The Letter of Marque (Aubrey/Maturin Novels, 12) (Book 12) - Softcover

O'Brian, Patrick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0393309053 ISBN 13: 9780393309058

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 1992

Synopsis

"Fine stuff...[The Letter of Marque] leaves the devotee of naval fiction eager for sequels." ―Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post Book World

Captain Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and experienced officer, has been struck off the list of post-captains for a crime he did not commit. His old friend Stephen Maturin, usually cast as a ship's surgeon to mask his discreet activities on behalf of British Intelligence, has bought for Aubrey his former ship the Surprise to command as a privateer, more politely termed a letter of marque. Together they sail on a desperate mission against the French, which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from the private hell of his disgrace.

About this title

Review:

When Jack Aubrey is unfairly deprived of his commission in the Royal Navy, Stephen Maturin comes to the rescue, purchasing the captain's former ship and outfitting it as a privateer, to be commanded by...Jack Aubrey. Soon the Surprise is off to sea, on a mission that Aubrey hopes will redeem his good name. The author's grasp of period detail is astonishing as ever--and so is his gift for pure entertainment.

From the Inside Flap:

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The 12th installment in the Aubrey/ Maturin series.

The time is the early 1800s, and the British Navy stands as the only bulwark against the militant fanaticism of Napoleonic France.  Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and experienced officer, has been struck off the list of post-captains for a crime his has not committed.  His old friend Stephen Maturin, usually acting as the ship's surgeon to cover his activities on behalf of British intelligence, has bought for Aubrey his old ship The Surprise to command as a privateer.  Together they sail on a desperate mission against the French which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from the private hell of his disgrace.

From these familiar Patrick O'Brian has created a tale of great narrative power that rivals C.S. Forester for suspense, and surpasses him in its perception of character.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0393309053
• ISBN 13: 9780393309058
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 284