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> Patrick O'Brian, Aubrey-Maturin series. Wonderful, wonderful books. I didn’t even like historical fiction as a concept before these. It takes a while to get
by guscost 7y ago
> Patrick O'Brian, Aubrey-Maturin series.
Wonderful, wonderful books. I didn’t even like historical fiction as a concept before these. It takes a while to get over the “culture shock” and learn the vocabulary of seafaring life, but it easily pays off with twenty-and-one-half (!) excellent stories. Someone also made a companion glossary called “A Sea of Words” which is a big help.
- iainmerrick 7y agoYes, that whole series is terrific! I keep meaning to re-read the whole thing but get sidetracked around book 2 or 3. I should make time for it. Besides the wit and the beautiful language, I’m fascinated by the depiction of societies (and micro-societies, when at sea) where people are the most valuable resource, for brainpower, highly specialized skills and sheer brawn in equal proportions; and the arbitrary nature of command and rank, where the best person for the job may or may not be in charge.