Good afternoon. I have read all 21 of the Aubrey-Maturin books; actually have reread the first 5 or 6 a second time. I recommend the book “Sea of Words” as a reference book as reading the series. It explains the history, naval, and historical references in the series. My background includes an education in nautical matters. I found the series to be intoxicating, even addictive. The literary quality and the historical accuracy is excellent, especially in the first half of the series. I do think it’s important the reader meet the author half-way: to really “get” the story, you’ve got to build up a bit of nautical and historical knowledge. I have just begun reading the Bolitho series. So far, so good.
If you like this genre, read the master who set the bar for these two to try to reach - C. S. Forester. Besides writing the all-time best Hornblower series, he wrote the books which were made into some of the most famous movies: Sink the Bismark, African Queen, and The Good Shepherd from which Tom Hanks made Greyhound. When an author's works are still celebrated and sold in most of the decent bookstores around today after close to 100 years, that is the mark of a great storyteller and one who was and still is at the top of the list. Thanks for your video.
Have read most of each years ago and recently restarted the POB series….but time to look in a few old book places and find a few early Kent issues. I loved them when read in the ‘80’s while sailing many of the areas Bolitho sailed….perhaps that was part of it, will see!
I have read the entire Richard Bolitho series but have not read any of the Patrick O'Brian series yet. In fact, I have re-read the Bolitho series several times. Started reading Alexander Kent back in 1977 while stationed aboard the USS Towers DDG-9. It was titled "The Flag Captain." Been a big fan ever since. I have seen the Movie "Master and Commander, The far Side of The World" and have even been on the ship they used to make the movie with.
I love them both... O'Brian is better at character development but Kent (Reeman) is better at the details of seamanship. When I read O'Brian I feel like I'm watching a movie... but with Kent I feel like I'm standing on the quarterdeck.
Bolitho is much too good to be true, whereas Jack Aubrey is Lucky Jack and that man has all the human faults one can have. Greets from germany Tipp: Frank Adam has also written some good mareitime novels.
Good afternoon.
I have read all 21 of the Aubrey-Maturin books; actually have reread the first 5 or 6 a second time. I recommend the book “Sea of Words” as a reference book as reading the series. It explains the history, naval, and historical references in the series.
My background includes an education in nautical matters.
I found the series to be intoxicating, even addictive. The literary quality and the historical accuracy is excellent, especially in the first half of the series. I do think it’s important the reader meet the author half-way: to really “get” the story, you’ve got to build up a bit of nautical and historical knowledge.
I have just begun reading the Bolitho series. So far, so good.
I think Kent by a hair. Both really enjoyable series!
Love Alexander Kent but found O'brien hard going
If you like this genre, read the master who set the bar for these two to try to reach - C. S. Forester. Besides writing the all-time best Hornblower series, he wrote the books which were made into some of the most famous movies: Sink the Bismark, African Queen, and The Good Shepherd from which Tom Hanks made Greyhound. When an author's works are still celebrated and sold in most of the decent bookstores around today after close to 100 years, that is the mark of a great storyteller and one who was and still is at the top of the list. Thanks for your video.
Sorry about the delay in responding! Thank you so much for your comments!
Have read most of each years ago and recently restarted the POB series….but time to look in a few old book places and find a few early Kent issues. I loved them when read in the ‘80’s while sailing many of the areas Bolitho sailed….perhaps that was part of it, will see!
Thanks for checking in!
I have read the entire Richard Bolitho series but have not read any of the Patrick O'Brian series yet. In fact, I have re-read the Bolitho series several times. Started reading Alexander Kent back in 1977 while stationed aboard the USS Towers DDG-9. It was titled "The Flag Captain." Been a big fan ever since. I have seen the Movie "Master and Commander, The far Side of The World" and have even been on the ship they used to make the movie with.
Very cool! Thanks for checking in!
Which one did you end up reading? Was thinking of trying the Alexander Kent series. The titles remind me of the Hornblower series.
I read both and loved them both.
I love them both... O'Brian is better at character development but Kent (Reeman) is better at the details of seamanship. When I read O'Brian I feel like I'm watching a movie... but with Kent I feel like I'm standing on the quarterdeck.
Excellent perspective.
Bolitho is much too good to be true, whereas Jack Aubrey is Lucky Jack and that man has all the human faults one can have. Greets from germany
Tipp: Frank Adam has also written some good mareitime novels.
I will check out Frank Adam and thanks for the tip!