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)
It’s Guy Fawkes time again. The Gunroom has the long-delayed feast for the bride and groom, as we learn life lessons from Shakespeare, and discover some Latin Easter eggs with the help of our new consulting medieval Latinist. Jack learns the disastrous effects of too much pudding and starts to realize what’s going on with the gunroom. Ch 4.
Jack & Stephen puzzle with letters from home and Jack’s new orders. Martin has decisions to make; Clarissa is on the minds of all the officers; and the Gunroom’s delayed wedding feast gets an unexpected main course. Ch 3.
Stephen 'practices upon' Jack, laudanum returns, Oakes and Clarissa approach Norfolk Island, and a pursuing cutter threatens Clarissa and Padeen. We are reminded that the community often knows us better than we know ourselves, and new orders arrive. Ch 2.
The Surprise sails for Easter Island and Norfolk Island. The crew seems to be acting strange and a little too happy. Jack’s health and his temper are still a worry, as he meets the ghost of cable tiers past. Ch 1.
This week we take time out from our reading of the canon to visit the Caird Library and Archive at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, to talk to senior curator Jeremy Michell and look at documents and artefacts underpinning the Patrick O'Brian novels. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGui2FMAoQ to watch the video version.
Stephen Maturin the deadly duelist meets his match! But first: trips through the bush, more trouble with the authorities and the crew, Aborigines, boomerangs, big news from home and a falling out over duty, honour and friendship. Ch 10.
We are still in and around Sydney as we conclude Chapter 9 of The Nutmeg Of Consolation with orphanages (almost), midnight commotions, heartwarming reunions, possible help for Padeen and plans for a journey. Ch 9.
Ashore in Sydney, we meet Martin’s friend from university. There are literary lessons, obstructing officials, a great change of fortune, convenient corruption, copious convicts, and unappealing countrysides. Ch 9 (first part).
Our heroes make an island stop but leave with far more than fruit. With delightful new guests aboard, there's an uneasy Martin, rats going cold turkey, a self-medicating Captain, insults for the Irish, and the return of that cold reptilian glare. Ch 8.
At a farewell dinner, there are polar bear stories, thoughts on ageing, and a big transaction toasted with the best Sicilian juice. We also have a great interview with special guest Neil Buttery, who’s going to talk to us about Regency food, drink and puddings. Ch 7.
The Nutmeg leads the Cornélie on a chase with lame duck ruses, twists and turns, duelling chasers, a familiar decoy trick, and an occulted Star Trek star. After a gunroom dinner with old port, and lots of sails & rigging, there's a very surprising encounter. Ch 6.
Jack & his crew crack on in search of the Cornélie. A Dutch merchantman reveals that one should never say die. Stephen is plagued by dentistry, relative poverty, and moral advantage. Their beautiful restored Nutmeg turns ugly and Jack’s classic capers begin. Ch 5.
Jack and the Nutmeg rush to intercept the French. Stephen spends time with Governor Raffles. We have a plant naming, a local civet (coffee anyone?), and a chance to ponder Anglican prayer. Time & tide wait on no man, whether they’re standing on principle or not! Ch 4.
Heading for Batavia, our heroes and the treaty continue to face piratical dangers. We revisit an O’Brian Scottish brogue, and see an old friend from the Sultan’s court. There’s a new ship on the horizon - but what name will Jack pick for her? Ch 3.
Welby and the Marines shine once more, as Kesegaran and the Dyaks return. Jack keeps the crew pulling together even though there’s no 'widow’s cruse' in sight - just some 'Dublin horse' which goes well with POB’s family wine. For Stephen, swiftlets prove their worth is more than just their edible nests. Ch 2.
The Dianes are boat-building but take time out for a cricket match as supplies run threateningly low. Stephen finds a new role. The swallows are untrue, and the visiting Malays are inscrutable. We reflect on Commodore Anson and do our best to avoid St Famine’s Day. Ch 1.
Jack & the crew get busy, Fox gets his way (and, perhaps, gets what's coming to him). Sailors demonstrate mainbrace splicing, and marines demonstrate castramentation, as we reach the bitter end of The Thirteen Gun Salute. Ch 10.
The moon has it in for the Diane, as she heads for her rendezvous with the Surprise carrying an impatient envoy Fox and his suite. There are strained relations, a tromba marina, a Gunroom dinner, time in the rigging, the Articles of War, Coronation Day, a clumsy Stephen and trouble at sea. All this, and a Freudian slip. Ch 9.
As Stephen returns from Kumai, there's danger in the city and a big potential change brewing in the negotiations. Stephen carries out a surprisingly important dissection with Van Buren, whereby spleens are redeemed. Jack enjoys simple sailing and spying on the French frigate, while Fox and the Old Buggers show their true colours. Ch 8.
A colourful birthday celebration shows off the Diane's firepower; Abdul becomes a bigger problem; Stephen fixes an intelligence setback; and we join him on a fabulous journey to the heart of Patrick O'Brian. Ch 7
