The Letter of Marque

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith

The 12th installment in the Aubrey/ Maturin series.

The time is the early 1800s, and the British Navy stands as the only bulwark against the militant fanaticism of Napoleonic France.  Jack Aubrey, a brilliant and experienced officer, has been struck off the list of post-captains for a crime his has not committed.  His old friend Stephen Maturin, usually acting as the ship's surgeon to cover his activities on behalf of British intelligence, has bought for Aubrey his old ship The Surprise to command as a privateer.  Together they sail on a desperate mission against the French which, if successful, may redeem Aubrey from the private hell of his disgrace.

From these familiar Patrick O'Brian has created a tale of great narrative power that rivals C.S. Forester for suspense, and surpasses him in its perception of character.©1988 Patrick O'Brian; (P)2000 Random House, Inc.; Random House AudioBooks, a Division of Random House, Inc.

Great book and great reader

I loved the way Tom Pigott-Smith interpreted all the characters! He brought them to life with such a big variety of voices!
The story is amazing, throwing you back in the middle of the great naval era of England naval fleet against Napoleon, with two great characters that the readers and listeners get to love since the first book.

You can start in the middle

You don't have to have read any of the prior books in the series to enjoy this book--or any of the other books in this wonderful series. This one has everything--drama, romance, history, sailing, international intrigue--and O'Brian gives puts in short, concise explanations of what has gone on in previous books in ways that don't interrupt the flow of the narrative. Patick Tull is one of the best "readers" I've heard for any audio book. Read it--you'll be hooked.

Very short.

Very short O'Brian. Fine writing, intetesting characters, solid narrator. Just too short- especially for $15.