In this, the first of Patrick O'Brian's much lauded Aubrey-Maturin novels, discover a vibrant world conjured by a master storyteller, rich with detail and character.

1800. Napoleon Bonaparte is the biggest threat to peace yet seen.

Newly promoted to command of his first ship, Captain Jack Aubrey, along with his crew, and new friend and ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, must patrol a Mediterranean fraught with peril but rich with rewards. A glimpse of white sails on the horizon could mean a prize to be taken - or a fight for survival.

'In Aubrey and Maturin, Patrick O'Brian has created two of the most enjoyable characters in twentieth-century fiction. One of the greatest authors to sail with.'

MICHAEL PALIN

'There are two types of people in the world: Patrick O'Brian fans, and people who haven't read him yet.'

LUCY EYRE, Guardian