The Letter of Marque

by O'BRIAN, PATRICKPIGOTT-SMITH, TIM

• ISBN13: 9780375415982
• ISBN10: 037541598X
• Edition: Abridged
• Format: Audio CD
• Copyright: 2001-03-01
• Publisher: Random House Audio

Summary

The time is the early 1800's, and the British Navy stands as the only bulwark against the militant fanaticism of Napoleonic France. Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and experienced officer, has been struck off the list of post-captains for a crime he has not committed. His old friend Stephen Maturin, usually acting as the ship's surgeon to cover his activities on behalf of British intelligence, has bought for Aubrey his old ship The Surprise to command as a privateer. Together they sail on a desperate mission against the French which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from the private hell of his disgrace.

From these familiar elements Patrick O'Brian has created a tale of great narrative power that rivals C.S. Forester for suspense, and surpasses him in its perception of character.

Author Biography

<b>Patrick O’Brian</b>’s many novels include <i>Testimonies, The Golden Ocean, </i>and <i>The Unknown Shore</i>, in addition to twenty volumes in the highly respected Aubrey/Maturin series. O’Brian wrote acclaimed biographies of Pablo Picasso and Sir Joseph Banks and translated many works from the French, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Lacouture’s biography of Charles de Gaulle. Mr. O’Brian died in January 2000.