Patrick O'Brian

Captain Jack Aubrey and his surgeon and friend, Stephen Maturin, sail to Australia with a hold full of convicts to rescue Governor Bligh. Also on board is a beautiful and dangerous spy and a treacherous disease which decimates the crew.  Book 5 of series.

Napoleon escapes from Elba, and the fate of Europe hinges on a desperate mission: Stephen Maturin must ferret out the French dictator's secret link to the powers of Islam, and Jack Aubrey must destroy it. Book 19 of series.

BBC Radio productions of the first seven books in Patrick O'Brian's hugely popular Napoleonic naval series - plus bonus material

Widely regarded as the most engaging historical novels ever written, the 21 books in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series have garnered millions of fans since the publication of the first volume over 50 years ago. Included here are BBC radio adaptations of the first seven thrilling stories.

Master and Commander - Gibraltar, 1800. Newly commissioned Commander Jack Aubrey anxiously awaits the verdict in his court martial for the loss of his ship... Michael Troughton stars as Aubrey, with Nigel Anthony as Stephen Maturin.

Post Captain - 1802. Following the Treaty of Amiens, England is at peace. Returning home for a short spell as country squires, Jack and Stephen meet two beautiful women who will change their lives forever... Read by Patrick Malahide.

HMS Surprise - 1804, and the dauntless duo face sea battles, political intrigue and romantic rivalry, as Aubrey tackles a secret mission. Starring David Robb as Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Stephen Maturin, with other cast including Adjoa Andoh.

The Mauritius Command- 1809. Promoted to Commodore, Jack prepares to lead a squadron of ships against the French. David Robb and Richard Dillane star as Aubrey and Maturin.

Desolation Island - 1811, and Jack Aubrey sets sail for Australia. His mission: to transport a group of convicts to Botany Bay. Starring David Robb and Richard Dillane.

The Fortune of War - 1812. Britain is at war with America and France - and the two friends find themselves caught in the crossfire... David Robb and Richard Dillane star in this 3-part dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel and its sequel The Surgeon's Mate.

Third Ear - Patrick O'Brian talks to fellow novelist Alan Judd about his work and his fascination with the historical novel.

Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander - James Naughtie discusses the novel that sparked the much-loved series with author Allan Mallinson and an audience of invited readers.

Jack Aubrey's first action in command of a man-of-war in Nelson's time.The book establishes the friendship between Captain Jack Aubrey RN and Stephen Maturin, who becomes his secretive ship's surgeon and an intelligence agent.  Book 1 of series.

Captain Aubrey is ashore without a command until Maturin arrives with secret orders for him to take a frigate to the Cape of Good Hope. His task is made more difficult by two of his own captains: Lord Clonfert and Captain Corbet, a man with a reputation for great severity.  Book 4 of series.

A companion to O'Brian's sea novels, this concise, historical overview offers a straightforward explanation of what daily life was like in Admiral Horatio Nelson's navy. Including 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 an evocative companion to the world of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.

Arriving back in England, Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin live the lives of country gentlemen. When Jack loses his money their comfortable existence ends and Jack flees abroad to seek refuge. Instead he finds himself a hunted man..   Book 2 of series.

The Wager is parted from her squadron in storms off Cape Horn and eventually gets driven onto the rocks and sinks. The survivors soon succumb to mutiny and drunkenness but, guided by a band of Indians, they make their way north and finally find safety in Valparaiso. Prequel to the 'Aubrey and Maturin' series.