Patrick O'Brian

[bcguy]

On my 3rd reading of his 20 book series. 1st read was quickly to get to battle and situation results...2nd to re-read more comprehensively ... 3rd reading to isolate and write down the deep learned side of Maturin. Sadly I am coming to an end of the 3rd reading. The caliber of naval historian O'Brian writing is Shakespearean in his depth of human perception. So... I am in dire need of a new series... not necessarily "maritime" but similar in depth, excitement ...adventure as PO's Master & Commander series.

.... p.s... greetings from Vancouver Island ... best wishes for the season.
Gary

[AnsleyS]

If you like the Patrick O'brian series look up Dudley Popes books including the Ramage series.

[Calif.Ted]

"Mr. Midshipman Easy" written in 1836 by the pioneer of maritime fiction Capt. Fredrick Marryat, his other books are also enjoyable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Marryat
C.S. Forrester's Hornblower series,
Julian Stockwin's Kydd series,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_Stockwin

[psk125]

The Nagle Journal isn't a series, but it goes from the Battle of Brandywine in Pennsylvania to the founding of Sydney, Australia, with a lot of stuff between and after. It follows the tracks of Jacob Nagle's diary. And it's not fiction. He ended up getting a pension from Congress for his role as a Revolutionary war veteran. https://www.amazon.com/Nagle-Journal.../dp/1555842232

[JPA Cate]

If you like Patrick O'Brian's series, you may also enjoy Alexander Kent's series. There are maybe 20 of them, dealing with the life and times of his protagonist, Richard Bolitho.

[HopCar]

C.S. Forester, the Hornblower series. This is the one that set the standard for historical novels.

Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe’s Rifles series.

[caffel]

If you don't mind the few racy parts, Dewey Lambdin does a great job of exploiting the naval history of the Napoleonic Wars and was a good remedy for the letdown I felt when O'Brian's books stopped coming.

[NedX]

Originally Posted by HopCar

C.S. Forester, the Hornblower series. This is the one that set the standard for historical novels.

Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe’s Rifles series.

I second this recommendation of the Hornblower series.

[bdbcat]

And, if you want the modern USN equivalent of Hornblower, try David Poyer's series starting with "The Med".
Recommended.


Dave

[adenduyf]

I’ll second the Alexander Kent series. I’ve got the complete set for anyone on Vancouver Island that would like it. Terrific books and I’m happy to pass them along.

[bcguy]

....just back aboard ship so a bit late in reply. If available ?


...regards
Gary


aguysailing@yahoo.ca

[Uricanejack]

Not a series just a book

John Paul Jones
By
Armstrong Sperry

Or John Paul Jones
By
Evan Thomas

Sometimes the truth is more amazing than fiction.

There is another good book about
Cochrane
By
Robert Harvey

[AndyEss]

Not sailing books per se, but similar to POB in male bonding in stress/war situations with plenty of adventure - WEB Griffin’s series of books on the late 1930’s to early 1950’s Marine Corps in the Pacific, China, Japan and Korea.
After I first got through POB’s Maturin/Aubrey series the first time (I’m maybe on rerun 5 or 6) I would alternate book series with Napoleonic and circa WW2 warfare.

[fstbttms]

Forrester can't hold a candle to O'Brian for historical and social accuracy not to mention plain literary craftsmanship. IMHO.

[NedX]

Originally Posted by fstbttms

Forrester can't hold a candle to O'Brian for historical and social accuracy not to mention plain literary craftsmanship. IMHO.

I read O'Brian for verisimilitude, Forrester for escapism. Although the ending of the one in which Hornblower's ordered to fight an uneven battle by his superior officer/rival and ends up striking his colors is a downfall Aubrey never has to endure.