Master and Commander is a historical naval novel by English author Patrick O'Brian. First published in 1969 (US) (1970 in UK), it is first in the Aubrey-Maturin series of stories of Captain Jack Aubrey and the naval surgeon Stephen Maturin. Closely based on the historical feats of Lord Cochrane, O'Brian's novel is set in the Napoleonic Wars.
Receiving many compliments from historians and literary critics and with a large popular following, Master and Commander has been reprinted a number of times. The 2003 film Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, with actors Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany, was made using themes—but not the plots—from the book Master and Commander and other books in the series, including "The Far Side of the World". In 2003 the book was listed on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's "best-loved novel."
Read more about Master And Commander: Plot Summary, Characters in "Master and Commander", Ships in "Master and Commander", Major Themes, Literary Significance & Criticism, Film Adaptation, Release Details