The Lubber’s Hole - A Patrick O’Brian Podcast

The Diane begins a long, perilous journey around Africa towards Pulo Prabang. There are contrary currents, cuttlefish, cathedrals of ice, confessions and copulation. Oh, and Kerguelen. Curious? Ch 5.

Arriving in Java, we pick up the rest of the British mission, hear troubling news about Britain's banks, track down a Dutch anatomist, and press on to Pulo Prabang to prepare for meeting the Sultan and the French. Plus we talk about Stamford Raffles, and all things oriental, with guest Josh Provan. Ch 6.

Stephen heads ashore and compiles the next discreet chapter in Dr. Maturin’s guide to better out-of-town business trip accommodations. We debate vital life forces for humans, tapirs, orangutans - anything with a spleen, basically. A real Van Buren makes an appearance, as does the real Geoff Hunt. Ch 6 (2nd part).

A colourful birthday celebration shows off the Diane's firepower; Abdul becomes a bigger problem; Stephen fixes an intelligence setback; and we join him on a fabulous journey to the heart of Patrick O'Brian. Ch 7

As Stephen returns from Kumai, there's danger in the city and a big potential change brewing in the negotiations. Stephen carries out a surprisingly important dissection with Van Buren, whereby spleens are redeemed. Jack enjoys simple sailing and spying on the French frigate, while Fox and the Old Buggers show their true colours.  Ch 8.

The moon has it in for the Diane, as she heads for her rendezvous with the Surprise carrying an impatient envoy Fox and his suite. There are strained relations, a tromba marina, a Gunroom dinner, time in the rigging, the Articles of War, Coronation Day, a clumsy Stephen and trouble at sea. All this, and a Freudian slip. Ch 9.

Jack & the crew get busy, Fox gets his way (and, perhaps, gets what's coming to him). Sailors demonstrate mainbrace splicing, and marines demonstrate castramentation, as we reach the bitter end of The Thirteen Gun Salute.  Ch 10.

The Dianes are boat-building but take time out for a cricket match as supplies run threateningly low. Stephen finds a new role. The swallows are untrue, and the visiting Malays are inscrutable. We reflect on Commodore Anson and do our best to avoid St Famine’s Day. Ch 1.

Welby and the Marines shine once more, as Kesegaran and the Dyaks return. Jack keeps the crew pulling together even though there’s no 'widow’s cruse' in sight - just some 'Dublin horse' which goes well with POB’s family wine. For Stephen, swiftlets prove their worth is more than just their edible nests. Ch 2.

Heading for Batavia, our heroes and the treaty continue to face piratical dangers. We revisit an O’Brian Scottish brogue, and see an old friend from the Sultan’s court.  There’s a new ship on the horizon - but what name will Jack pick for her? Ch 3.