Master and Commander is the first of Patrick O’Brian’s now famous Aubrey-Maturin novels, regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. It establishes the friendship between Captain Jack Aubrey RN and Stephen Maturin, who becomes his secretive ship’s surgeon and an intelligence agent. It displays the qualities which have put O’Brian far ahead of any of his competitors.

Leutnant, später Kapitänleutnant Jack Aubrey, Seemann und Offizier, der das Befehlen gewohnt ist und Dr. Stephen Maturin, der schmächtige Zweifler und Kritiker mit sozialem Gewissen, lernen sich auf Menorca kennen. Sie spielen Geige und Cello, was sie verbindet. Es entwickelt sich trotz aller Gegensätzlichkeit Achtung und schließlich Freundschaft - die auch Streitereien und Meinungsverschiedenheiten überdauert. Gewürzt ist das alles mit feinem britischen Humor.

Master and Commander is the first of Patrick O'Brian's now famous Aubrey/Maturin novels, regarded by many as the greatest series of historical novels ever written.

In a daring foray, under the very nose of the French Mediterranean fleet, Lieutenant Lord Nicholas Ramage is to sail his tiny cutter close in to the Italian shore and rescue a party of stranded aristocrats from Napoleon's fast-advancing army.

Shaking off this label, a shy and lonely 17-year-old, Horatio Hornblower, embarks on a memorable career in Nelson's navy on HMS Justinian. In action, adventure, and battle he is forged into one of the most formidable junior officers in the service.