The Lubber’s Hole - A Patrick O’Brian Podcast
Mike & Ian
255 episodes · in order
A fan podcast reviewing all of the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brian, beginning with the first - Master and Commander. Support us at https://www.patreon.com/lubbershole
Episodes page 1 of 6
-
Episode 1 - Master and Commander (Part 1)
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…
-
Teaser
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!
-
Episode 2 - Master and Commander (Final Part)
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 -…
-
Episode 3 - Post Captain (Part 1)
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…
-
Episode 4 - Post Captain (Part 2); Karen Millyard
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…
-
Episode 5 - Post Captain (Part 3)
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…
-
Episode 6 - Post Captain (Final Part)
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,…
-
Episode 7 - HMS Surprise (Part 1); Jeremy Raymond
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…
-
Episode 8 - HMS Surprise (Part 2)
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…
-
Episode 9 - HMS Surprise (Part 3); Tom Horn
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,…
-
Episode 10 - HMS Surprise (Part 4)
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
-
Episode 11 - HMS Surprise (Final Part)
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…
-
Episode 12 - The Mauritius Command (Part 1)
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…
-
Episode 13 - The Mauritius Command (Part 2)
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…
-
Episode 14 - The Mauritius Command (Final Part); James Albright
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…
-
Episode 15 - Desolation Island (Part 1)
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?…
-
Episode 16 - Desolation Island (Part 2)
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…
-
Episode 17 - Desolation Island (Final Part); Brian Wilson
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…
-
Episode 18 - The Fortune of War (Part 1)
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 -…
-
Episode 19 - The Fortune of War (Part 2)
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…
-
Episode 20 - Gordon Laco
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…
-
Episode 21 - The Fortune of War (Part 3)
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
-
Episode 22 - The Fortune of War (Part 4)
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 -…
-
Episode 23 - The Fortune of War (Final Part); Karen Millyard
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…
-
Episode 24 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 1)
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…
-
Episode 25 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 2); Eva Sandor
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,…
-
Episode 26 - The Surgeon’s Mate (Part 3)
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.
-
Episode 27 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 4); Adam Franti
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…
-
Episode 28 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 5)
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,…
-
Episode 29 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 6)
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
-
Episode 30 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 7)
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
-
Episode 31 - The Surgeon's Mate (Part 8)
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…
-
Episode 32 - The Surgeon's Mate (final part); Rachel McMillan
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.…
-
Episode 33 - The Ionian Mission (Part 1)
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
-
Episode 34 - The Ionian Mission (Part 2)
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
-
Episode 35 - The Ionian Mission (Part 3)
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
-
Episode 36 -The Ionian Mission (Part 4)
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.
-
Episode 37 - The Ionian Mission (Part 5); David Curtin
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…
-
Episode 38 -The Ionian Mission (Part 6)
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…
-
Episode 39 - The Ionian Mission (Part 7)
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…
-
Episode 40 - The Ionian Mission (Part 8)
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…
-
Episode 41 - The Ionian Mission (Part 9)
The actual Ionian Mission is underway! There are political opportunists looking for guns and power - which one to trust? And can Harte even spell Beylik? Stephen takes a swim, and Babbington takes the heat for his…
-
Episode 42 - The Ionian Mission (Part 10)
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.
-
Episode 43 - The Ionian Mission (Final Part)
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…
-
Episode 44 - Treasons Harbour (Part 1); Brian Wilson
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…
-
Episode 45 - Treasons Harbour (Part 2)
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.
-
Episode 46 - Treasons Harbour (Part 3)
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,…
-
Episode 47 - Treason's Harbour (Part 4); John Bromley
Stephen finds late nights and guilt are bothering him. No such problem for Jack, who's given orders to sail, temporarily bidding farewell and adieu to the Maltese ladies. Speaking of which - we talk about sea shanties…
-
Episode 48 - Treason's Harbour (Part 5)
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.
-
Episode 49 - Treason's Harbour (Part 6)
Sunken galleys, treasure, sharks, khat and a diving bell - everything about this week's episode says 'exotic'. But can Jack turn all this excitement into victory over the French? And if not, why not? Ch 6.
More in Arts
Fresh Air
NPR
The Moth
The Moth
The MOOD Podcast
Matt Jacob · Not checked: its host turns away this site's checks
99% Invisible
Roman Mars
Spooked
KQED and Snap Studios
Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud
Bella Freud
The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast
Forrest Kelly
Walk-In Talk Podcast
Carl Fiadini
Fantasy Fangirls
Fantasy Fangirls
Stories of Art
HENI Talks
The Magnus Archives
Rusty Quill
Eating History
Level Media Inc.
Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.