The Golden Ocean
The Golden Ocean by Patrick O’Brian, published by W. W. Norton & Company in October 1996, is a reprint edition comprising 288 pages. This novel, set in the year 1740, chronicles the voyage of Commodore Anson, who embarked on a significant expedition in British naval history. As Anson and his crew navigate treacherous waters, they face numerous challenges, including disaster and disease, while ultimately achieving remarkable success in their circumnavigation of the globe and the capture of substantial Spanish treasure.
Readers will find a rich narrative that combines historical detail with humor, reflecting O’Brian’s signature style. The story follows Peter Palafox, a young mid-shipman from a modest background, as he embarks on a perilous journey alongside his friend Sean. Their adventure is filled with danger and excitement, set against the backdrop of foreign lands and the high seas. The Golden Ocean serves as an engaging introduction to the themes and character dynamics that would later be explored in O’Brian’s acclaimed Aubrey/Maturin series, appealing to both new readers and long-time fans of historical fiction and sea stories.
Official synopsis Publisher
In the year 1740, Commodore (later Admiral) Anson embarked on a voyage that would become one of the most famous exploits in British naval history. Sailing through poorly charted waters, Anson and his men encountered disaster, disease, and astonishing success. They circumnavigated the globe and seized a nearly incalculable sum of Spanish gold and silver, but only one of the five ships survived the voyage. This is the background to the first novel Patrick O’Brian ever wrote about the sea, a precursor to the critically acclaimed Aubrey/Maturin series. The Golden Ocean shares the excitement and the rich humor of those books, invoking the eloquent style and attention to historical detail that O’Brian fans know so well. The protagonist of this story is Peter Palafox, son of a poor Irish parson, who signs on as a mid-shipman, never before having seen a ship. He is a fellow who would have delighted the young Stephen Maturin or Jack Aubrey . . . and quarreled violently with them as well. Together with his life-long friend Sean, Peter sets out to seek his fortune, embarking upon a journey of danger, disappointment, foreign lands, and excitement. Here is a tale certain to please not only admirers of O’Brian’s work, but any reader with an adventurous soul.
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