Patrick O\'Brian\'s Aubrey-Maturin tales are widely acknowledged to be the greatest series of historical novels ever written.
Captain Jack Aubrey is ashore on half-pay without a Command - until his friend, and occasional intelligence agent, Stephen Maturin, arrives with secret orders for Aubrey t.
This is the fourth book in the series.
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of their beginning, with Master and Commander, these evocative stories are being re-issued in paperback with smart new livery.
Patrick O\'Brian\'s Aubrey-Maturin tales are widely acknowledged to be the greatest series of historical novels ever written