The Lubber’s Hole – A Patrick O’Brian Podcast

Amid high tension between Jack & Stephen, Stephen makes a momentous decision and Jack does not. Circumstances force Jack to step up in his leadership role. He tries to sell the crew on their mission - Everything goes well until it doesn't. Things get crazy and Jack goes for broke until things actually break, and he ends in a large pool of blood. Ch 11.

It's summer vacation time, so we’re taking a pause, to bring you something new in our ‘Crossing the Line’ series - a chance for you to dig deeper into the music of the Patrick O’Brian canon. Check out our playlists of classical of traditional & popular music. We'll be back with The Yellow Admiral next week. 

We talk to Will Sofrin and Capt. Richard Bailey about Will’s book, All Hands on Deck: A Modern-Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World. We hear about their remarkable adventure and learn a little bit about the story behind the book.

Stephen’s shore leave karma comes home, and we get a yellow jack education. Inter-squadron tension increases. In the Bight of Benin we meet a new potto and a potto-loving woman, while there's new from home. Can the squadron leave in time to catch the French? Ch. 9.

What's that sound - a great fleet action? We have friends helping friends; questionable Plato; jealousy revealed and confronted; and a pause for perspective - the ultimate distress of mind. We also have an interview with George Jepson and Brittany Stoner of McBooks Press. Ch 6.

A short Easter message to tide you over while the spring celebrations are underway.  Episode 150 will be with you next week.

There's Noah’s Ark, action at sea, a race against an iceberg, unrelenting nature, more disaster, bad luck, and multiple good spots to end the book, plus our interview with guest Paul Bryers, author of the Nathan Peake books. Ch 10 (second half).

Pullings makes an important discovery. Stephen gets to see the high Andes and tires of the local cuisine. We meet a new ancient, a curious saint, a global mushroom, and a troubling dream before everything comes crashing down. Next time, listen to the animals! Ch 9.

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)

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

Arriving in Java, we pick up the rest of the British mission, hear troubling news about Britain's banks, track down a Dutch anatomist, and press on to Pulo Prabang to prepare for meeting the Sultan and the French. Plus we talk about Stamford Raffles, and all things oriental, with guest Josh Provan. Ch 6.

The Diane begins a long, perilous journey around Africa towards Pulo Prabang. There are contrary currents, cuttlefish, cathedrals of ice, confessions and copulation. Oh, and Kerguelen. Curious? Ch 5.

Jack worries about his new purser and the crew starting to think this is an unlucky voyage. Stephen gets a surprise visitor in Lisbon, Jack meets the son of an old shipmate, and the backward glances at Master & Commander continue, as we wonder where Sharpe and Hornblower have got to. Ch 3, Ch 4 (Part).

Stephen’s bankers frustrate, a prize takes flight, the new purser impresses - just not favorably. We find out why Master & Commander was such a great prelude to The Thirteen Gun Salute, as the “United Irishmen curse”, which hunted Dillon, descends on Stephen. Ch 2.

After we all get caught up on who is aboard & why, the Surprise leaves on the long-promised secret mission to South America. We learn the reasons she departs so quickly, and what new developments are flowering between Stephen and Diana. Ch 1.

The Sophies are now prisoners of the French, as a battle with the English starts. We are spectators at the first and second battles of Algeciras and have a front-row seat at Jack’s trial for losing the Sophie. We learn about emotions, courts-martial, and big squadron actions all while enjoying the Rock of Gibraltar. Ch 12.

The Sophie, victorious, enters Mahon, as Jack reunites with Molly. There’s an unexpected end to the Cacafeugo and two unexpected missions. We learn about peccant parts, revisit the Music Room in the Governor’s House (with some Boccherini this time), remember Dillon, light up the sky and get close to the French. Ch 11.

We have a brush with the French, and Stephen practices resurrection with a bellows. There’s Mowett’s poetry, a Russel Crowe alert, a chase, Minions, rumors of peace, and a questionable time ashore for Jack. Ch 9.

The cruise continues, gunnery improves, there’s action ahead, a changing relationship between Jack and Dillon, a problem with Stephen’s asp and fireworks both real and relational. And we haven’t seen the end of the United Irishmen - but - where’s Stephen? Ch 7.

Jack learns more about his new ship, as the crew and Lt. Dillion try to figure out their new Captain. There’s opera, bowdlerization, nautical innovation, dockyard corruption, and some of our favourite phrases packed into a very long day. Ch 3.

Back to where it all started - Royal Navy Lieutenant Jack Aubrey meets a black-coated gentleman named Maturin at a concert, and arguably the world’s best book series ensues. Ch 1

This week we're bring you a special episode on  leadership lessons from Jack Aubrey, Stephen Maturin and some of the leadership thinkers connected to them.  We get help from French naval history researcher Olivier Aranda. 

This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a quick review of 2021, lots of thank-yous, and Christmas highlights from the POB canon (thanks to our great Patreon supporters).  Enjoy - Episode 86 is out on January 2nd.  Happy Holidays!

EP 85: Stephen is on several missions: to replenish his laudanum, to find Diana, to return the Blue Peter and attempt to save his marriage, all in time to meet Jack and head to South America. So far, the wind has not been fair for ships or balloons. Will Stephen’s premonitions, omens and dread prevail? Or will there be a cliff-hanger? Ch 9.

Jack and the Surprise are headed into action, but not before we've considered poetics - there are Greek drama tips, crazed horses on ships, and Merry Christmas greetings from the Surprise crew’s wet lips.  Ch 6.

We get glaziers, corsair bishops, balloonists and link-boys;  Stephen gets medical supplies, news from Sweden and a reminder about insurance; and Jack gets silver plate and an exciting new mission!

Jack exercises his new crew and tries to keep them from getting pressed, while Stephen talks carronades and strategy. In the meantime there's mooning, rogering and La Marseillaise - something for everyone? Ch 2.

At Shelmerston, Jack picks the last of his new crew, while Stephen gets distracted by a man in blue pants and a big bustard. Two interesting Admirals appear on the scene, one with a familiar name, as the Surprise prepares to sail. Ch 1.

Jack prepares to take the Surprise to sea to finalise her crew. Stephen’s French is tested when he’s invited to a mysterious and perhaps dangerous encounter. An old friend turns up with a missing possession and vital information, bringing the book to a dramatic end. Ch 10.

Stephen works to lessen Jack’s sentence, and get him on board with plans for the Surprise. Blaine offers counsels and potentially a new mission.  And Jack's sentence is finalised and carried out, in one of the canon’s most emotional scenes. Ch 9.

Jack's legal situation worsens, as Stephen activates his back-up plan - a charming privateer, weatherly, stiff and fast ... you know the one! Also Byron, Donovan and a corsair named Dover. Can any of them help Jack avoid what's coming? Ch 8.

This is a joint episode with our friends Steve and John from The Cine-Files podcast, discussing the 2003 Peter Weir movie Master & Commander - Far Side Of The World.  Part 2 is next week, and then we resume Reverse Of The Medal.

We're at the beginning of The Reverse of the Medal - The Surprise and her captured whaler join the West Indies fleet, as people wonder whether Jack’s luck has run out. Stephen is back in high demand as a surgeon and intelligence agent, and Jack gets a surprise visit from a strangely familiar face. Ch 1.

The last of our series of Crossing The Line specials is all about music.  With the help of special guest Rachel McMillan, we look back at how music has enriched the Patrick O'Brian stories, and look forward to musical treats to come.  Bach, Boccherini and Mozart for all hands! 

Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about children in the world of Patrick O'Brian. As we talk about Forshaw, Dil and squeakers past and present, we’re joined by special guest Steve Morris of the Cine Files podcast, and a special host too!

A mid season special, featuring a mix of highlights from past shows and fresh commentary.

Jack is happy to be alive, so we explore the lot of women and men in the world, and how this relates to the Articles of War. Stephen tries bird-watching in a storm, resulting in a change in plans, and a visit to another uncharted island, this time flying a strange signal ... Ch 9.

In the Galápagos Islands we consider wildlife, mating rituals and gobstoppers. Stephen gets  angry with Jack, and they learn that skipping a night of music can have disastrous results. Jack and Stephen become part of a new crew, and contemplate some wizened, purse-like objects.  Meanwhile, we talk to Clare Hunt of the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Ch 7.

There's time ashore for Maturin and Martin, but the owl-faced night ape takes its toll, and South America offers addictive new possibilities. As the repaired Surprise races to catch the Norfolk, there are complications, a prize in view and the Horn to weather. Ch 5.

Out at sea, the new crew of the Surprise is getting to know each other better.  Blood letting is just around the corner, but not in the way that you'd think. To top it all, there's a troublesome goat, so grab a dish of tea and enjoy the episode. Ch 3

We're starting a new book, beginning in Gibraltar and all seems suddenly right with the world - the Fieldings reunited, Stephen's message to Diana on its way, and the Surprise on a new mission to The Far Side Of The World. We learn about the art of spin doctoring, and the fallacious nature of Black Swans.  What could possibly go wrong? Ch 1.

Jack tests his fortune with the admiral after mixed fortunes in Arabia. Stephen looks like a vagrant, Jack feels like a bereaved lover and the Surprise looks like change could be coming.  And we talk Mediterranean strategy, amphibious operations and the Ottoman empire with special guest Philip Ball.  Ch 8.

Jack, Stephen and their followers have to travel across the desert, threatened on all sides by ghouls and jinns and fairies, supported by a noble horse, and by an odabashi with remarkable language skills. Ch 5.

Stephen's newest scientific instrument is here, and it's the bell of the world. Jack and Stephen are both interested in Laura Fielding, but for very different reasons, and everyone's interested in the flauto d'amore, thanks to a dose of Spanish Fly. Listeners help us entangle boats and goats, and it's all in the best possible taste. Ch 3.

More ups and downs (physical and metaphorical) for Jack and the crew of the Surprise. While health can come and go, plainchant is eternal. But wait - who's that counting his barrels in the cloister? Ch 1-2.

We make a start on Treason's Harbour, with a Chelengk and a dog and advancement for Pullings, but we soon encounter some tricky questions: did Stephen REALLY dislike Rousseau? And why? And what's that got to do with Frankenstein? Our special guest Brian Wilson helps us out.  Ch 1. 

We're onto the final leg of the Ionian journey - the true colours of Jack's Turkish allies are finally revealed, which is a setback for Prof Graham. In action off Corfu, the Surprise has a chance of pulling off 'Nelson's Bridge'.  Ch 11.

Building towards the culmination of our Ionian story - we learn to admire Turkish manners, and meet an actual pope, not to mention a passing encounter with Cleopatra.  Jack reflects on hypocrisy and parenthood. Ch 10.

Jack is back before Admiral Thornton; Stephen has everyone terrified of being castrated by mumps; and the grand oratorio rehearsal survives a big storm.  There's a return for the dear Surprise, with news - the French are out! But not before we've talked about Thomas Cochrane. Ch 8.

This week there’s a showdown with Harte, Jack gets re-acquainted with an old friend, and Stephen makes an unwelcome entrance. Plus, there’s espionage ashore, resulting in a surprising encounter in a moonlit French marsh. Ch 7.

We muse on what is and is not poetical, and Stephen misses a rhinoceros and thousands of flamingos. Jack’s cold continues to dog him, and we have the possibility of some unexpected action, usually the perfect thing to set up our hero, Jack Aubrey. Ch 6,7

As Jack, alone aboard the Worcester, explores the mysteries of 'Old Bach', we explore them for ourselves, with the help of our guest, music professor David Curtin.  We also uncover old cold remedies, and a new horse metaphor.  Ch 6.

We continue with the Ionian Mission; Jack and Stephen encounter trouble with quails - or are they tribbles? Or partridges in pear trees? Meanwhile Lt Somers loses his cool. Ch 4-6.

Jack has been down in the dumps, but a dose of naval discipline and a second pair of stockings seem to be building him back up. Ch 3,4

Jack's weaponry lets him down, and we have a heart-stopping moment of anxiety about Stephen.  Puddings then become a major topic of conversation, triced about the larboard gumbrils, naturally.  Ch 2,3

We're picking up book 8 in the series, The Ionian Mission. We've a fresh start for Stephen and Diana, a new ship for Jack, and driving lessons for Jagiello.  Oh, and lots and lots of Bach. Ch 1,2

Finally we reach the conclusion of book 7 in the series, The Surgeon's Mate.  Jack, Stephen and Jagiello break free, but what about Diana? To talk about her, we're joined by author and Villiers superfan Rachel McMillan. Ch 11.

Back ashore for Stephen, Jack and Jagiello - this time as prisoners in the hands of the French authorities.  But which authorities?  And we seem to be working up towards some kind of culmination, but how is it that Diana's character looms so large over these final chapters? Ch 10,11

This great book builds to the first of its climaxes - we've got literary allusions galore, music, a rousing chorus and of course the Gentlemen's Relish, finishing off with a gripping chase in a storm. Ch 8,9

More adventures aboard the Ariel as we finally reach the Baltic: We meet an admiral who doesn't bear a grudge against Aubrey, and we enjoy honey buzzards and Humbug. Plus a salute to Trafalgar Day. Ch 7,8

Continuing our reading of the Surgeon's Mate, we finally have Jack and Stephen aboard a ship, HMS Ariel, with a new shipmate, Jagiello. There are unfamiliar waterways and curious gifts from the locals - honey buzzards, anyone? Ch 6-7 

Jack has his world rocked by a letter from abroad, Stephen and Diana head for a romantic walk by a river, and O'Brian treats us all to classical allusions and French atmosphere. We're joined by our guest Adam Franti to talk about the War of 1812. Ch 5

Back in England, Jack goes looking for a horse, the Aubrey children are on the march, and Stephen goes looking for advice from Sir Joseph Blaine. We find ourselves enjoying a night at the opera. Ch 4.

Our heroes are afloat again, but being chased by an unusually persistent foe - we wonder why, and wonder what will be the turning point to propel the rest of the story of The Surgeon's Mate.  We chat to our guest, author Eva Sandor, about POB's writing style and about her new novel Fool's Proof. Ch 3.

We start the next book in the canon with Stephen, Diana and Jack all ashore in Halifax, ready to celebrate.  Jack faces a sailor's temptation, while Stephen and Diana face up to each other. Where will it all lead?  Will Jack still be able to call himself an officer and a gentleman? Ch 1-2.

We enjoy the final decisive chapter of Fortune of War, with Jack, Steven and Diana back among the Royal Navy and action against the USS Chesapeake about to ensue.  How will the British fare this time?  And to look forward to The Surgeon's Mate, we're joined by our old friend, dance educator and re-enactor Karen Millyard. Ch 9.

We’re reaching the climax of Fortune of War, and now Patrick O’Brian meets Robert Ludlum as Stephen runs, jumps, climbs, hijacks and fights his way around Boston.  Finally, Mike and Ian gamble on a (tiny) innovation - perish the thought. Ch 6-8.

We're back into the story of the 1812 war, ashore in Boston with Stephen, Jack and Diana as they all seem to be reaching a turning point. Amidst all the reconnaissances and alliances, can they rely on each other? Ch 5-6

We heave-to part way through the reading of Fortune of War, to spend time with our special guest Gordon Laco, historical advisor on the movie Master and Commander - Far Side of the World.  We talk about realism in historical movies and and delve into some of his personal connection with all things naval. 

Jack's journey round the world continues, even though he's not in command of the ship. Life in a lifeboat, and then in a lunatic asylum, leave him depending on Stephen, just like always.  Finally, there's the funniest thing since Babbington's farting horse. Ch 3-4.

Jack and Stephen have survived, and found their way from Desolation to civilisation - which in this case means cricket, culture and letters from home. They're in a hurry to get home, as the War of 1812 has broken out - there's not a moment to lose! Ch 1-2

The Leopard is in deep trouble, getting deeper with every page of Desolation Island.  We enjoy a 'Santa Claus' moment aboard the Leopard, and welcome our special guest Brian Wilson, podcaster and former intelligence officer, with a personal take on the career and character of Stephen Maturin. Ch 8-9

With gaol fever aboard the Leopard, the discussion turns to disease and death.  We uncover a casual exorcism, and stumble across Butch and Sundance, as we revisit the most thrilling chase in the whole series.  What odds now on a safe arrival at Botany Bay?  Ch 5-7.

Jack's family is growing, but so are his financial commitments; Stephen doubts whether he can ever be truly happy ... sounds like the perfect moment for a new sea voyage to Botany Bay.  What can possibly go wrong? (except for spies, stowaways and storms, obviously). Ch 1-4

Ian and Mike bring The Mauritius Command to an end: can Jack fare better without Clonfert, Corbett and Pym?  Will he have the wind taken out of his sails by Admiral Bertie? He has Stephen on hand, so maybe it will all be well in the end.  Our guest naturalist James Albright talks to us about the scientific world of Dr Maturin. Ch 8-10

The campaign to take Mauritius and La Reunion is underway, but with the French still commanding the odds, and a hurricane brewing.  Can Jack muster a coherent campaign with his odd assortment of officers? And what impact can Stephen have ashore?  Ch 4-8

Jack is married and settled in his dream cottage with Sophie - but the dream isn't working out perfectly, so a new mission in the Indian ocean has him hurrying to get to sea with Stephen again.  Jack struggles to corral a group of fractious captains, and Ian and Mike explore a tenuous link to Star Trek - it's a voyage of discovery for everyone. Ch 1-3

It's been a long journey, but Jack and Stephen are finally headed for home.  Before they get there, Jack must face the French, Stephen must face a duel, and they both must face the prospect of rejection.  They seek comfort in music (if only we knew WHICH music).  And, we get the punchline to the joke 'What do you call a giant tortoise on a remote Indian Ocean island?' Ch 9-11

Steven and Jack are in Bombay, and there are temptations and tragedies at hand.  Ian and Mike talk through the emotional depths of O'Brian's great writing, and explore literary references to Dryden and Dostoevsky.   Ch 7-8

The Surprise, now a character in her own right, carries Jack and Stephen (and their passengers) through a life-threatening storm.  We get assistance in navigating the Southern Ocean from our special guest Tom Horn, creator of the cannonade.net mapping website.  Meanwhile, Surprise is carrying Stephen closer to Bombay and to an encounter with Diana. Ch 6

Now cast ashore, Stephen and Jack encounter a shock, a revelation, a bolt from the blue: an auspicious ship to carry them round the world. They meet vampires, rats, albatrosses and of course a sloth - but what has Jack done to earn the friendship of the sloth? I think you know ... Ch 4-5

To look back on the first two books with a fresh perspective, we're joined by our friend Jeremy, who read Master & Commander just to help us out; and we turn the first pages of HMS Surprise, with a trip home for Patrick O'Brian, danger for Stephen in Menorca, and a daring rescue mission by Jack and the crew.  Maybe HMS Surprise is the 'Goldilocks' book, in more than one sense ... Ch 1-3

Everything is now in play - lives, careers, relationships, fortunes, all thrown into one great gamble in Jack's expedited cutting-out mission at Chaulieu.  Jack and Stephen might get to redeem themselves and each other, but what about Sophie?  We talk over the final tense chapters of Post Captain, and (at long last) make a connection with the West Wing - who knew? Ch 11-14

Jack has a ship, Pullings is a lieutenant, but all is still not well ... a dogged and unhappy crew, a fragile friendship, financial hardship, deceptions and dalliances all threaten Jack and Stephen's happiness and safety.  As the plot tangles them more and more deeply, an unlikely candidate emerges to cut the knots of jealousy and set them free.  Who can it be?   Ch 7-9

Jack and Stephen's financial and romantic affairs become increasingly complex, not to mention conflicted.  Mike and Ian talk through the emotional and practical consequences, while our special guest, educator and re-enactor Karen Millyard, covers the social side - what was really going on at the Melbury Lodge ball? Ch 5-6

Ian and Mike dive deeper into the Aubrey / Maturin canon, looking at the opening chapters of Post Captain.  A whole cast of new female characters, financial setbacks, heartbreak and jealousy, plus of course horses and fart jokes, and a bear called Flora - they're all here. Ch 1-4

Mike and Ian review the second half of Master and Commander.  We uncover more 'Russell Crowe alerts', talk about loyalty and love afloat and ashore, and of course we cover the final action-packed chapters of the book - what does the Spanish navy have in store for the Sophie and for the rest of the British fleet? Ch 10-12

Ian & Mike give you a quick welcome to the world of the Lubber's Hole podcast, a journey through the books of Patrick O'Brian.  Preparing the way for Episode 1 - there's not a moment to lose!  

Welcome to the Lubber's Hole - Ian & Mike get started with Master and Commander, the first in the series.  We talk about the origins of the Aubrey/Maturin books, the first encounters between Stephen and Jack, and the emerging story of James Dillon.  The first connections emerge between the books and the great Peter Weir movie, and we dodge the subject of goats, sadly. Ch 1-9