Folks in the UK will no doubt have seen today's article in The Guardian about the charms of the Aubreyad (you maybe even know who wrote it!), but just in case you missed it, here's the link Why Patrick O’Brian is Jane Austen at sea.


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esteven's lovely post marking the anniversary of the premier of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World reminded me of a review of the film I saw at the time on the BBC's Newsnight Review programme. I remember it vividly because the panellists, Germaine Greer, Ian Rankin and Paul Morley, gave it an absolutely scathing review. Greer in particular ( Read more... )

My friends

Since we’re celebrating the tenth anniversary of the release of Master & Commander, The Far Side of the World this month and prompted by the lovely esteven I wondered if you’d indulge me sharing with you the two “Patrick O’Brian Weekends” I was lucky enough to go to in Portsmouth in October 2003 and 2004? My ramblings are somewhat lengthy, ( Read more... )

The production notes from the Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World press kit state: Patrick O'Brian's 20-volume Aubrey / Maturin opus, which reflected a lifetime of research, was Weir's touchstone. The director never wavered from his commitment to capturing the detail and spirit of O'Brian's world and characters, and brings an ( Read more... )

I came across something at Crowe Crossing (an RC fansite), which might be of interest. One of their members pointed to Down in Front, a website of movie commentary podcasts with a difference which can be downloaded from iTunes (search for podcasts: down-in-front). This is a film review show where, as itunes describes it, real film-makers analyze ( Read more... )

New review up at fictioncircus !

HELL AT SEA, VOLUME NINE: "Treason's Harbour"

As always, if I have made a mistake, do not hesitate to demand a meeting for it.  I shall answer.

New review at ( Read more... )

There's a new review of "The Surgeon's Mate" up at ( Read more... )

New review up at
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Book the Fifth, Review'd and Contemplated at
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