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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.