certainly draws on historical characters and incidents.)