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

At forty-six degrees south with no rudder, our battered Leopard finds hope of salvation—until suddenly safety seems as distant as the moon.  Jack bets everything on finding Kerguelen’s land, Stephen bemoans a lack of lime-juice, and the gunroom takes a long-overdue, civilised breath. Whether or no, Tom Collins!

In the wake of the destruction of the Waakzaamheid, a wounded Jack Aubrey contends with fractured discipline, mutinous whispers, and a muffled ship's bell. But the real ordeal in the freezing Southern Ocean has only just begun - the Leopard and her crew are in a grim fight for survival.

Pursued across the South Atlantic by the Waakzaamheid, Jack Aubrey evades, fights, and then flees the Dutch 74. Below decks there's tragedy, as a monstrous gale drives both vessels into the Roaring Forties. A desperate duel with stern-chasers ends with one of the most shocking and memorable moments in the canon.

We welcome historian and author Peter Moore to discuss his new book, Dangerous Game: Thomas Cochrane’s Life on the Edge. Peter dives deep into the real-life naval hero who inspired Patrick O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey.  Discover fresh archival revelations, the complex family dynamics shaping Cochrane's ambitions, his controversial 1814 stock exchange trial, and forgotten exploits from chemical warfare plans to daring night actions. Plus, we explore Peter's own journey into O’Brian’s fiction and the creative craft of naval biography.

As HMS Leopard runs south toward the Cape, Jack Aubrey prepares to meet a superior enemy. We encounter seabirds, superstitions, social diseases and substance abuse, and Stephen gets personal with Midshipman Herapath.

The crew of the Leopard go through hell and out the other side. We have disease and despair, a finely-honed intelligence coup, an escape to higher ground, and a fascinating detour into the 18th-century literary and theological easter eggs hidden in Louisa Wogan’s cabin. Grab a slice of iced pudding and settle in!

We get a thickening of the plot with Louisa Wogan and her lover Herapath; plants everywhere to be paid off in this book and later ones; idyllic sailing time, Old Adam, a saintly cleric, decomposed puffins, and Stephen's nemesis finally declares itself as he gathers allies.

There's death below decks, a stowaway, rats and a dog, Stephen stepping up as surgeon and spy (despite his Jonesing), an introduction to the wardroom, classical poets, toasted cheese and Corelli in C Major.

Jack and Stephen get some help from their friends, Stephen navigates the highs and lows of London street life, and we discover what's been happening to Diana Villiers.  To cap it all, Stephen and Jack are persuaded that the best place for them is at sea.

Desolation Island opens with bucolic absurdity - we’ve got Jack Aubrey on ‘Fiddler’s Green’, Stephen dissecting a fresh cadaver's hands before dinner, a catastrophic get-rich-quick scheme, and Jane Austen-style fibbing from almost everyone. Grab a glass of port and mind your poke—we're getting the band back together.

The pieces fall into place for the final stages of the invasion of Mauritius - we find out how that’s all going to play out! Plus resolution for Stephen, a boiled baby for Tom Pullings, grief and anger for McAdam, un-earned glory for Admiral Bertie, and a delightful piece of news from home for Jack Aubrey.

After flexing his brain surgery skills, Stephen is off to subvert the catholics of Mauritius, but gets a nasty dunking. Jack Aubrey has a chance to take on Commodore Hamelin on equal terms.

They're all at it: Jack Aubrey summons his resilience, Tom Pullings summons himself, and fate summons a familiar captain back to the waters off Mauritius.  We’re going to have cat-and-mouse pursuits, false dawns, anti-climaxes and yet another blood-soaked action at sea, with a hidden clue as to the fate awaiting one of our main characters.

We step into O'Brian's re-telling of the Battle of Grand Port, the only major French naval victory of the Napoleonic Wars, and one of the most devastating, catastrophic reversals in the entire Aubrey-Maturin canon. For one of our characters in particular, it’s going to be a life-changing event.

We're taking a break from The Mauritius Command to bring you a guest interview with Antonia Senior. Antonia is a book critic at The Times, as well as a writer, podcaster and journalist. But before she was any of those things, she was a Patrick O’Brian fan, and we had a great time talking to her about historical fiction, what makes O'Brian such a standout, and which other authors come close. With a little chat about espionage on the side!

After the hurricane, we meet human frailty, dockyard corruption, rain-soaked letters from home, and an unborn porcupine. Our heroes debate the value of a human life, with a Tory and a Radical managing not to fall out. Finally, as the invasion of La Réunion begins, lives are saved by the Voltairean Stephen Maturin.

Stephen and Jack are ashore again at the cape, ready to spend the British king’s gold on mercenaries and propaganda; Killick is anxious about meeting the ghost in the bread-room; Clonfert's fakery continues to be an issue; and all creatures, great and small, are at risk from some stormy weather.

Stephen prepares to play his part in Jack’s Mauritius mission.  We have reflections on natural philosophy, a covert mission ashore, and co-operation with the Army in the first action of the campaign - but will it be a success for all concerned? Plus - more parrot revelations.

We arrive at the Cape of Good Hope, receive Jack's true orders, and witness the immediate elevation—and corresponding pressure—that comes with the new post of Commodore Aubrey.  Meanwhile there's a surprise reunion with a couple of old Jack Aubrey followers, and a protestant parrot.

Jack Aubrey is back where he belongs: in command at sea. He’s dealing with complexities of the quarterdeck, though he hasn't escaped his troubles entirely! We have a new ship, a new crew and an early prize. Not to mention a tone-deaf guest to be tolerated in the captain’s cabin.

In Chapter 1 of The Mauritius Command, Jack Aubrey comes to terms with domesticated life ashore on half-pay. He’s beset by caterpillars, wax-moths, a barren cow, daughters and a shrewish mother-in-law - not quite the life he imagined. An old friend visits with surprising news, and a lady begging a lift gets the Sophie treatment. Plus two old landlubber friends dust off their former identities and set sail again.

A special announcement from Ian & Mike about our plans to re-launch the Lubber's Hole.  Merry Christmas!

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.

Stephen and Jacob head off into the mountains. There are animals, bribes, secret acquaintances, some Royal Navy history, a lion hunt, grand theft, and a wicked desert sandstorm.  Ch 7.

Shakespeare on death, a strong blow, more jeopardy for young Daniel and stories about his life. Meanwhile Jack shows birds to Stephen, there’s an unredeemed Killick, Algiers, lions, and tigers and bears, oh my… OK, no bears - but there’s a new Dey in town. Ch 6.

Action ensues, and our deep intelligence coves start some action of their own. Dr Stephen Maturin and Commodore Jack Aubrey visit The Lubber’s Hole! And we have a fiery time along the Adriatic Coast as Muslim gold heads for Napoleon’s mercenaries. Ch 5.

The Pomone is still unreliable, ill omens continue, the hand of glory disappears, a duel between Surprise’s officers is in the offing, and foreign ships move to take the weather gauge - with a curiously unfamiliar flag in view. Ch 4.

We have another tragic death in the squadron, the continued threat of bad luck and ill-omens, Killick’s rise and fall, a German flute-playing Marine officer, lucky objects threatened, and some music -  as the naval and intelligence missions continue. Ch 3.

Jack exercises the squadron’s great guns. Stephen composes music, gets a new loblolly-”boy,” and sketches the severed hand. There’s a mention of bad omens,  darkness lurks in the background, danger threatens, and the squadron is called to action. Ch 2.

The Hundred Days begin: The squadron arrives in Gibraltar and in the blink of an eye we learn what's changed. There are unexpected deaths near and far, threats on the continent, and invaluable intelligence and naval missions for our heroes. Ch 1.

Our latest Crossing The Line special is all about audiobooks.  With the help of special guests Steve Morris, Chris Durbin, Simon Vance and Sue Dennis we explore the artistry, the practicalities and reminiscences of how words like O'Brian's came to be spoken aloud for us.

Jack and Stephen return to London to attend the meetings which may determine the future of Jack’s naval career. There’s time at home, a Surprise make over, vacation with the family courtesy of the Chileans, and an even bigger surprise! Ch. 10

It's summer vacation time, so we’re taking a pause, to bring you something new in our ‘Crossing the Line’ series - a chance for you to dig deeper into the music of the Patrick O’Brian canon. Check out our playlists of classical of traditional & popular music. We'll be back with The Yellow Admiral next week.

The squadron is reinforced with ships but no supplies or post arrive. Stephen performs his most frequent surgery, and Killick has some great moments. Jack gets kudos from O’Brian, but worries about the French navy and the potential end of the war. Ch 9.

The Committee votes on Stephen’s plan. Stephen visits Woolcombe. Sophie gets an education. Jack considers his options, after Stephen rejoins the squadron. O’Brian demonstrates his Latin chops, and we lean heavily on our consulting Latinist! Ch 8.

Stuck waiting for repairs, Jack returns to the squadron too late to pick up Stephen and frets over the Admiral's view of his recent prize-taking. Stephen’s roundabout homeward journey takes him to London, to Blaine, and the promise of a new intelligence coup. Ch 7.

Jack worries about Stephen, teaches trig and upsets the Admiral, again. All is not well at home. (Hint: Mrs Williams is back.) There’s a potential prize, a blow and an unexpected time ashore. Ch 6.

There are disasters of old in these treacherous waters, music with a delightful new youngster, left-handed instruments, a great gun exercise, skylarking, an unexpected turn, and an anxiety-filled parting in the dark. Ch. 5.

Jack and Stephen try to rejoin the squadron; We learn what women most desire; and the Admiral reacts to the inclosure vote. There are wrinkled arses, maggot therapy, and a potential new career path for Jack. Ch 4.

The big prize fight is here, and the women step up (as usual). There's a bad omen, perhaps a little nobbling, a brief history of lechery, and some masterfully scary driving. Ch 3.

Jack and Stephen discuss a plan to inclose the common land next to Woolcombe. We discover birds disguised as metaphors (or is it the other way around) while Jack plots to get himself into even more trouble in Parliament. Ch 2.

We begin The Yellow Admiral: Jack and the Bellona are redeployed, but Jack is back in London for parliamentary business, and to deal with complications from his slavery mission. Stephen’s gone missing and Sir Joseph Blaine is worried. Ch 1.

We talk to Will Sofrin and Capt. Richard Bailey about Will’s book, All Hands on Deck: A Modern-Day High Seas Adventure to the Far Side of the World. We hear about their remarkable adventure and learn a little bit about the story behind the book.

Jack worries about the odds if they don’t find the French 74. No plan survives contact with the enemy or mother nature. We reach Ireland at last with heavy weather, Biblical references, everyone in need of a pilot, and a multitude of surprises. Ch 10.

Stephen’s shore leave karma comes home, and we get a yellow jack education. Inter-squadron tension increases. In the Bight of Benin we meet a new potto and a potto-loving woman, while there's new from home. Can the squadron leave in time to catch the French? Ch. 9.

The squadron makes its presence known, Stephen trips himself up on shore leave, Jack gains perspective on being a Commodore and the Africa mission comes together. There’s pottos, miasmata, and the Bight of Benin. Ch 8.

En route to Africa, Jack reads his secret orders and wonders about Stephen’s thoughts. Stephen considers what to do about Capt. Duff. Jack finalises his plans after momentarily setting up as a political cove and has his first encounter at sea with a slaver. Ch 7.

What's that sound - a great fleet action? We have friends helping friends; questionable Plato; jealousy revealed and confronted; and a pause for perspective - the ultimate distress of mind. We also have an interview with George Jepson and Brittany Stoner of McBooks Press. Ch 6.

A short Easter message to tide you over while the spring celebrations are underway.  Episode 150 will be with you next week.