I saw the movie in the theater; I loved the detail of the story and how they filmed it. I'd never heard of it otherwise. I realized that my friend had read the books and recommended them, so I put it on my reading list. I didn't know there were over 20 books in the series and that the first was published before I was born! I also didn't realize that the movie was not the same as the book. how innocent I was.

the movie is called Master and Commander: Far Side of the World. there is a book in the series called The Far Side of the World; I thought they had just skipped to that story (ten books in, no less!) and started there. but no, they combined story elements from the first book with places and events from the tenth book. quite ridiculous and totally unnecessary: Master and Commander stands very well on its own, thank you, and needs no cinematic reinterpretation.

I highly recommend all Patrick O'Brian's work: the detail is near immaculate, even if there is a little acknowledged liberty taken, the humanity of the characters is profound, the flow of the story sweeps you up and carries you away just like the proverbial ship. the language is attractive and O'Brian shows such deep insight... read it :)


http://www.wwnorton.com/pob/pobtitles.htm

So, I gave O'Brian a try, and it's just not my thing. So, I don't want to give a negative review. If you're really into boats with lots of guys on them sailing around and talking about boats and sailing around, then this is for you! Ok, so it's about more than that, but you get the gist.

Captain Jack Aubrey sets sail for Cape Horn, determined to intercept an American frigate before it can wreak havoc on the British whaling trade. As always, he is accompanied by intelligence operative Stephen Maturin, and as always, Aubrey has no idea of what his companion is up to. Another impeccably written adventure, by the end of which you should be able to identify a mizzen topsail in your sleep.

Very exciting and nothing like the movie.

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In Patrick O'Brian's novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, Jack Aubrey sails around Cape Horn to prevent an American ship from interfering in the British whaling trade, while his sidekick Stephen Maturin calls into play all his intelligence sources. This book is the movie tie in but does not exactly match the movie script as the movie was a compliation of several of O'Brian's novelsas wellasa few twists added by the screenplay writer. It's a wonderful series and this book is a great introduction to the primary characters.

Great book, way better than the movie. The movie does not exactly follow the plot of the book.

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