I have only listened to part of this fine audio book on cd's but already endorse it heartily as a swashbuckling portrayal of the early British Navy replete with floggings and impressments.
First in a series that you'll want to read all of!
excellent book heavy reading for the deep thinker
http://miasbooklist.blogspot.com/2007/09/master-and-commander-patrick-obrian.html
