The Mauritius Command

Aubrey/Maturin Series, Book 4

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Patrick Tull

Lucky Jack Aubrey escapes the burdens of domesticity when he is appointed to the post of Admiral for an expedition to the coast of Madagascar where French frigates are threatening one of England's valued trade routes.Don't miss the rest of the Aubrey/Maturin series.©1977 Patrick O'Brian (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Jack's assignment: to capture the Indian Ocean islands of Réunion and Mauritius from the French. That campaign forms the narrative thread of this rollicking sea saga. But its substance is more beguiling still." (Newsweek)

Some of the Best Historical Fiction -- Ever.

"You cannot blame the bull because the frog burst: the bull has no comprehension of the affair"
- Patrick O'Brian, The Mauritius Command

This is my fourth Aubrey/Maturin novel (obviously) and I have yet to read one that I wasn't completely in love with. There is just too much to love about O'Brian's writing: his knowledge, his wit, his humor, his details, his affection for all his characters, his various digressions. Some of my favorites in this book:

- Dr. Maturin's discussion with Mr. Farquhar and Mr. Prote on the poetics of law
- Dr. Maturin and William McAdam's discussions about medicine and mermaids (Manatees and dugongs)
- Commodore Aubrey and Dr. Maturin's discussions about his temporary assignment as Commodore.
- Food
- Dr. Maturin the Naturalist's pursuit of eggs, drawings of aardvarks, etc.
- Dr. Maturin's thoughts on Aubrey's character, surveyed against Captain Corbett, Lord Clonfert, Captain Pym, etc.
- Dr. Maturin's addiction to Laudanum compared with McAdam's issue with alcohol.
- Commodore Aubrey's explanations of figures of speech in the Navy (e.g. the devil)
- the general horror of war, even triumph, shown by Dr. Maturin

Many of the best lines and best observations are made by Dr. Maturin, which is by design. It isn't that Captain/Commodore Aubrey is without wit, intelligence, or even genius, but he is a man of action. The brilliance of the design of these books is with these two you get the action and the observer. It isn't that simple and often O'Brian will reverse the rolls or combine the two for perspective, but it still is a useful structure for a long narrative.

This novel came out in 1977 and I'm still convinced that there was some deeply secret relationship between Patrick O'Brian and Gene Roddenberry. It might be the universe delivering a weird twin, but there is something similar in the way these stories seem to fit the mood and temperature of Star Trek. I even get a Captain Kirk vibe from Jack Aubrey and a Leonard "Bones" McCoy vibe from Stephen Maturin (with a bit of Spock thrown in as well). Since the first M&C book came out in 1969 and Star Trek first came out in 1966, it is a hard sell to say that one really influenced the other, but both were being created over the same time. Anyway, I love thinking there is some secret back and forth between these two pioneers of 20th-Century maritime fiction.

From Spain, Near Trafalgar

were are indebted to the two Patricks of these novels. They helped us survive a posting in the middle of nowhere in Spain, absolute desolation. This book, which we listened to twice, got us throw much of the suffering with its humour, action and the introduction of more characters and plot changes. Plus the historical accuracy made it even better. A must read.

A book like an old friend...

Easy to pick up right where you left off years before. Fourth book in the series, I picked it up to listen on a long flight. It was just as good and likely better than the first time read through. Much has been written about O’Brian’s style and wit; both are on full display here. Easily one of the best series written and book four does not disappoint.

Another outstanding experience.

As always, Patrick O’Brian’s outstanding story telling combines with Patrick Tull’s wonderful narrative performance to make another book that can’t help but be enjoyed!

best series ever written

obrian is a master story teller and tull's reading is spot on! these are my commute books

The weakest of twenty

This book has excellent characters and some truly thrilling scenes, but it cleaves too closely to history. The mirror images of Macadam/Maturin snd Aubrey/Clonfort feel forced.

Another great book by Patrick O'Brian

This book, though having less battles, was one of the better ones in the series. The maturity of the characters is fully seen. Dr Maturin is given a more important role and "Lucky" Jack a taste of higher command. Very good story line.

Naval histories done right

The effort to hold true to the historical slows this tale down a bit but the queries into human nature make this another exceptional journey into the world of Aubrey/Maturin. And once again Patrick Tull exceeds all possible expectations in his rendering.

Laugh out Loud funny. If you like dry and droll.

The language is beautiful as well, and each action is more exciting than last. The performer really gets into it, which I like, and he has the rolling of the eyes, the tongue in cheek, and the drawn out remark down to a Jack Benny on audio. A real pleasure. I dasn't reveal how many times I listened to it straight through, it would be uncouth.

Patric Tull and Dick Hill, THE BEST...

If I'm not sure about a particular book but the reader is Tull or Hill I know that I'll likely enjoy the book.

I've read that one review of Patrick O'Brian's, Abury Matchern series are boring and shallow. However in fact they are based on British Admeralty records so it looks like the "shallow" part belongs to that reviewer..
I've listened or read all of them and was NEVER board for a moment.

I strongly recommend that you watch thefilm "Master and Comander". You'll get a VERY in depth look at English War ships and the daily life at sea.