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

Episode 40 - The Ionian Mission (Part 8)

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.

Episode 41 - The Ionian Mission (Part 9)

The actual Ionian Mission is underway!  There are political opportunists looking for guns and power - which one to trust? And can Harte even spell Beylik?  Stephen takes a swim, and Babbington takes the heat for his charity towards Lesbians. Ch 9.

Episode 42 - The Ionian Mission (Part 10)

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.

Episode 43 - The Ionian Mission (Final Part)

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.

Episode 44 - Treasons Harbour (Part 1); Brian Wilson

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. 

Episode 45 - Treasons Harbour (Part 2)

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.

Episode 46 - Treasons Harbour (Part 3)

Stephen's newest scientific instrument is here, and it's the bell of the world. Jack and Stephen are both interested in Laura Fielding, but for very different reasons, and everyone's interested in the flauto d'amore, thanks to a dose of Spanish Fly. Listeners help us entangle boats and goats, and it's all in the best possible taste. Ch 3.

Episode 47 - Treason's Harbour (Part 4); John Bromley

Stephen finds late nights and guilt are bothering him. No such problem for Jack, who's given orders to sail, temporarily bidding farewell and adieu to the Maltese ladies. Speaking of which - we talk about sea shanties with John Bromley from Kimber's Men. Ch 4.

Episode 48 - Treason's Harbour (Part 5)

Jack, Stephen and their followers have to travel across the desert, threatened on all sides by ghouls and jinns and fairies, supported by a noble horse, and by an odabashi with remarkable language skills. Ch 5.

Episode 49 - Treason's Harbour (Part 6)

Sunken galleys, treasure, sharks, khat and a diving bell - everything about this week's episode says 'exotic'. But can Jack turn all this excitement into victory over the French? And if not, why not? Ch 6.