Master and Commander (1969) Is the first of 20 completed and one uncompleted novel featuring the exciting adventures of British Naval officer Jack Aubrey and, in a supporting role, the ship surgeon Stephen Maturin. In this first novel taking place in 1800-01, he meets fellow Irishman Stephen and over a trivial matter they agree to meet on the field of honor in a duel to the death. Convoy duties, storms, ship battles, and privateering along with moral dilemmas are all met with resolve, tempered by trepidation, overcome with fortitude. Enjoy!
Note: This story is not the same as Master and Commander: Far side of the World 2003 film (worth a watch) which is based on the 10th book of the series. Far side of the World.
“Invincible Ignorance cannot be enlightened”
Patrick O’Brian (1914-2000) was born Richard Patrick Russ in the village of Chalfont St. Peter, England. He grew up in poverty with 8 siblings and his mother died when he was four. With the help of his father, young Patrick, age 15, had his first book published. Caesar: The Life of a Panda Leopard. He spent three decades of his career writing Jack Aubrey novels and was working on his last one until his death on January 2, 2000. Patrick O’Brian’s biggest success as an author came when his Jack Aubrey series were reissued in the early 1990s and went on to sell 3 million copies in 20 different languages. He became known to a whole new audience when the movie Master and Commander: Far side of the World starring Russell Crowe was released in 2003. Patrick O’Brian’s first marriage lasted 3 years, his second 53 years.
Robert Hardy (1925-2017) was born in Cheltenham, England, known for its festivals and grand horse steeplechase. During his teens, Robert attended Rugby (boarding) School where the sport of Rugby was invented. His first appearance on screen was as “Second Traveler” in a 1951 episode of the BBC series Michèle and René. This series is either lost or kept hidden in the dank cellars of the BBC. Robert Hardy is better known for playing Cornelius Fudge-Harry Potter, Winston Churchill- War and Remembrance among others, and Siegfred Farnon-All Creature Great and Small. Mr. Hardy also provided the only voice as the storyteller in the fine half-hour stop motion production of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. 1981. See it on YouTube. Now, enjoy Robert Hardy’s vocal performance in Patrick O’Brian’s Master and Commander.