Jack Aubrey & Stephen Maturin: Master & Commander & Other Adventures

A BBC Radio 4 Full Cast Drama Collection

By: Patrick O'Brian

Narrated by: Richard Dillane, Michael Troughton, Adjoa Andoh, Nigel Anthony, Patrick Malahide, David Robb, full cast

BBC Radio productions of the first seven books in Patrick O'Brian's hugely popular Napoleonic naval series - plus bonus material.

Widely regarded as the most engaging historical novels ever written, the 21 books in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series have garnered millions of fans since the publication of the first volume over 50 years ago. Included here are BBC radio adaptations of the first seven thrilling stories.

Master and Commander - Gibraltar, 1800. Newly commissioned Commander Jack Aubrey anxiously awaits the verdict in his court martial for the loss of his ship.... Michael Troughton stars as Aubrey, with Nigel Anthony as Stephen Maturin.

Post Captain - 1802. Following the Treaty of Amiens, England is at peace. Returning home for a short spell as country squires, Jack and Stephen meet two beautiful women who will change their lives forever.... Read by Patrick Malahide.

HMS Surprise - 1804, and the dauntless duo face sea battles, political intrigue and romantic rivalry, as Aubrey tackles a secret mission. Starring David Robb as Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Stephen Maturin, with other cast including Adjoa Andoh.

The Mauritius Command- 1809. Promoted to Commodore, Jack prepares to lead a squadron of ships against the French. David Robb and Richard Dillane star as Aubrey and Maturin.

Desolation Island - 1811, and Jack Aubrey sets sail for Australia. His mission: to transport a group of convicts to Botany Bay. Starring David Robb and Richard Dillane.

The Fortune of War - 1812. Britain is at war with America and France - and the two friends find themselves caught in the crossfire.... David Robb and Richard Dillane star in this three-part dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel and its sequel, The Surgeon's Mate.

Third Ear - Patrick O'Brian talks to fellow novelist Alan Judd about his work and his fascination with the historical novel.

Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander - James Naughtie discusses the novel that sparked the much-loved series with author Allan Mallinson and an audience of invited readers.

Text copyright © The Estate of the late Patrick O'Brian CBE 1970 (Master and Commander), 1972 (Post Captain), 1973 (HMS Surprise), 1977 (The Mauritius Command), 1978 (Desolation Island), 1979 (The Fortune of War), 1980 (The Surgeon's Mate).

Cast and credits:

Written by Patrick O'Brian.

Master and Commander

Dramatised by Roger Danes. Directed by Adrian Bean. Music by Roger Danes and performed by Trevor Allan Davies. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6th April - 11th May 1995.

Post Captain

Read by Patrick Malahide. Abridged by Roger Danes. Produced by Patrick Rayner. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15th - 26th February 1999.

HMS Surprise

Produced and directed by Bruce Young. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8th - 10th October 2008.

The Mauritius Command

Dramatised by Roger Danes. Produced and directed by Bruce Young. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3rd - 17th April 2011.

Desolation Island

Dramatised by Roger Danes. Produced and directed by Bruce Young. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21st - 28th July 2013.

The Fortune of War

Dramatised by Roger Danes. Produced and directed by Bruce Young. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18th November - 2nd December 2018.

Third Ear

Presented by Alan Judd. With Patrick O'Brian. Produced by Ed Thomason. First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10th March 1992.

Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander

Presented by James Naughtie. With Allan Mallinson and an invited audience of readers. Produced by Dymphna Flynn. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7th December 2014.

©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Lots of fun

I normally do not prefer abridged versions of books, but the high production values, great voice acting, and atmospheric sound effects make this a terrific companion for fans of the series. Because of the abridgment, I'm not sure how easy it will be for a listener to follow the story if they have not read the books, but having loved them for many years, I found this fresh presentation to be a thoroughly entertaining tour through the early installments. If you are new to this series, you have struck gold -- this is easily one of the finest works of fiction written about the age of sail. However, I would recommend listening to the original, unabridged series narrated by the immortal Patrick Tull first, and then circle back to this one for nostalgia's sake

Perfect for getting in and out of the stories

I liked this audiobook because I could listen to some of the Aubrey/Maturin stories I love but not commit to the full books (I've listened to the Simon Vance books two or three times). Like a three-day weekend aboard the Surprise instead of a two-year voyage. I like full cast productions too, and these were pretty fun. Warning: when we're in the private thoughts of the heroes or when Jack is in "Molly Hart's bower," the presentation can be loudly sexy. Disconcerting the first time and awkward thenceforth. All in all a fun radio production. I hope they make more.

Entertaining

I’m a fan of the genre to begin with and love ensemble performances so it doesn’t take much for me to love it

the book is always better

I love these books. it's a little bit fun to hear them illuminated in these radio plays, but the books are much richer. if you don't already know the characters and the story I think this production will be hard to follow.

Disastrous

Just stick with the novels, or watch the movie. This is worthless. Three more words.

Not for fans of the books

Didn’t get five minutes in before I was too horrified to continue.

And for those who don’t already know the book, you will be confused and uninterested.