No fiction writer of modern times has captured the world of wooden walls; broadsides; and the press gang as successfully as Patrick O’Brian. The twenty books in the O’Brian canon featuring the lives and adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his confidant; naval surgeon Stephen Maturin; have been lauded across the world for their blend of classic storytelling; historical accuracy; and inspired characterizations. In this new work respected naval historian Brian Lavery explores the historical framework of the O’Brian novels by examining the facts behind the grand narrative and putting the key episodes in context while detailing naval life in the era of Nelson and Napoleon. With well over a hundred illustrations; the book presents contemporary plans; drawings; engravings; maps; and photographs of museum artifacts that have inspired age-of-sail novelists and moviemakers. Introducing the book is a foreword by Peter Weir; director of the upcoming film of O’Brian’s novel Master and Commander. Avid age-of-sail fans will not want to miss this colorfully detailed complement to the O’Brian series.
#1032713 in Books Overlook TP 2008-05-27 2008-05-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.96 x .99 x 5.35l; .75 #File Name: 1590200586416 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thomson takes you all across Peru and its "sacred landscape"By L. GlennSo many people just focus on Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. This book journeys all across the Peruvian landscape visiting some known and some not-so-known treasures/historical sites in Peru. As always in his books; the reader learns history; the cultural landscape of the time when Thomson was writing; observes Thomson's inner and outer landscape and insights (love those nuggets); and comes away with a greater understanding of the history and culture he is describing. My favorite chapter was the one on Caral. And the anecdote of seeing Star Wars in Spanish is great! This book gave me a deeper appreciation for Peru and for the way its ancient people wove "reciprocity" into the land and culture; how in some areas; that concept was lost to them; but was always there whether known; practiced; or abandoned.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great overview and retrospectiveBy nikki morganThis book was recommended to me prior to a trip to Peru. I didn't get to it before my trip bur rather read it afterwards and it was excellent; especially after having been to some of the same or similar places and having a sense of place while reading.Without summarizing Thompson weaves a wonderful picture of Precolumbian Peru; a complicated series of civilizations whose rise and fall are as often environmentally driven; in this harsh land; as they are a series of conquests. The remains of these civilizations dot the Peruvian landscape both coastal and Andean and form a lush sense of human continuity over the millenea.Before I left for Peru I read the newer book Turn Right at Machu Picchu and thoroughly enjoyed it. Both books added so much to my literary enjoyment of the land and the people.If you are looking for an excellent historical and archaeological picture of ancient Peru; this is it. If you're planning a trip this is a great book either before you leave and if you don't get to it; pick it up upon returning home; it will take you back and enrich the totality of the experience.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I'll recommend Hugh to anyoneBy docubuffI've read two or three of his books... helped me research my off-the-beaten trail treks I did while living in Peru and Bolivia for 15 months. Wonderful reads and extremely informative.