Golden Ocean

The first novel Patrick O’Brian ever wrote about the sea – and the precursor to the famous Aubrey/Maturin series – is now available in paperback for the first time in forty years.
The novel shares the same sense of excitement and the rich humour of the Aubrey/Maturin novels, invoking the eloquent style and attention to historical detail that O’Brian readers admire so much.

The protagonist of this story is Peter Palafox, son of a poor Irish parson, who signs on as a midshipman, never before having seen a ship. He is a fellow who would have delighted the young Stephen Maturin or Jack Aubrey… and quarrelled with them as well. Together with his life-long friend Sean, Peter sets out to seek his fortune, embarking on a journey of danger, disappointment, foreign lands and excitement.

Written in 1956, this is a tale certain to please not only the many admirers of O’Brian, but any reader with an adventurous soul.

Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Imprint: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd UK
Publication date: 01/08/2009