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Men-of-War

Life in Nelson’s Navy

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Men-of-War

By: Patrick O’Brian
Narrated by: Ronald Pickup
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About this listen

Out of print for many years, this is a brand new edition of the definitive companion to the acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, written by the author himself.

What was daily life in Nelson's navy really like, for everyone from the captain down to the rawest recruit? What did they eat? What songs did they sing? What was the schedule of watches? How were the officers and crew paid, and what was the division of prize-money?

These questions and many more are answered in Patrick O'Brian's elegant narrative, which includes wonderful anecdotal material on the battles and commanders that established Britain's naval supremacy.

The meticulously researched text provides an unparalleled insight into life during wartime in the Napoleonic era, and offers a wonderfully evocative companion to the world of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.

 Action & Adventure Europe Great Britain Historical Fiction Maritime History & Piracy Military World War

Critic reviews

‘The greatest historical novelist of all time’ The Times

‘There is nothing in this century which rival Patrick O’Brian’s achievement. His novels embrace with loving clarity the full richness of the 18th-century world’ Amanda Foreman

‘…full of the energy that comes from a writer having struck a vein… Patrick O’Brian is unquestionably the Homer of the Napoleonic wars.’
James Hamilton- Paterson

‘In a highly competitive field … a real first-rater.’
Mary Renault
All stars
Most relevant
excellent reference book for those of us who enjoy the likes of O'Brian and Forrester , they are much better when you can understand half the jargon. I also find the ins and outs of life aboard very interesting, and it is fascinating to find out where so many of our 'sayings' come from ! The narration is a struggle to get to grips with, he mumbles and rumbles to the detriment of sounding clear and I found I needed to wear headphones and sometimes 'rewind' to re listen to some of the parts.

excellent reference book...

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Concise and cohesive information on the general experience and regime in the Navy of the day. Would have liked more information on individual historical figures, but there are biographies for that.

Good context for the series.

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Firstly, I was sad not to hear Ric Jerrom’s dulcet tones after enjoying his reading of the Aubrey Maturin series.
However after that, this short book proved to be a valuable companion with interesting insights into the Navy of the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.
For those discovering the Aubrey Maturin series I would recommend you read this early on - after the first few books, as soon as you’re invested. I waited until the end and I now think it would have given me insight that would have been useful throughout the series.

Enjoy!

Insight into the world of Aubrey and Maturin

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It is a pity that the narrator wasn’t able/ willing to sing the sea shanties at the end of the book. Overall, it doesn’t really add much to the picture so vividly presented in the novels.

It’s a structured presentation of the information drawn out in his novels.

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It’s rare to find this type of information about how life in the British Navy was in Napoleonic times. Short, but interesting , and a great primer to deepen understanding of the frequent naval terms used in the fantastic Aubrey-Maturin series.

Great Historic Royal Navy info!

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