A fan podcast reviewing all of the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O’Brian, beginning with the first - Master and Commander. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/lubbershole
More ups and downs (physical and metaphorical) for Jack and the crew of the Surprise. While health can come and go, plainchant is eternal. But wait - who's that counting his barrels in the cloister? Ch 1-2.
We make a start on Treason's Harbour, with a Chelengk and a dog and advancement for Pullings, but we soon encounter some tricky questions: did Stephen REALLY dislike Rousseau? And why? And what's that got to do with Frankenstein? Our special guest Brian Wilson helps us out. Ch 1.
We're onto the final leg of the Ionian journey - the true colours of Jack's Turkish allies are finally revealed, which is a setback for Prof Graham. In action off Corfu, the Surprise has a chance of pulling off 'Nelson's Bridge'. Ch 11.
Building towards the culmination of our Ionian story - we learn to admire Turkish manners, and meet an actual pope, not to mention a passing encounter with Cleopatra. Jack reflects on hypocrisy and parenthood. Ch 10.
Jack is back before Admiral Thornton; Stephen has everyone terrified of being castrated by mumps; and the grand oratorio rehearsal survives a big storm. There's a return for the dear Surprise, with news - the French are out! But not before we've talked about Thomas Cochrane. Ch 8.
This week there’s a showdown with Harte, Jack gets re-acquainted with an old friend, and Stephen makes an unwelcome entrance. Plus, there’s espionage ashore, resulting in a surprising encounter in a moonlit French marsh. Ch 7.
We muse on what is and is not poetical, and Stephen misses a rhinoceros and thousands of flamingos. Jack’s cold continues to dog him, and we have the possibility of some unexpected action, usually the perfect thing to set up our hero, Jack Aubrey. Ch 6,7
As Jack, alone aboard the Worcester, explores the mysteries of 'Old Bach', we explore them for ourselves, with the help of our guest, music professor David Curtin. We also uncover old cold remedies, and a new horse metaphor. Ch 6.
We continue with the Ionian Mission; Jack and Stephen encounter trouble with quails - or are they tribbles? Or partridges in pear trees? Meanwhile Lt Somers loses his cool. Ch 4-6.
