BBC Radio productions of the first seven books in Patrick O'Brian's hugely popular Napoleonic naval series - plus bonus material

Widely regarded as the most engaging historical novels ever written, the 21 books in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series have garnered millions of fans since the publication of the first volume over 50 years ago. Included here are BBC radio adaptations of the first seven thrilling stories.

Master and Commander - Gibraltar, 1800. Newly commissioned Commander Jack Aubrey anxiously awaits the verdict in his court martial for the loss of his ship... Michael Troughton stars as Aubrey, with Nigel Anthony as Stephen Maturin.

Post Captain - 1802. Following the Treaty of Amiens, England is at peace. Returning home for a short spell as country squires, Jack and Stephen meet two beautiful women who will change their lives forever... Read by Patrick Malahide.

HMS Surprise - 1804, and the dauntless duo face sea battles, political intrigue and romantic rivalry, as Aubrey tackles a secret mission. Starring David Robb as Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Stephen Maturin, with other cast including Adjoa Andoh.

The Mauritius Command- 1809. Promoted to Commodore, Jack prepares to lead a squadron of ships against the French. David Robb and Richard Dillane star as Aubrey and Maturin.

Desolation Island - 1811, and Jack Aubrey sets sail for Australia. His mission: to transport a group of convicts to Botany Bay. Starring David Robb and Richard Dillane.

The Fortune of War - 1812. Britain is at war with America and France - and the two friends find themselves caught in the crossfire... David Robb and Richard Dillane star in this 3-part dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel and its sequel The Surgeon's Mate.

Third Ear - Patrick O'Brian talks to fellow novelist Alan Judd about his work and his fascination with the historical novel.

Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander - James Naughtie discusses the novel that sparked the much-loved series with author Allan Mallinson and an audience of invited readers.

Text copyright © The Estate of the late Patrick O'Brian CBE 1970 (Master and Commander), 1972 (Post Captain), 1973 (HMS Surprise), 1977 (The Mauritius Command), 1978 (Desolation Island), 1979 (The Fortune of War), 1980 (The Surgeon's Mate)

Cast and credits
Written by Patrick O'Brian

Master and Commander
Dramatised by Roger Danes. Directed by Adrian Bean
Music by Roger Danes and performed by Trevor Allan Davies
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 April-11 May 1995

Post Captain
Read by Patrick Malahide
Abridged by Roger Danes. Produced by Patrick Rayner
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15-26 February 1999

HMS Surprise
Produced and directed by Bruce Young
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8-10 October 2008

The Mauritius Command
Dramatised by Roger Danes
Produced and directed by Bruce Young
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3-17 April 2011

Desolation Island
Dramatised by Roger Danes. Produced and directed by Bruce Young
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21-28 July 2013

The Fortune of War
Dramatised by Roger Danes
Produced and directed by Bruce Young
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 November-2 December 2018

Third Ear
Presented by Alan Judd
With Patrick O'Brian
Produced by Ed Thomason
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10 March 1992

Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander
Presented by James Naughtie
With Allan Mallinson and an invited audience of readers
Produced by Dymphna Flynn
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 December 2014

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