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Master and Commander [Large Print] (Hardcover)

by Patrick O'Brian (Author)

4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (125 customer reviews)

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1 new from CDN$ 112.52 4 used from CDN$ 44.06

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Product Details

Hardcover: 696 pages
Publisher: Thorndike Pr; Lrg edition (November 1999)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0786219327
ISBN-13: 978-0786219322
Product Dimensions: 22.2 x 14 x 3.2 cm
Shipping Weight: 840 g

Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (125 customer reviews)

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Product Description

From Amazon.com

The opening salvo of the Aubrey-Maturin epic, in which the surgeon introduces himself to the captain by driving an elbow into his ribs during a chamber-music recital. Fortunately for millions of readers, the two quickly make up. Then they commence one of the great literary voyages of our century, set against an immaculately-detailed backdrop of the Napoleonic wars. This is the place to start--and in all likelihood, you won't be able to stop.

From Library Journal

These two selections represent a series of abridged audiobook versions of O'Brian's works narrated by Robert Hardy, that most blustery and unstudied of British actors. Hardy reads the stories cold, but here it works. He uses his voice to evoke everything from brutality to mannered drawing-room excesses to the physical threat of a storm at sea. The stories are superb depictions of life on a British man-of-war and incorporate O'Brian's exquisitely accurate historical detail (Testimonies, Audio Reviews, LJ 7/96). The friendship of protagonists Capt. Jack Aubrey and ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin plays out against an expanse of ocean, from India to the Atlantic, with a full complement of battles and adventures at sea for devotees of naval fiction. Highly recommended.?Mark Pumphrey, Polk Cty. P.L., Columbus, NC
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Customer Reviews

125 Reviews

5 star:		(92)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

Average Customer Review

4.4 out of 5 stars (125 customer reviews)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't start here, Jun 12 2007

By	anna (Somerset, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master & Commander (Paperback)

I note that one or two reviewers have given this book a poor rating. I too, at first, could not 'get on' with Master and Commander despite being a 'Nelson nut' and enthusiastic about this era. Then someone suggested I should read 'Post Captain', the second in the series, then return to 'Master & Commander'. I took this advice and have never looked back. I am now a confirmed O'Brian enthusiast.

My particular interest is the interplay of character, the human interest, the authentic recreation, in every aspect, of a fascinating period in European history. O'Brian is totally in command of the period - language, custom, philosophical preoccupations, naval tactics, contemporary events. Some may find the tehnicalities of sailing, which O'Brian narrates in detail, to be off-putting. The trick is not to skip but to read these passages as a non-musician listens to music, not attempting to understand every note but to catch the mood. You will be swept along by the beauty and power of O'Brian's writing, and you will follow the narrative through the reactions of those involved.

So, for anyone unable to finish 'Master & Commander' I would say, 'Don't start here'. Follow my advice, and you will certainly return.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Epic!, Jul 9 2004

By	SereneNight (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master and Commander (Audio Cassette)

Captain Aubrey is the impulsive, boyishly-jolly captain of the Sophie. His best-friend is the nerdy doctor Maturan. When Aubrey is assigned to the Sophie he convinces Maturan, a doctor in private practice, to enlist. Together they have many excellent adventures. This is the first in the series.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this novel, and was VERY impressed. The narrator manages to capture Aubrey's good nature and Maturin's cheerful introspection quite well.

This series is very detailed. I learned plenty about the life of British sailors and the relationships between the characters is charming and at times sad. In particular, I liked Aubrey. He has an almost cheerfully optimism that is quite infectious. Doctor Maturan is funny, but at times I wish he were more assertive.

Overall, an excellent book. Well narrated. Five Stars.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Master and commander - listen to it first!, Jan 23 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Master and Commander (Audio Cassette)

I have listened to all of the tales of Jack Aubrey and company. However, I have never read them. They are a difficult read but a delight to listen to on tape or CD. My favorites are the unabridged books read by Patrick Tull. They take about 15 hours each and are perfect for listening to on a commute of 1/2 hour or more. I used to dread the drive, now I look forward to it. If you tried reading one and got lost or confused, try listening to one instead. Also, make sure you start with Master and Commander, the first volume. It lays the foundation for the other 12 volumes.

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Most recent customer reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating but Frustrating
The best things about Master and Commander are very good indeed. The characters are engaging, and the scenery is vivid, but I had several problems with this book. Read more

Published on Jan 4 2005

5.0 out of 5 stars Like dessert before the meal
I'll limit myself to two points, other reviewers having done handsomely.

__First versus later:__
This opener novel in the series is more packed with action than a full three... Read more

Published on Dec 17 2003 by Richard Powell

1.0 out of 5 stars Defeated
I always prided myself in finishing every book that I started no matter how bad. Patrick O'Brian managed to give me an Ol' Broadside. I just couldn't finish it. Read more

Published on Jun 19 2003 by irish28ma

5.0 out of 5 stars The first book of my favorite series!
Although I am not a sailor nor am I very knowledgeable about the navy, I do get a charge out of historical naval fiction. I read the Hornblower series by C.S. Read more