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

Political differences abound, as Stephen and Martin's relationship is hulled below the waterline. Tom has the Franklin armed & looking beautiful, but people suffer from salt and the lack of fresh water. The spoils are divided, as are opinions about Dutourd. Ch 4.

As West is buried, the gunroom is changed by the arrival of Dutourd and the ransomers, and Martin continues his decline. There’s a new acting Lieutenant, much ado about sects, a possible link between petrels and homeopathy, frisky midshipmen, beautiful music, and potential trouble aboard. Ch 3.

This is a short special Christmas episode, containing a message to all our listeners, guests and patrons, a few Christmas highlights from the POB canon, and a guide to what's coming up in the next week or two. Episode 136 is out on December 31st. Happy Holidays!

We learn the cause of all the “unnatural” natural phenomena, the fate of Dutourd and the Franklin, what will become of West’s ongoing effect on the Gun Room, and the Shelmerston sect which doesn't play well with others. Ch 2.

The chase of the Franklin continues, pitting Jack Aubrey against a very resourceful Yankee sailing master and Mother Nature herself. We meet some new characters onboard, attend a gunroom dinner and remember to keep one hand for the ship and another for ourselves. Ch 1.

Battle with the North commences, the Franklin is in the offing, and the spoils of war are great and terrible as the current story of Clarissa Oakes comes to an end. Meanwhile we wrap up this novel with an interview with our old friend, novelist Rachel McMillan. Ch 9.

Jack and the Surprises sail into Moahu hoping to secure Queen Puolani’s allegiance and defend her against the north’s attack. They hunt for the Franklin, find another ship, see a little action and encounter the spoils of war, as we learn more about Clarissa and resolve the gunroom’s dilemma. Ch 9 (Part 1)

“Nasty, brutish, and short”? Maybe. An angry Captain presides over punishment, and we dig deep into the delights of John Donne. The medicos go fishing and sight the Evil One. And our special guest, author and academic Josh Corey, joins us to discuss the character of Nathaniel Martin and lots more besides. Ch 8.

An excited Stephen writes to Sir Joseph Blaine, while Rev. Martin confesses. We learn more about Mrs. Oakes, her attitude toward men and her effect on the Surprise’s officers and crew. An unpleased, indignant Jack tilts church toward fire and brimstone. And there’s a dinner! Ch 7.

As trading and high jinks continue ashore, a French-American crew are threatening Moahu. Stephen, meanwhile, learns about Clarissa's dark personal history, and gives some important clues about treachery in the heart of the British establishment. Ch 6

Aboard the Surprise, the storm continues. There are stunning revelations about Mrs Oakes. Stephen and Jack reveal the depths of their nautical and birding knowledge. A prize is spotted after Jack drives the ship hard. The mission continues ... (Ep 5)

It’s Guy Fawkes time again. The Gunroom has the long-delayed feast for the bride and groom, as we learn life lessons from Shakespeare, and discover some Latin Easter eggs with the help of our new consulting medieval Latinist. Jack learns the disastrous effects of too much pudding and starts to realize what’s going on with the gunroom. Ch 4.

Jack & Stephen puzzle with letters from home and Jack’s new orders. Martin has decisions to make; Clarissa is on the minds of all the officers; and the Gunroom’s delayed wedding feast gets an unexpected main course. Ch 3.

Stephen 'practices upon' Jack, laudanum returns, Oakes and Clarissa approach Norfolk Island, and a pursuing cutter threatens Clarissa and Padeen. We are reminded that the community often knows us better than we know ourselves, and new orders arrive. Ch 2.

The Surprise sails for Easter Island and Norfolk Island. The crew seems to be acting strange and a little too happy. Jack’s health and his temper are still a worry, as he meets the ghost of cable tiers past. Ch 1.

This week we take time out from our reading of the canon to visit the Caird Library and Archive at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, to talk to senior curator Jeremy Michell and look at documents and artefacts underpinning the Patrick O'Brian novels. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsGui2FMAoQ to watch the video version.

Stephen Maturin the deadly duelist meets his match! But first: trips through the bush, more trouble with the authorities and the crew, Aborigines, boomerangs, big news from home and a falling out over duty, honour and friendship. Ch 10.

We are still in and around Sydney as we conclude Chapter 9 of The Nutmeg Of Consolation with orphanages (almost), midnight commotions, heartwarming reunions, possible help for Padeen and plans for a journey. Ch 9.

Ashore in Sydney, we meet Martin’s friend from university. There are literary lessons, obstructing officials, a great change of fortune, convenient corruption, copious convicts, and unappealing countrysides. Ch 9 (first part).

Our heroes make an island stop but leave with far more than fruit. With delightful new guests aboard, there's an uneasy Martin, rats going cold turkey, a self-medicating Captain, insults for the Irish, and the return of that cold reptilian glare. Ch 8.

At a farewell dinner, there are polar bear stories, thoughts on ageing, and a big transaction toasted with the best Sicilian juice. We also have a great interview with special guest Neil Buttery, who’s going to talk to us about Regency food, drink and puddings. Ch 7.

The Nutmeg leads the Cornélie on a chase with lame duck ruses, twists and turns, duelling chasers, a familiar decoy trick, and an occulted Star Trek star. After a gunroom dinner with old port, and lots of sails & rigging, there's a very surprising encounter. Ch 6.

Jack & his crew crack on in search of the Cornélie. A Dutch merchantman reveals that one should never say die. Stephen is plagued by dentistry, relative poverty, and moral advantage. Their beautiful restored Nutmeg turns ugly and Jack’s classic capers begin. Ch 5.

Jack and the Nutmeg rush to intercept the French. Stephen spends time with Governor Raffles. We have a plant naming, a local civet (coffee anyone?), and a chance to ponder Anglican prayer. Time & tide wait on no man, whether they’re standing on principle or not! Ch 4.

Heading for Batavia, our heroes and the treaty continue to face piratical dangers. We revisit an O’Brian Scottish brogue, and see an old friend from the Sultan’s court. There’s a new ship on the horizon - but what name will Jack pick for her? Ch 3.

Welby and the Marines shine once more, as Kesegaran and the Dyaks return. Jack keeps the crew pulling together even though there’s no 'widow’s cruse' in sight - just some 'Dublin horse' which goes well with POB’s family wine. For Stephen, swiftlets prove their worth is more than just their edible nests. Ch 2.

The Dianes are boat-building but take time out for a cricket match as supplies run threateningly low. Stephen finds a new role. The swallows are untrue, and the visiting Malays are inscrutable. We reflect on Commodore Anson and do our best to avoid St Famine’s Day. Ch 1.

Jack & the crew get busy, Fox gets his way (and, perhaps, gets what's coming to him). Sailors demonstrate mainbrace splicing, and marines demonstrate castramentation, as we reach the bitter end of The Thirteen Gun Salute. Ch 10.

The moon has it in for the Diane, as she heads for her rendezvous with the Surprise carrying an impatient envoy Fox and his suite. There are strained relations, a tromba marina, a Gunroom dinner, time in the rigging, the Articles of War, Coronation Day, a clumsy Stephen and trouble at sea. All this, and a Freudian slip. Ch 9.

As Stephen returns from Kumai, there's danger in the city and a big potential change brewing in the negotiations. Stephen carries out a surprisingly important dissection with Van Buren, whereby spleens are redeemed. Jack enjoys simple sailing and spying on the French frigate, while Fox and the Old Buggers show their true colours. Ch 8.

A colourful birthday celebration shows off the Diane's firepower; Abdul becomes a bigger problem; Stephen fixes an intelligence setback; and we join him on a fabulous journey to the heart of Patrick O'Brian. Ch 7

Stephen heads ashore and compiles the next discreet chapter in Dr. Maturin’s guide to better out-of-town business trip accommodations. We debate vital life forces for humans, tapirs, orangutans - anything with a spleen, basically. A real Van Buren makes an appearance, as does the real Geoff Hunt. Ch 6 (2nd part).

Arriving in Java, we pick up the rest of the British mission, hear troubling news about Britain's banks, track down a Dutch anatomist, and press on to Pulo Prabang to prepare for meeting the Sultan and the French. Plus we talk about Stamford Raffles, and all things oriental, with guest Josh Provan. Ch 6.

The Diane begins a long, perilous journey around Africa towards Pulo Prabang. There are contrary currents, cuttlefish, cathedrals of ice, confessions and copulation. Oh, and Kerguelen. Curious? Ch 5.

Jack heads to London, hoping for the happiest possible news. We explore Irish mythology, and learn about the plans for the mission to Pulo Prabang: what kind of man is Mr Fox the envoy, really? Ep 4.

Jack worries about his new purser and the crew starting to think this is an unlucky voyage. Stephen gets a surprise visitor in Lisbon, Jack meets the son of an old shipmate, and the backward glances at Master & Commander continue, as we wonder where Sharpe and Hornblower have got to. Ch 3, Ch 4 (Part).

Stephen’s bankers frustrate, a prize takes flight, the new purser impresses - just not favorably. We find out why Master & Commander was such a great prelude to The Thirteen Gun Salute, as the “United Irishmen curse”, which hunted Dillon, descends on Stephen. Ch 2.

After we all get caught up on who is aboard & why, the Surprise leaves on the long-promised secret mission to South America. We learn the reasons she departs so quickly, and what new developments are flowering between Stephen and Diana. Ch 1.

To celebrate reaching Episode 100, we have a special for you - Ian & Mike answer listeners' questions. We'll talk about personal stories, TV adaptations, equine digestion and the great sloth vs potto debate. Special thanks to our Patreon supporters, a few of whom we hear from in person. To watch a video version, please visit https://youtube.com/c/TheLubbersHole.

The Sophies are now prisoners of the French, as a battle with the English starts. We are spectators at the first and second battles of Algeciras and have a front-row seat at Jack’s trial for losing the Sophie. We learn about emotions, courts-martial, and big squadron actions all while enjoying the Rock of Gibraltar. Ch 12.

The Sophie, victorious, enters Mahon, as Jack reunites with Molly. There’s an unexpected end to the Cacafeugo and two unexpected missions. We learn about peccant parts, revisit the Music Room in the Governor’s House (with some Boccherini this time), remember Dillon, light up the sky and get close to the French. Ch 11.

The tension between Jack and Dillon mounts. Jack’s still lucky in prizes ... too lucky maybe? Jack and Dillon face gunboats off Barcelona, as well as their internal and external nemeses, before the chapter is over. For any of you not familiar with the exploits of Thomas Cochrane, you’re about to be… Ch 10.

We have a brush with the French, and Stephen practices resurrection with a bellows. There’s Mowett’s poetry, a Russel Crowe alert, a chase, Minions, rumors of peace, and a questionable time ashore for Jack. Ch 9.

Jack ponders his identity, and has a close encounter with a formidable new enemy. Stephen gains insights into Dillon’s thinking, while Jack gets bad career news. We hear about mantises, sardanas, laxatives, enemas and evangelism. Something for everyone! Ch 8.

The cruise continues, gunnery improves, there’s action ahead, a changing relationship between Jack and Dillon, a problem with Stephen’s asp and fireworks both real and relational. And we haven’t seen the end of the United Irishmen - but - where’s Stephen? Ch 7.

Stephen ponders on the effect of ageing and authority; we get an excellent example of 'Jack ashore' at Molly Harte’s rout; a chilling look into human nature, superstition and prejudice; and a fishy tale. We talk about the Irish rebellion of 1798 with our special guest Paddy Cullivan. Ch 6.

The log promises the Sophie’s first prize, but first there’s an apocalyptic blow, a brush with the plague, scatological humor, labor and delivery amongst gunpowder, and a chance for Stephen Maturin and James Dillon to get to know one another better, maybe. Ch 5.

The crew's first gunnery practice turns into an unexpected first taste of action for the crew, and a first taste of duty for her new surgeon. Jack meets an old friend and her new husband - an Admiral, no less. Ch 4.

Jack’s first mission in command, and every day's a school day: we learn some nautical terms, we learn about Dillon's past, Stephen learns what cataleptic terror feels like, and we all learn about goat’s milk and the very definition of a Lubber's Hole. Ch 3.

Jack learns more about his new ship, as the crew and Lt. Dillion try to figure out their new Captain. There’s opera, bowdlerization, nautical innovation, dockyard corruption, and some of our favourite phrases packed into a very long day. Ch 3.