P

Patrick O’Brian

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 45 Books

6
Series
45
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books
Start with: Master and Commander (1969)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Caesar (1930)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: No Pirates Nowadays (2014)

About Patrick O’Brian

Patrick O’Brian was born on 12th of December in the year 1914 in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, England. He died on second of January 2000. His birth name was Richard Patrick Russ. He wrote several novels in his lifetime including the famous Aubrey-Maturin series. These are a series of 20 novels that are set in the sea during a Napoleonic wars describing events by the Royal Navy. They are highly praised for their vivid description of 19th-century life.They are based on the main character, English naval captain Jack Aubrey and the Irish-Catalan physician Stephen Maturin. Patrick O’Brian was also a French to English translator and thus he translated several works in his career. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, Patrick O’Brian has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Patrick O’Brian

Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books
21 books 1969–2004
1

Master and Commander

Master and Commander is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1969
2

Post Captain

Post Captain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1972
3

H.M.S. Surprise

H.M.S. Surprise is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1973
4

The Mauritius Command

The Mauritius Command continues the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1977
5

Desolation Island

Desolation Island continues the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1977
6

The Fortune of War

Conflict and courage define The Fortune of War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series by Patrick O’Brian that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1978
7

The Surgeon's Mate

The Surgeon's Mate continues the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
8

The Ionian Mission

The Ionian Mission continues the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
9

Treason's Harbour

Treason's Harbour is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1983
10

The Far Side of the World

The Far Side of the World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1984
11

The Reverse of the Medal

The Reverse of the Medal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1986
12

The Letter of Marque

The Letter of Marque is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1988
13

The Thirteen-Gun Salute

The Thirteen-Gun Salute is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1989
14

The Nutmeg of Consolation

The Nutmeg of Consolation is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1991
15

The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes

The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series by Patrick O’Brian.

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1992
16

The Wine-Dark Sea

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books with The Wine-Dark Sea, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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1993
17

The Commodore

The Commodore continues the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
18

The Yellow Admiral

The Yellow Admiral continues the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
19

The Hundred Days

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books with The Hundred Days, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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1998
20

Blue at the Mizzen

Blue at the Mizzen is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1999
21

21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey

21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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2004
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
8 books 1930–1962
1

Caesar

Caesar continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1930
2

Hussein

Hussein continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1938
3

Testimonies

Testimonies continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
4

The Catalans

The Catalans continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1953
5

The Road to Samarcand

The Road to Samarcand is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1954
6

The Golden Ocean

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Golden Ocean, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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1956
7

The Unknown Shore

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Unknown Shore, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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1959
8

Richard Temple

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Richard Temple, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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1962
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
3 books 2014–2014
1

No Pirates Nowadays

No Pirates Nowadays continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
2

Noughts and Crosses

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Noughts and Crosses, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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2014
3

Two’s Company

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Two’s Company, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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2014
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
6 books 1974–2019
1

The Chian Wine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Chian Wine, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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1974
2

The Rendezvous and Other Stories

The Rendezvous and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1994
3

Collected Short Stories

Collected Short Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1995
4

No Pirates Nowadays and Other Stories: Three Nautical Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with No Pirates Nowadays and Other Stories: Three Nautical Tales, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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2014
5

Beasts Royal: Twelve Tales of Adventure

Beasts Royal: Twelve Tales of Adventure is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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2015
6

The Uncertain Land and Other Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Uncertain Land and Other Poems, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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2019
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
3 books 1974–1987
1

Men-of-War

Conflict and courage define Men-of-War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Patrick O’Brian that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1974
2

Picasso

Picasso is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Patrick O’Brian have come to expect.

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1976
3

Joseph Banks

Joseph Banks continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
Publication Order of Anthologies
4 books 1998–2009
1

Rough Water: Stories of Survival from the Sea

Rough Water: Stories of Survival from the Sea continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Patrick O’Brian's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
2

High Seas: Stories of Battle and Adventure from the Age of Sail

Conflict and courage define High Seas: Stories of Battle and Adventure from the Age of Sail, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Patrick O’Brian that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2002
3

Great Modern Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great Modern Stories, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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2009
4

Short Stories: The Thoroughly Modern Collection

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Short Stories: The Thoroughly Modern Collection, another outstanding contribution from Patrick O’Brian.

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2009

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Patrick O’Brian?

Patrick O’Brian is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 45 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Patrick O’Brian series to start with?

For readers new to Patrick O’Brian's work, the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 21 books. Begin with Master and Commander to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Patrick O’Brian written?

Patrick O’Brian has written over 45 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Patrick O’Brian books in order?

Yes, reading Patrick O’Brian's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Patrick O’Brian write in?

Patrick O’Brian writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 45 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Patrick O’Brian's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Patrick O’Brian's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Patrick O’Brian's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Patrick O’Brian's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Aubrey/Maturin Books series. The first book, Master and Commander, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.