The Lubber's Hole - A Patrick O'Brian Podcast

We reach the end of our voyage, but before we get there we'll meet old friends, deal with friction in the younger generation, and encounter a familiar kind of personal jeopardy for Stephen. After that, all that's left to say is 'thank you' and 'until the next time'.

Episode 220 is out today - dedicated to our interview with POB biographer Dean King. Discover the story of Dean's journey to discover more of the real world story behind O'Brian's genius.

We're still riding along on Anson's famous journey - this time from the viewpoint of the Wager, a ship that was lost fairly early in the last book. The two main characters of The Unknown Shore promise to please Aubrey-Maturin fans even more!

We explore the first of two POB books that could be said to be ‘pre-cursors' to the Aubrey-Maturin canon - The Golden Ocean.  Midshipmen, rats, storms, friendships, Irish back-story, shipwreck, disease and action - there's a lot here to please an Aubrey-Maturin fan!

We're exploring the world of Jane Austen this week, reacting to the 1995 film adaptation of her novel Persuasion. With naval officers, snobbery, hunting, dinners and thwarted love, it might seem familiar ...

Jack and Stephen, homeward bound, head for Madeira to pick up their loves, and maybe a prize. Stephen attempts to recover from his wound, as he and Diana decide where to go from here.  With all the surprises in this final chapter, is there a straight path ahead to paradise? Ch 11.

In Calcutta, Jack is drowning in good wishes but still short of a dowry for Sophie. Canning acts like Jack's good friend, despite their history. Stephen calls on Diana for an answer to his marriage proposal, and things take a dramatic turn in the Indian heat. Ch 10.

Linois's squadron returns, and Jack's battle plans are tested, as he fights the Surprise with most of his officers and many of his gunners loaned out. Success may depend on the Surprise sacrificing herself, and we end with  Dryden's poetry and Stephen's commentary ringing in our ears.  Ch 9 Part 2.

The Surprise catches the China Fleet - which delights everyone but Stephen. Later, Surprise sees a less hospitable squadron. Jack rises to the occasion, balancing his desire for glory and action against his duty. Stephen provides a commentary on the human race as Jack falls asleep, and we wait for morning. Ch 9 Part 1.

This week we're reposting our Crossing The Line special about children as characters in the O'Brian canon. Special thanks to our friend Steve Morris for joining the conversation. Back to HMS Surprise next week!

Surprise and her new first Lt sail for Kampong. We dip into Protestant theology, spy possible action from the Lubber's Hole, see a relic of Jack's youth and deal with the envoy's health - punctuated by classical literature, blue water sailing, optimism and reality. Ch 8.

Stephen visits Diana alone at night, leading to wildly unexpected happenings and appearances.  Diana, Dil and Stephen are compared, while there's shocking news from the ship, and even more shocking news ashore. Ch 7 Part 2.

Stephen wanders a Bombay beyond his imagination, finds a new particular friend, philosophizes on the holy, the human, the meaning of Sophie's letters, and what he and Jack should do for love. Ch 7 Part 1

The prophesied blow ensues with monstrous waves. Stephen schools Jack on stoicism. There's more poetry as Bonden's writing advances, pistol practice, more ominous thoughts on marriage and relationships, Biblical foreshadowing, and a sea snake stacked with serpentine symbolism. Ch 6 (part 2)

Babbington comes to the rescue. There's solar healing for Stephen. Bad news for rats, midshipmen and albatrosses; good news for sloth fans everywhere. We also peruse French poetry and thoughts on marriage. Ch 6 (part 1)

A new ship, officers, and crew together in a metaphorical crucible. Characters new and old encounter a very different kind of action. We examine sea officers, authority and humanity; men and marriage, various rats, light and colors, and swimming the Hellespont. Ch 5.

Surprise! A celebration of new things arising! A masterful chapter of names: of a book, of a curious English parish near Mapes, of a dead French agent, of a new Naval chief, and of course of a ship. Ch 4.

Jack struggles with who to trust and how to attempt to rescue Stephen. We examine, warfare, honour and the needs of the greater good, while along the way literature's greatest male friendship is affirmed. Ch 3.

We're on short commons blockading Toulon. Jack writes home about bloody action and the Lively's crew, Killick comes to life, and an unexpected night meeting on a beach has our plants starting to pay off. Ch 2.

A new First Lord and Admiralty Board shake up the story and endanger Stephen. There's a secondhand Diana update, Jack is nowhere to be seen, and Stephen sets off on a new mission, which worries Sir Joseph. Ch 1.

Ian and Mike celebrate the show's bicentenary by answering listener questions, with help from our Patreons and from special guest Steve Morris. We discuss battle scenes, characters, WW2 exploits, Aubreyisms, friendship and of course Star Trek.

The Lively goes into action.  Jack receives surprising insights into Stephen's secret life and Admiralty connections. After weather disruption, a tense negotiation and Jack refusing to touch a belaying pin, things blow up as Post Captain comes to an end, or maybe a beginning. Ch 14.

A deeply philosophical Stephen seems an unsuccessful matchmaker. Jack designs a "Love Boat" interior. There's an intelligence mission, a copycat Nelson plan, opera, grace, virtue, music, words, art, scent, lots of rain, and plenty of references - this episode has it all! Ch 14 part 1.

Just as everything turned around last chapter - get ready for them to turn again! In this short chapter, Jack tries to work his way on the Lively. Stephen makes a stunning find ashore. And Jack learns why you have to be careful what you wish for. Ch 13.

Jack learns his fate from the Admiralty and faces new challenges, including Stephen. We learn about bees, ideal friendship, crack ships, leadership, dog watches and the reason behind the book's title, as the story takes an unexpected turn. Ch 12.

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.

This week we're looking forward to talking with author Steve Maffeo about the world of naval intelligence, its portrayal in the O'Brian canon, the connection to Lord Nelson, and also a sneaky look ahead at events that are coming up in the closing chapters of Post Captain.

Stephen sees Diana and Sophie before leaving on his secret mission. Jack returns from the Baltics. Heneage Dundas asks Stephen to deliver a warning to Jack, and things get really bad - before they get even worse. Ch 10.

Jack assesses the crew, has an opportunity to re-rig the Polychrest, and displays an unusual talent. We learn about new sails, Stephen's particular skills and an old enemy. Jack has another opportunity to come through for Admiral Harte. Ch 9.

We learn more about Jack, Stephen, Sophie, and Diana's feelings. Tension mounts between Stephen and Jack. There's an intelligence mission, a notion of the sublime, a grand dinner with three rivals, more trouble with Harte, and Jack ashore. Ch 8.

Stephen joins the Polycrest and wonders about his relationship with Jack. Pullings returns and celebrates his promotion. There are perils afloat, a run-in with debt collectors, more bear references, disputes over discipline, mutterings of mutiny, and the return of Admiral Harte. Ch 7.

Jack meets with the new First Lord. He and Stephen attend Queenie's party and reunite with Sussex neighbours. Beware of bailiffs, footpads, and what you wish for - especially back on shore. Ch 6.

Jack and Stephen are back at sea. There's plenty of action, a dear friend, a gleaming cannon, some fascinating history, more from the book of Job, a series of setbacks, reflections on Sophia and Diana, and the distinct possibility the entire bear trip was for nothing. Ch 5.

Our heroes leave England and meet an old friend.  Jack provides insight on his relationship with Diana, Stephen endorses living in the present and we have one of our favourite canon stories: We're going on a bear hunt! Ch 4.

Stephen falls for Diana, but has concerns. Jack tries to deal with Sophie's reluctance. And tension mounts between our heroes even before their entire world turns upside down. Ch 3.

Jack and Stephen get to know the Williamses better. Shakespeare and Dryden make an appearance. Jack and Stephen host a ball and the Jane Austen plot thickens, as everyone engages the enemy more closely. Ch 2.

A new ship, bad odds, and life ashore in Jane Austen country. We meet a new set of characters, explore some classical references, and catch up with our heroes across masculine and feminine households.  Ch 1.

This is a short special New Year's episode, containing a quick message to all of you, and a reminder of what's coming up in the coming weeks.   Episode 186, the first chapter of our re-read of Post Captain, is out on January 14th.  

We explore the story of Job as Jack plans a final Cochrane flourish - can he meet his obligations to his crew and obtain his life's dream without getting killed in the process? Ch 10.

There are two visitors to the Lubber's Hole, greetings from home, visions of Christine, shifting local politics, a couple of naval actions, another burial at sea, and Jack has a plan! Ch. 9 & inter chapter.

There's more weather to be weathered, as Stephen considers his contributions to scientific knowledge. William Reade is brought up short, Sir David makes an appearance, and we quote some Shakespeare. Ch 8.

In Rio, Jack learns about the Asp before leaving to go around Cape Horn. There's a nod to POB's first two nautical books, brushes with brutal weather and seas, women up to the challenge, and men working hard as supplies run short.  Ch 7.

A death leads to a “surprise” promotion. Harding jinxes the ship and we explore the doldrums - geographic and emotional, a US flashback, the ship's cats, and our potential adversary in Chile. Ch 6.

The Surprise arrives in Sierra Leone. In the midst of amazing wildlife, Stephen takes his chance with Christine. Jacob and Stephen worry about Jack, and young Hanson enters the boxing ring, fighting for the Surprise. Ch 5.

There are irregularities (of the digestive kind) aboard the Surprise, as Mr Hanson progresses with Jack as a mentor. Stephen hopes for intelligence from Dr Jacob while the galley chorus rallies round. Ch 4.

Jack hurries to get his ship repaired while Stephen works to confirm the mission to Chile with Sir Joseph. There's family time for some. A royal connection adds to the midshipman's berth, as Stephen's pocket-watch works its way into the story once again. Ch 3.

Jack returns to his amorous ways. The Surprise's fortunes change and change again. Stephen is disappointed, worried, concerned, and ill-dressed. Wantage returns, though not entirely intact, and there's a fiery ending for all. Ch 2.

The Surprise's departure for Chile is short-lived as she threatens to founder. Barmouth is back, Keith is not, and we learn about the differences between sailors and soldiers. Ch 1.

Jack and the Surprise go after the galley, but the capture does not go as planned. Neither does much else. There's a long chase, yet another new Dey, another death, and another potential complication for Jack's career. Ch 10.

Jack tries to minimize the possibility of Lord Barmouth sending a different ship after the gold galley. Stephen has a favour to ask of Lady Keith, and Jacob leaves the ship without permission. Meanwhile, a pirate galley awaits the dark of the moon.  Ch 9.

Stephen and Jacob return to Algiers to find the Ringle and Surprise. Once again, there's a new Dey in town. Stephen has some unexpected additions to his family. He doubts his diagnostic ability and his judgment, while seeking help from the wind and from a corsair. Ch. 8.