Master and Commander [UNABRIDGED] (Aubrey-Maturin) [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

~ Patrick O'Brian (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"O’Brian’s sheer brilliance as a writer constantly dazzles." -- Irish Times

"Patrick O’Brian can put a spark of character into the sawdust of time." -- Observer

"The best sea story I have ever read." -- Sir Francis Chichester

Product Description

Captain Jack Aubrey is ashore on half pay without a command, until Stephen Maturin arrives with secret orders for Aubrey to take a frigate to the Cape of Good Hope under a commodore’s pennant, there to mount an expedition against the French-held islands of Mauritius and La Réunion. But the difficulties of carrying out his orders are compounded by two of his own captains—Lord Clonfert, a pleasure-seeking dilettante, and Captain Corbett, whose severity pushes his crew to the verge of mutiny.

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks Inc.; Unabridged edition (March 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786186291
• ISBN-13: 978-0786186297
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 5.3 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #241,551 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Audible Silk, November 11, 2007

By	Aaron Gladki "yaablett" (Canberra, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Listening to Simon Vance read Patrick O'Brian's words is like having silk poured in your ears. A fantastic book made even better!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy O'Brian fan, June 26, 2007

By	Renny Pritikin (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's been a decade since I read the books, so this time around I am listening to them. The production is first rate and I am enjoying the book as though I'd never read it. Joy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simon Vance gets it!, October 5, 2008

By	demonreader (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

My parents had been trying to get me to read this series for a number of years. I tried once or twice, but whether it was the wrong time or I was in the wrong mood, I just couldn't get into the characters. I then was in a position of driving, alone, from New York to Texas, and stopped in a bookstore for something to listen to on the way.

First, the Master and Commander that I listened to was not Simon Vance. Happily it was well enough done to make me continue the series. At this writing, I have 3 and 1/2 books left. Simon Vance is so good though, that I am purchasing his version, of this, the first book. I also had ordered, without checking, the last book. When I received it from the used seller, and discovered that it was read by someone else, I dropped that in the charity bag, and ordered another with Mr. Vance. He does not intrude on the story, but he is definitely a part of the family. I couldn't imagine finishing up with anyone else.

I have not done any more long car trips, but have listened piece meal during day to day driving. The story holds up, and I have spent quite a bit of time sitting in the driveway "just finishing up a bit" I always keep the next book ready in the car.

There are many reviews of the books, probably much better than I could set out. I was not an audio book listener until we listened to the Harry Potter books, read by Jim Dale, on a number of long car drives. (The last one on the drive that got me to New York from Texas). I had tried several other books, including favorites of mine, and really have decided that the reader makes all of the difference. I have listened to books that I love, and not been able to finish them, because the reader just didn't get the material. Simon Vance gets this material.

I have added the paper books to my library and will read them the old fashioned way some day. These CDs will stay in my permanent library as well. They certainly match the gold standard of "re-readability".