Blue at the Mizzen Book + PRICE WATCH * Amazon pricing is not included in price watch

Blue at the Mizzen Book

Why do the sea-faring adventure novels of Patrick O'Brian enjoy such a phenomenally devoted readership? Actually, O'Brian enthusiasts can take their pick from a variety of qualities of excellence: the sheer command of writing technique; the adroit characterisation of his heroes, every bit as rich and well-rounded as anything in serious fiction; and, of course, the bracingly-realised atmosphere of the sea on which the author sets his tales of derring-do. The latest volume, Blue at the Mizzen, represents an even greater refinement of O'Brian's art. His long-time protagonist Jack Aubrey is about to achieve his ambition. Unusually, his finances are in good order and his professional life is ship-shape. But as he reaches the upper echelons of the Captain's list, his prospects of gaining that final promotion are in the balance. In the powder-keg revolutionary atmosphere of South America, his shipmate Stephen Maturin is coming to terms with the loss of his wife by throwing himself into the intelligence work he so enjoys. Both men become involved in a series of labyrinthine intrigues, splendidly punctuated by the action that O'Brian delivers so well. And the writing is as non-pareil as ever: "Then came the repeated broadsides: this was not the dumb show of usual practice at divisions, but the shattering din of battle, the flashing stabs of fire, the shriek of each gun's very dangerous recoil, the heady scent of powder-smoke along the decks." Blue at the Mizzen is a treat for lovers of O'Brian and a perfect introduction for those who have not yet read him. --Barry ForshawRead More

from£N/A | RRP: £7.99
* Excludes Voucher Code Discount Also available Used from £N/A
  • Amazon

    Napoleon's hundred days of freedom and his renewed threat to Europe have ended at Waterloo and Jack Aubrey has finally become a blue level admiral. He and his best friend, Stephen Maturin, part ship's doctor, part secret agent finally set sail on their much postponed mission to Chile.

  • Play

    Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin tales are widely acknowledged to be the greatest series of historical novels ever written. All eighteen books are being re-issued in hardback by HarperCollins with stunning new jackets to coincide with a new film based on the adventures and to introduce these modern classics to a new generation. 'If we had only two or three of Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series we would count ourselves lucky; with six or seven the author would be safely among the greats of historical fiction... This is great writing by an undiminished talent. Now on to Volume Twenty and the liberation of Chile.' WILLIAM WALDEGRAVE Literary Review This is the twentieth book in Patrick O'Brian's highly acclaimed bestselling series chronicling the adventures of lucky Jack Aubrey and his best friend Stephen Maturin part ship's doctor part secret agent. The novel's stirring action follows on from that of The Hundred Days. Napoleon's hundred days of freedom and his renewed threat to Europe have ended at Waterloo and Aubrey has finally as the title suggests become a blue level admiral. He and Maturin have -- at last -- set sail on their much postponed mission to Chile. Vivid with the salty tang of life at sea O'Brian's writing is as powerful as ever whether he writes of naval hierarchies night-actions or the most celebrated fictional friendship since that of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson. Blue at the Mizzen also brings alive the sights and sounds of revolutionary South America in a story as exciting as any O'Brian has written.

  • Foyles

    For a man of war, peacetime is the ultimate challenge.Leaving behind them a Europe still taking stock after the definitive battle of Waterloo, Jack Aubrey and his friend Stephen Maturin set sail for Chile. But even with the newly minted peace, life at sea remains beset with danger and imminent disaster, and the political turmoil of the South American continent is equal to any threat they have yet faced.Out of loss – of purpose, of love – can the two friends rescue what they most desire?‘Beyond his superbly elegant writing, wit and originality, [O’Brian] showed an understanding of the nature of a floating world at the mercy of the wind and sea which has never been surpassed.’MAX HASTINGS, Evening Standard‘From the opening page I was addicted to what I judge to be one of the greatest cycles of storytelling in the English language.’WILLIAM WALDEGRAVE, Daily Telegraph

  • BookDepository

    Blue at the Mizzen : Paperback : HarperCollins Publishers : 9780006513780 : 0006513786 : 02 Jun 2003 : For a man of war, peacetime is the ultimate challenge.

  • 0006513786
  • 9780006513780
  • Patrick O'Brian
  • 1 April 2010
  • Harper
  • Paperback (Book)
  • 272
  • (Reissue)
  • Special Edition
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through any of the links below and make a purchase we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Click here to learn more.

Would you like your name to appear with the review?

We will post your book review within a day or so as long as it meets our guidelines and terms and conditions. All reviews submitted become the licensed property of www.find-book.co.uk as written in our terms and conditions. None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.

All form fields are required.