HMS Surprise (novel)
1973 novel by Patrick O'Brian / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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HMS Surprise is the third historical novel in the Aubrey–Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, first published in 1973. The series follows the partnership of Royal Navy Captain Jack Aubrey and his ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin during the wars against Napoleonic France.
Author | Patrick O'Brian |
---|---|
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Series | Aubrey–Maturin series |
Genre | Historical novel |
Publisher | Collins (UK) |
Publication date | 1973 |
Media type | Print Hardback & Paperback & Audio Book Compact audio cassette, Compact Disc |
Pages | 416 |
ISBN | 0-397-00998-4 First hardback edition |
OCLC | 722008 |
823/.9/14 | |
LC Class | PZ3.O1285 Hac PR6029.B55 |
Preceded by | Post Captain |
Followed by | The Mauritius Command |
In the story, Maturin's work as an intelligence agent gets him into trouble just as Aubrey takes command of a new ship, HMS Surprise. Later, the friends embark on a long voyage to bring an ambassador to Southeast Asia, rounding the southern tip of Africa.
The novel is often considered one of the best in the series.[1][2] Some reviewers found it had "superb depictions of life", yet too full of nautical detail, while others found that detail part of the author's erudition and not in the way of the plot. The author showed "capacity for creating another completely believable world", while another reviewer said the novel is "stretching its genre [naval adventure] but never escaping it."