Patrick O''Brian''s novels about the British navy during the Napoleonic wars are far meatier than any other works on the period. The author takes you into the very life of the ships, so that you groan with the vessels'' timbers as they tack in a force 9 gale, or when becalmed in the sultry Sargasso. Not only do we participate in swashbuckling action, spy adventures and romance, but we learn what life was like for officers and men, including arcane medical practices, sailors'' poetry and awful (but ingenious) puns. We participate in the era''s great discoveries in geography and natural history; we spend an evening or two listening to the Captain''s violin and cello duets. If you want to get a taste of adventure, salt spray, human nature, wild and desolate anchorages, feasting and fasting, these 20 novels are for you. ''Master and Commander'' is only the introductory slice of the cake. Beware! It''s addictive stuff. By the way, the recent film with Russell Crowe as Captain Aubrey combines parts of several of the novels.

I do like novels that give an insight into historical issues at the same time as being entertaining. I have a huge TBR so it'll probably be some time before I can get to this.

Good grief I found this dull! The story was OK, but all the stuff about rigging, and topsails, and showing off of nautical research was so tedious! I still fancy watching the film and seeing what they make of it - I think this might be one of the few times where I might prefer the film to the book.

I did get ~some~ historical insight, but I can't say I found it very entertaining. Such a pity, as it's been sitting on Mt TBR for nearly 8 years (sorry deecee44!). I hope it's more to the taste of the person who finds it next!

After the Rewild Bowland/38 Degrees Lancaster & Morecambe District's 'Forest of Bowland Wildlife Day' and Hen Harrier Day, in the main hall on a windowsill.