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

Episode 220 is out today - dedicated to our interview with POB biographer Dean King. Discover the story of Dean’s journey to discover more of the real world story behind O’Brian’s genius.

We're still riding along on Anson's famous journey - this time from the viewpoint of the Wager, a ship that was lost fairly early in the last book. The two main characters of The Unknown Shore promise to please Aubrey-Maturin fans even more!

We explore the first of two POB books that could be said to be ‘pre-cursors' to the Aubrey-Maturin canon - The Golden Ocean.  Midshipmen, rats, storms, friendships, Irish back-story, shipwreck, disease and action - there’s a lot here to please an Aubrey-Maturin fan!

We're exploring the world of Jane Austen this week, reacting to the 1995 film adaptation of her novel Persuasion. With naval officers, snobbery, hunting, dinners and thwarted love, it might seem familiar ...

Jack and Stephen, homeward bound, head for Madeira to pick up their loves, and maybe a prize. Stephen attempts to recover from his wound, as he and Diana decide where to go from here.  With all the surprises in this final chapter, is there a straight path ahead to paradise? Ch 11.

In Calcutta, Jack is drowning in good wishes but still short of a dowry for Sophie. Canning acts like Jack's good friend, despite their history. Stephen calls on Diana for an answer to his marriage proposal, and things take a dramatic turn in the Indian heat. Ch 10.

Linois's squadron returns, and Jack's battle plans are tested, as he fights the Surprise with most of his officers and many of his gunners loaned out. Success may depend on the Surprise sacrificing herself, and we end with  Dryden's poetry and Stephen's commentary ringing in our ears.  Ch 9 Part 2.

The Surprise catches the China Fleet - which delights everyone but Stephen. Later, Surprise sees a less hospitable squadron. Jack rises to the occasion, balancing his desire for glory and action against his duty. Stephen provides a commentary on the human race as Jack falls asleep, and we wait for morning. Ch 9 Part 1.

This week we’re reposting our Crossing The Line special about children as characters in the O’Brian canon. Special thanks to our friend Steve Morris for joining the conversation. Back to HMS Surprise next week!

Surprise and her new first Lt sail for Kampong. We dip into Protestant theology, spy possible action from the Lubber’s Hole, see a relic of Jack's youth and deal with the envoy's health - punctuated by classical literature, blue water sailing, optimism and reality. Ch 8.

Stephen visits Diana alone at night, leading to wildly unexpected happenings and appearances.  Diana, Dil and Stephen are compared, while there’s shocking news from the ship, and even more shocking news ashore. Ch 7 Part 2.

Stephen wanders a Bombay beyond his imagination, finds a new particular friend, philosophizes on the holy, the human, the meaning of Sophie's letters, and what he and Jack should do for love. Ch 7 Part 1

The prophesied blow ensues with monstrous waves. Stephen schools Jack on stoicism. There's more poetry as Bonden's writing advances, pistol practice, more ominous thoughts on marriage and relationships, Biblical foreshadowing, and a sea snake stacked with serpentine symbolism. Ch 6 (part 2)

Babbington comes to the rescue. There's solar healing for Stephen. Bad news for rats, midshipmen and albatrosses; good news for sloth fans everywhere. We also peruse French poetry and thoughts on marriage. Ch 6 (part 1)

A new ship, officers, and crew together in a metaphorical crucible. Characters new and old encounter a very different kind of action. We examine sea officers, authority and humanity; men and marriage, various rats, light and colors, and swimming the Hellespont. Ch 5.

Surprise! A celebration of new things arising! A masterful chapter of names: of a book, of a curious English parish near Mapes, of a dead French agent, of a new Naval chief, and of course of a ship. Ch 4.

Jack struggles with who to trust and how to attempt to rescue Stephen. We examine, warfare, honour and the needs of the greater good, while along the way literature’s greatest male friendship is affirmed. Ch 3.

We’re on short commons blockading Toulon. Jack writes home about bloody action and the Lively's crew, Killick comes to life, and an unexpected night meeting on a beach has our plants starting to pay off. Ch 2.

A new First Lord and Admiralty Board shake up the story and endanger Stephen. There's a secondhand Diana update, Jack is nowhere to be seen, and Stephen sets off on a new mission, which worries Sir Joseph. Ch 1.

Ian and Mike celebrate the show’s bicentenary by answering listener questions, with help from our Patreons and from special guest Steve Morris. We discuss battle scenes, characters, WW2 exploits, Aubreyisms, friendship and of course Star Trek.

The Lively goes into action.  Jack receives surprising insights into Stephen's secret life and Admiralty connections. After weather disruption, a tense negotiation and Jack refusing to touch a belaying pin, things blow up as Post Captain comes to an end, or maybe a beginning. Ch 14.

A deeply philosophical Stephen seems an unsuccessful matchmaker. Jack designs a "Love Boat" interior. There's an intelligence mission, a copycat Nelson plan, opera, grace, virtue, music, words, art, scent, lots of rain, and plenty of references - this episode has it all! Ch 14 part 1.

Just as everything turned around last chapter - get ready for them to turn again! In this short chapter, Jack tries to work his way on the Lively. Stephen makes a stunning find ashore. And Jack learns why you have to be careful what you wish for. Ch 13.

Jack learns his fate from the Admiralty and faces new challenges, including Stephen. We learn about bees, ideal friendship, crack ships, leadership, dog watches and the reason behind the book's title, as the story takes an unexpected turn. Ch 12.

Amid high tension between Jack & Stephen, Stephen makes a momentous decision and Jack does not. Circumstances force Jack to step up in his leadership role. He tries to sell the crew on their mission - Everything goes well until it doesn't. Things get crazy and Jack goes for broke until things actually break, and he ends in a large pool of blood. Ch 11.

This week we're looking forward to talking with author Steve Maffeo about the world of naval intelligence, its portrayal in the O'Brian canon, the connection to Lord Nelson, and also a sneaky look ahead at events that are coming up in the closing chapters of Post Captain.

Stephen sees Diana and Sophie before leaving on his secret mission. Jack returns from the Baltics. Heneage Dundas asks Stephen to deliver a warning to Jack, and things get really bad - before they get even worse. Ch 10.

Jack assesses the crew, has an opportunity to re-rig the Polychrest, and displays an unusual talent. We learn about new sails, Stephen's particular skills and an old enemy. Jack has another opportunity to come through for Admiral Harte. Ch 9.

We learn more about Jack, Stephen, Sophie, and Diana's feelings. Tension mounts between Stephen and Jack. There's an intelligence mission, a notion of the sublime, a grand dinner with three rivals, more trouble with Harte, and Jack ashore. Ch 8.

Stephen joins the Polycrest and wonders about his relationship with Jack. Pullings returns and celebrates his promotion. There are perils afloat, a run-in with debt collectors, more bear references, disputes over discipline, mutterings of mutiny, and the return of Admiral Harte. Ch 7.

Jack meets with the new First Lord. He and Stephen attend Queenie's party and reunite with Sussex neighbours. Beware of bailiffs, footpads, and what you wish for - especially back on shore. Ch 6.

Jack and Stephen are back at sea. There's plenty of action, a dear friend, a gleaming cannon, some fascinating history, more from the book of Job, a series of setbacks, reflections on Sophia and Diana, and the distinct possibility the entire bear trip was for nothing. Ch 5.

Our heroes leave England and meet an old friend.  Jack provides insight on his relationship with Diana, Stephen endorses living in the present and we have one of our favourite canon stories: We're going on a bear hunt! Ch 4.

Stephen falls for Diana, but has concerns. Jack tries to deal with Sophie's reluctance. And tension mounts between our heroes even before their entire world turns upside down. Ch 3.

Jack and Stephen get to know the Williamses better. Shakespeare and Dryden make an appearance. Jack and Stephen host a ball and the Jane Austen plot thickens, as everyone engages the enemy more closely. Ch 2.

A new ship, bad odds, and life ashore in Jane Austen country. We meet a new set of characters, explore some classical references, and catch up with our heroes across masculine and feminine households.  Ch 1.

This is a short special New Year’s episode, containing a quick message to all of you, and a reminder of what's coming up in the coming weeks.   Episode 186, the first chapter of our re-read of Post Captain, is out on January 14th.

We explore the story of Job as Jack plans a final Cochrane flourish - can he meet his obligations to his crew and obtain his life's dream without getting killed in the process? Ch 10.

There are two visitors to the Lubber's Hole, greetings from home, visions of Christine, shifting local politics, a couple of naval actions, another burial at sea, and Jack has a plan! Ch. 9 & inter chapter.

There’s more weather to be weathered, as Stephen considers his contributions to scientific knowledge. William Reade is brought up short, Sir David makes an appearance, and we quote some Shakespeare. Ch 8.

In Rio, Jack learns about the Asp before leaving to go around Cape Horn. There's a nod to POB's first two nautical books, brushes with brutal weather and seas, women up to the challenge, and men working hard as supplies run short.  Ch 7.

A death leads to a “surprise” promotion. Harding jinxes the ship and we explore the doldrums - geographic and emotional, a US flashback, the ship’s cats, and our potential adversary in Chile. Ch 6.

The Surprise arrives in Sierra Leone. In the midst of amazing wildlife, Stephen takes his chance with Christine. Jacob and Stephen worry about Jack, and young Hanson enters the boxing ring, fighting for the Surprise. Ch 5.

There are irregularities (of the digestive kind) aboard the Surprise, as Mr Hanson progresses with Jack as a mentor. Stephen hopes for intelligence from Dr Jacob while the galley chorus rallies round. Ch 4.

Jack hurries to get his ship repaired while Stephen works to confirm the mission to Chile with Sir Joseph. There’s family time for some. A royal connection adds to the midshipman’s berth, as Stephen’s pocket-watch works its way into the story once again. Ch 3.

Jack returns to his amorous ways. The Surprise’s fortunes change and change again. Stephen is disappointed, worried, concerned, and ill-dressed. Wantage returns, though not entirely intact, and there’s a fiery ending for all. Ch 2.

The Surprise’s departure for Chile is short-lived as she threatens to founder. Barmouth is back, Keith is not, and we learn about the differences between sailors and soldiers. Ch 1.

Jack and the Surprise go after the galley, but the capture does not go as planned. Neither does much else. There’s a long chase, yet another new Dey, another death, and another potential complication for Jack’s career. Ch 10.

Jack tries to minimize the possibility of Lord Barmouth sending a different ship after the gold galley. Stephen has a favour to ask of Lady Keith, and Jacob leaves the ship without permission. Meanwhile, a pirate galley awaits the dark of the moon.  Ch 9.

Stephen and Jacob return to Algiers to find the Ringle and Surprise. Once again, there’s a new Dey in town. Stephen has some unexpected additions to his family. He doubts his diagnostic ability and his judgment, while seeking help from the wind and from a corsair. Ch. 8.

Stephen and Jacob head off into the mountains. There are animals, bribes, secret acquaintances, some Royal Navy history, a lion hunt, grand theft, and a wicked desert sandstorm.  Ch 7.

Shakespeare on death, a strong blow, more jeopardy for young Daniel and stories about his life. Meanwhile Jack shows birds to Stephen, there’s an unredeemed Killick, Algiers, lions, and tigers and bears, oh my… OK, no bears - but there’s a new Dey in town. Ch 6.

Action ensues, and our deep intelligence coves start some action of their own. Dr Stephen Maturin and Commodore Jack Aubrey visit The Lubber’s Hole! And we have a fiery time along the Adriatic Coast as Muslim gold heads for Napoleon’s mercenaries. Ch 5.

The Pomone is still unreliable, ill omens continue, the hand of glory disappears, a duel between Surprise’s officers is in the offing, and foreign ships move to take the weather gauge - with a curiously unfamiliar flag in view. Ch 4.

We have another tragic death in the squadron, the continued threat of bad luck and ill-omens, Killick’s rise and fall, a German flute-playing Marine officer, lucky objects threatened, and some music -  as the naval and intelligence missions continue. Ch 3.

Jack exercises the squadron’s great guns. Stephen composes music, gets a new loblolly-”boy,” and sketches the severed hand. There’s a mention of bad omens,  darkness lurks in the background, danger threatens, and the squadron is called to action. Ch 2.

The Hundred Days begin: The squadron arrives in Gibraltar and in the blink of an eye we learn what's changed. There are unexpected deaths near and far, threats on the continent, and invaluable intelligence and naval missions for our heroes. Ch 1.

Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about audiobooks.  With the help of special guests Steve Morris, Chris Durbin, Simon Vance and Sue Dennis we explore the artistry, the practicalities and reminiscences of how words like O'Brian's came to be spoken aloud for us.

Jack and Stephen return to London to attend the meetings which may determine the future of Jack’s naval career. There’s time at home, a Surprise make over, vacation with the family courtesy of the Chileans, and an even bigger surprise! Ch. 10

It's summer vacation time, so we’re taking a pause, to bring you something new in our ‘Crossing the Line’ series - a chance for you to dig deeper into the music of the Patrick O’Brian canon. Check out our playlists of classical of traditional & popular music. We'll be back with The Yellow Admiral next week.

The squadron is reinforced with ships but no supplies or post arrive. Stephen performs his most frequent surgery, and Killick has some great moments. Jack gets kudos from O’Brian, but worries about the French navy and the potential end of the war. Ch 9.

The Committee votes on Stephen’s plan. Stephen visits Woolcombe. Sophie gets an education. Jack considers his options, after Stephen rejoins the squadron. O’Brian demonstrates his Latin chops, and we lean heavily on our consulting Latinist! Ch 8.

Stuck waiting for repairs, Jack returns to the squadron too late to pick up Stephen and frets over the Admiral's view of his recent prize-taking. Stephen’s roundabout homeward journey takes him to London, to Blaine, and the promise of a new intelligence coup. Ch 7.

Jack worries about Stephen, teaches trig and upsets the Admiral, again. All is not well at home. (Hint: Mrs Williams is back.) There’s a potential prize, a blow and an unexpected time ashore. Ch 6.

There are disasters of old in these treacherous waters, music with a delightful new youngster, left-handed instruments, a great gun exercise, skylarking, an unexpected turn, and an anxiety-filled parting in the dark. Ch. 5.

Jack and Stephen try to rejoin the squadron; We learn what women most desire; and the Admiral reacts to the inclosure vote. There are wrinkled arses, maggot therapy, and a potential new career path for Jack. Ch 4.

The big prize fight is here, and the women step up (as usual). There's a bad omen, perhaps a little nobbling, a brief history of lechery, and some masterfully scary driving. Ch 3.

Jack and Stephen discuss a plan to inclose the common land next to Woolcombe. We discover birds disguised as metaphors (or is it the other way around) while Jack plots to get himself into even more trouble in Parliament. Ch 2.

We begin The Yellow Admiral: Jack and the Bellona are redeployed, but Jack is back in London for parliamentary business, and to deal with complications from his slavery mission. Stephen’s gone missing and Sir Joseph Blaine is worried. Ch 1.

We talk to Will Sofrin and Capt. Richard Bailey about Will’s book, All Hands on Deck: A Modern-Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World. We hear about their remarkable adventure and learn a little bit about the story behind the book.

Jack worries about the odds if they don’t find the French 74. No plan survives contact with the enemy or mother nature. We reach Ireland at last with heavy weather, Biblical references, everyone in need of a pilot, and a multitude of surprises. Ch 10.

Stephen’s shore leave karma comes home, and we get a yellow jack education. Inter-squadron tension increases. In the Bight of Benin we meet a new potto and a potto-loving woman, while there's new from home. Can the squadron leave in time to catch the French? Ch. 9.

The squadron makes its presence known, Stephen trips himself up on shore leave, Jack gains perspective on being a Commodore and the Africa mission comes together. There’s pottos, miasmata, and the Bight of Benin. Ch 8.

En route to Africa, Jack reads his secret orders and wonders about Stephen’s thoughts. Stephen considers what to do about Capt. Duff. Jack finalises his plans after momentarily setting up as a political cove and has his first encounter at sea with a slaver. Ch 7.

What's that sound - a great fleet action? We have friends helping friends; questionable Plato; jealousy revealed and confronted; and a pause for perspective - the ultimate distress of mind. We also have an interview with George Jepson and Brittany Stoner of McBooks Press. Ch 6.

A short Easter message to tide you over while the spring celebrations are underway.  Episode 150 will be with you next week.

Stephen rides back to the ship deciding what to do. Jack confronts “the green-eyed monster” - a reference for all you Othello fans. Plus family time (of a kind) on the Ringle, the Doctor’s fan club, a young Jack in the making, and bawdy humour from Hamlet. Ch 5.

We have the Captain’s dinner with all of Jack’s command, we hear more about Captain Thomas, and things turn deadly dangerous for Stephen.  Plus we have a review of Trafalgar - Fog of War, by Seth Hunter. Ch 4.

We spend more time with Jack’s family, as Mrs Williams sinks even lower. Stephen gets two surprises, one good and one bad. We get close-up views of the squadron, Sophie’s concerns, Jack’s musical abilities, and a lecture on what a proper sick-berth should be. Ch 3.

Jack has some news to offset his injury. Stephen meets Sir Joseph. Mrs. Williams is back and on steroids. There are interesting Easter Eggs, a new post captain, historical footnotes, and schadenfreude galore. Will Stephen finally get to see Diana and Brigid? Ch 2.

We are coming home to England! We hear about a lucky backgammon game, childhood high jinks, potentially good news for Captain Aubrey, and a change of plans for Stephen. Ch 1.

There's Noah’s Ark, action at sea, a race against an iceberg, unrelenting nature, more disaster, bad luck, and multiple good spots to end the book, plus our interview with guest Paul Bryers, author of the Nathan Peake books. Ch 10 (second half).

Jack looks for Stephen. Stephen takes to sea. Their chase has a new beast in view. There are tips for frostbite, a different kind of sneer, Inca gold, talk of lightning, lots of ice, and ships, expected and unexpected, but no more of Stephen’s mission. Ch 10 (first half).

Pullings makes an important discovery. Stephen gets to see the high Andes and tires of the local cuisine. We meet a new ancient, a curious saint, a global mushroom, and a troubling dream before everything comes crashing down. Next time, listen to the animals! Ch 9.

A plan comes together quickly, Stephen is unusually confident, there are Malta Knights, mountain journeys, a wonderful mule, amazing oilbirds, a dreaded interloper, irascible animals, an unexpected development and we’re off again! Ch. 8.

The girls go to church, Stephen continues his mission ashore, Dutourd goes missing, and Jack takes on a big wind in a small boat. We talk about earthquakes, the Inquisition, Incas, and the changing situation in Peru. Ch. 7.

We finally reach Peru, and Stephen’s mission begins. The Franklin and the Surprise and Jack and Stephen part company. Martin’s illness is fully diagnosed. O’Brian takes several forays into the Bible, and Sam Panda returns! Ch 6.

The Surprise, led by a barrel, sails full speed into an examination of human behaviour, a pursuit of prizes, and danger - nautically and interpersonally.  We learn about Ben Franklin, language, gender and agency. Something for everyone! Ch 5

Political differences abound, as Stephen and Martin's relationship is hulled below the waterline. Tom has the Franklin armed & looking beautiful, but people suffer from salt and the lack of fresh water. The spoils are divided, as are opinions about Dutourd. Ch 4.

As West is buried, the gunroom is changed by the arrival of Dutourd and the ransomers, and Martin continues his decline. There’s a new acting Lieutenant, much ado about sects, a possible link between petrels and homeopathy, frisky midshipmen, beautiful music, and potential trouble aboard. Ch 3.

This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a message to all our listeners, guests and patrons, a few Christmas highlights from the POB canon, and a guide to what's coming up in the next week or two.  Episode 136 is out on December 31st.  Happy Holidays!

We learn the cause of all the “unnatural” natural phenomena, the fate of Dutourd and the Franklin, what will become of West’s ongoing effect on the Gun Room, and the Shelmerston sect which doesn't play well with others. Ch 2.

The chase of the Franklin continues, pitting Jack Aubrey against a very resourceful Yankee sailing master and Mother Nature herself. We meet some new characters onboard, attend a gunroom dinner and remember to keep one hand for the ship and another for ourselves.  Ch 1.

Battle with the North commences, the Franklin is in the offing, and the spoils of war are great and terrible as the current story of Clarissa Oakes comes to an end. Meanwhile we wrap up this novel with an interview with our old friend, novelist Rachel McMillan. Ch 9.

Jack and the Surprises sail into Moahu hoping to secure Queen Puolani’s allegiance and defend her against the north’s attack. They hunt for the Franklin, find another ship, see a little action and encounter the spoils of war, as we learn more about Clarissa and resolve the gunroom’s dilemma. Ch 9 (Part 1)

“Nasty, brutish, and short”? Maybe. An angry Captain presides over punishment, and we dig deep into the delights of John Donne. The medicos go fishing and sight the Evil One. And our special guest, author and academic Josh Corey, joins us to discuss the character of Nathaniel Martin and lots more besides. Ch 8.

An excited Stephen writes to Sir Joseph Blaine, while Rev. Martin confesses. We learn more about Mrs. Oakes, her attitude toward men and her effect on the Surprise’s officers and crew. An unpleased, indignant Jack tilts church toward fire and brimstone. And there’s a dinner! Ch 7.

As trading and high jinks continue ashore, a French-American crew are threatening Moahu.  Stephen, meanwhile, learns about Clarissa's dark personal history, and gives some important clues about treachery in the heart of the British establishment. Ch 6

Aboard the Surprise, the storm continues. There are stunning revelations about Mrs Oakes. Stephen and Jack reveal the depths of their nautical and birding knowledge. A prize is spotted after Jack drives the ship hard. The mission continues ... (Ep 5)