The Reverse of the Medal

If OBrians novels have become a cult, this is because they are truly addictive. . . They are, quite magnificently, adventure yarns whose superb authenticity never distracts from the sheer thrill of the action. Caroline Moore, Sunday Telegraph The AubreyMaturin novels, by Patrick OBrian, are so addictive that after I finish one I have to hide the next from myself for a little while in order to do anything else but read. Louise Erdrich In Aubrey and Maturin, Patrick OBrian has created two of the most enjoyable characters in twentieth-century fiction. Their relationship sustains an absorbing and thrilling sequence of naval stories, unrivalled in their complexity, full of impeccable detail and psychological insight. OBrian switches from the intimate to the epic with equal assurance. One of the greatest authors to sail with. Michael Palin My hero is Patrick OBrian. Its basically impossible to write that well. David Mamet One of the most compelling and brilliant novelists of his time . . . Beyond his superbly elegant writing, wit and originality, Patrick OBrian showed an understanding of the nature of a floating world at the mercy of the wind and the sea which has never been surpassed. Max Hastings, Evening Standard I devoured Patrick OBrians twenty-volume masterpiece as if it had been so many tots of Jamaica grog. Christopher Hitchens Written with most engaging enthusiasm that cant fail to give pleasure to anybody who enjoys historical adventure flavoured with more than a dash of realism. The Sunday Times One of the most brilliantly sustained pieces of historical fictional writing this century. James Teacher, Spectator Patrick OBrian brings depth to his sea-stories with outstanding dialogue, characterisation, humour and a golden thread of romance. You dont have to love books about naval battles to become entranced. Katie Fforde

Patrick OBrian was born in 1914 and published his first book, Caesar, when he was only fifteen. In the 1960s he began work on the idea that, over the next four decades, evolved into the twenty-novel long AubreyMaturin series (with an extra unfinished volume published posthumously). In 1995 he was awarded the CBE, and in 1997 he received an honorary doctorate of letters from Trinity College, Dublin. He died in January 2000 at the age of 85.