close
  Cart (0)
Audiobooks > Fiction >  Historical > Blue at the Mizzen
Blue at the Mizzen Audiobook, by Patrick O’Brian Play Audiobook Sample

Download Blue at the Mizzen Audiobook

4.00020470829069 out of 54.00020470829069 out of 54.00020470829069 out of 54.00020470829069 out of 54.00020470829069 out of 5 (4.00) - 4,885 customer ratings
Blue at the Mizzen Audiobook, by Patrick O’Brian Play Audiobook Sample
FlexPass™ Price: $12.95
$7.95 for new members!(Includes UNLIMITED podcast listening) Add to Cart learn more
OR
Regular Price: $29.99 Add to Cart
Author: Patrick O’Brian Narrator: Patrick Tull Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc. Audio Length: Release Date: December 1999 Format: Unabridged Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781440781889
+ Add to Wish List

Publisher Description

With his swashbuckling adventures, best-selling novelist Patrick O'Brian transports you to the high seas of old where privateers lurk in the mist, and great ships fight to control the waterways. Blue at the Mizzen hoists the excitement to new heights as British frigate commander Jack Aubrey stakes everything on a desperate raid against the mighty Spanish fleet. Ever since Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, Captain Aubrey's prospects in the new peacetime navy have looked dim. Even worse, his frigate Surprise was badly damaged in a nighttime collision. While Aubrey waits for repairs, ship's doctor Stephen Maturin brings him intriguing information about the New World. Soon Aubrey is leading a bold expedition that will determine the fate of a rising South American nation - and his own. Critically-acclaimed author Patrick O'Brian blends authentic period atmosphere, rich humor, and elegant language in each of his seafaring yarns. You can almost hear the thunder of the waves and smell the salty sea air as you listen to Patrick Tull's dramatic performance.

Download and start listening now!

Listeners Also Enjoyed:

> View All...

The Yellow Admiral Audiobook, by
The Commodore Audiobook, by
The Hundred Days Audiobook, by
Treason's Harbour Audiobook, by
The Nutmeg of Consolation Audiobook, by
The Ionian Mission Audiobook, by
The Truelove Audiobook, by
Desolation Island Audiobook, by
The Surgeon's Mate Audiobook, by
The Thirteen-Gun Salute Audiobook, by
The Fortune of War Audiobook, by
The Mauritius Command Audiobook, by
H.M.S. Surprise Audiobook, by
21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey Audiobook, by
The Wine-Dark Sea Audiobook, by
The Golden Ocean Audiobook, by
The Reverse of the Medal Audiobook, by
Master and Commander Audiobook, by
The Letter of Marque Audiobook, by
The Far Side of the World Audiobook, by

Customer Reviews

Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series by Patrick O'Brian is a literary masterpiece. It is astonishing to realize that it was written in the late 20th century and not in the 18th. "

    - Justin, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " No... if you love him, skip it and see the book he meant to write, not the one old age allowed him to write. "

    - Mackay, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read it out of sequence....should do it again later "

    - LDuchess, 2/9/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " the last of the aubrey-maturin series. the napoleonic wars are over and jack takes his ship on 'hydrologic' cum espionage mission to chile. good characters and dialogue as usual and jack makes flag rank so good for him. "

    - Jrobertus, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Patrick O'Brian, but they're always enjoyable. "

    - Liz, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have read the entire Aubrey/Maturn series at least six times, in order, and been captivated by many facets. Of course the sheer adventure is enthralling, but the way in which O'Brian has developed his characters as the books go along is magical. One reviewer called O'Brian " The Jane Austen of the 20th century." Right on! Only in the last two books as O'Brian aged and was no doubt under pressure from publishers, did the standards slip. This is one of the weakest. "

    - Jerry, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series by Patrick O'Brian is a literary masterpiece. It is astonishing to realize that it was written in the late 20th century and not in the 18th. "

    - Justin, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The last completed novel in Patrick O'Brian's superb Aubrey-Maturin series of seafaring novels set in the early 19th century. This installment has it all: a bit of the home-front with the families of Jack and Stephen; a long voyage across the Atlantic and around Cape Horn and into the Pacific; battles ashore and at sea; and the fascinating politics and espionage associated with nation-building in the budding South American republics; and we finally find out if Captain Jack Aubrey will be allowed to hoist his blue ensign as a Rear Admiral. Whilst I've not read 21: The Final Voyage of Jack Aubrey, the book unfinished by O'Brian before his death in early 2000, I felt that Blue at the Mizzen proved to be a very satisfactory and ultimately quite satisfying conclusion to this brilliant canon of great literature. Jack and Stephen will always be sailing on in my imagination -- Just as it should be! "

    - Christopher, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " That's it. All done. What an amazing achievement by Patrick O'Brian. Think I'll give it a year and then start them again... "

    - Booksthailand, 1/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Oh Jack Aubrey, I give you joy! I've also decided not to read 21 because I think it will leave me feeling incomplete and I'm so very happy with the ending of this one. Besides, I'm perfectly capable of coming up with a suitable ending for you and Stephen on my own. "

    - Courtney, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " After 20 books, I figured I'd be getting tired of Aubrey and Maturin, but it's quite the opposite. Perhaps it's because I'm listening to the books instead of reading them, but this series just gets better and better. "

    - Tim, 1/12/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sad it's over. Happy, indeed, for Jack to hoist his flag at last :) "

    - Dean, 1/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Sad it's over. Happy, indeed, for Jack to hoist his flag at last :) "

    - Dean, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " 1st Recorded Reading: September 2001 "

    - Kathryn, 12/31/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It pains me to say it, but this was my least favorite of all twenty complete books. I had hoped for a grand finale, but that's not what I got. There are too many loose ends and knowing that the story will never be complete is a very sad thing. "

    - Joey, 12/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It pains me to say it, but this was my least favorite of all twenty complete books. I had hoped for a grand finale, but that's not what I got. There are too many loose ends and knowing that the story will never be complete is a very sad thing. "

    - Joey, 12/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I am sad that this is the 2nd to last book (and last full book). Right at the end it seemed to get a little lost, but as usual, still a fun read (or listen)--though I don't think I will ever truly understand all the sailing stuff. "

    - Melinda, 12/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Well, I'm sad it's over. The books slowed down towards the end, but they still satisfied. "

    - Will, 12/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A good Jack Aubrey Book,always a treat. "

    - Dean, 11/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This entire series is wonderful, but by the last two books I sensed O'Brian becoming tired. There was less humor, and fewer of the unexpected little twists that make the earlier books amusing and compelling. "

    - Louisa, 10/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A mostly-satisfying end to the series, though if it had been written with that in mind, it might have been a little more successful. Oddly, the final chapter almost reads as if it had been written as the first chapter of a different book. "

    - S., 9/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Just finished reading the whole Aubrey/Maturin collection for the 2nd time. First time was 10 years ago. Still just as wonderful. You become so involved with the characters and plots. So hard to put down! "

    - Kathy, 6/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Patrick O'Brian, but they're always enjoyable. "

    - Liz, 6/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Correction: My review (comment, really) of the twentieth book in the series, "Blue at the Mizzen," was inadvertently assigned to the wrong book... Oops. "

    - Joshua, 6/16/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Due recognition is in sight for Captain Jack Aubrey, supported by ship's surgeon and spy Stephen Maturin and Jack's brave, loyal crew members. There are many obstacles to be overcome, however, and the plot twists and turns before coming to a wholly satisfying resolution. Pacy and exciting. "

    - JoTownhead, 4/8/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Sad. I'm done with the series. The earlier books were the best, but by the time the story wondered, these characters were part of my DNA. now the Admiral Aubrey has arrived, I'm lost. "

    - Bo, 6/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Due recognition is in sight for Captain Jack Aubrey, supported by ship's surgeon and spy Stephen Maturin and Jack's brave, loyal crew members. There are many obstacles to be overcome, however, and the plot twists and turns before coming to a wholly satisfying resolution. Pacy and exciting. "

    - JoTownhead, 5/20/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A mostly-satisfying end to the series, though if it had been written with that in mind, it might have been a little more successful. Oddly, the final chapter almost reads as if it had been written as the first chapter of a different book. "

    - S., 5/16/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I stalled for months...but it's over. :( "

    - Sarah, 5/1/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " First-class as an unintended end to the series, with only a few minor details left open-ended. This one makes a satisfying conclusion. "

    - J.E., 3/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A good Jack Aubrey Book,always a treat. "

    - Dean, 1/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Finally finished the series. Except for 21! "

    - Squeaky, 11/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Better than 100 days. As always, the scene transitions can be a bit tough and take some careful reading. On the other hand, they capture the hallucinatory nature of long voyages. "

    - Ian, 11/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is the 20th volume in O'Brian's magisterial series of Abubrey/ Maturin. Great history, intriguing plots and characterization that deepens over time. "

    - Peter, 10/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " That's it. All done. What an amazing achievement by Patrick O'Brian. Think I'll give it a year and then start them again... "

    - Booksthailand, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Better than 100 days. As always, the scene transitions can be a bit tough and take some careful reading. On the other hand, they capture the hallucinatory nature of long voyages. "

    - Ian, 12/31/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " First-class as an unintended end to the series, with only a few minor details left open-ended. This one makes a satisfying conclusion. "

    - J.E., 11/29/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I am sad that this is the 2nd to last book (and last full book). Right at the end it seemed to get a little lost, but as usual, still a fun read (or listen)--though I don't think I will ever truly understand all the sailing stuff. "

    - Melinda, 9/24/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Yay! I'm done with the series and can start reading other things again. Boo! I'm done with the series and I still want to know what happens next. "

    - Deidre, 9/18/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I saved this last one in the series for honeymoon... Excellent if unintentional end to the series. "

    - Fritz, 8/14/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I can't bear to move on to the last, unfinished novel. An older O'Brian writes an older Maturin and Aubrey brilliantly. "

    - Morgan, 8/8/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Not my favorite Patrick O'Brian, but they're always enjoyable. "

    - Liz, 8/2/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I stalled for months...but it's over. :( "

    - Sarah, 6/2/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Correction: My review (comment, really) of the twentieth book in the series, "Blue at the Mizzen," was inadvertently assigned to the wrong book... Oops. "

    - Joshua, 5/16/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The end, I guess. "

    - Isis, 3/29/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This series by Patrick O'Brian is a literary masterpiece. It is astonishing to realize that it was written in the late 20th century and not in the 18th. "

    - Justin, 3/29/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Just finished reading the whole Aubrey/Maturin collection for the 2nd time. First time was 10 years ago. Still just as wonderful. You become so involved with the characters and plots. So hard to put down! "

    - Kathy, 3/26/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " In my opion this is the weakest of the 20 books in the series, but still pretty good. O'Brian was close to 90 years old and did not have a lot longer to live, so it is understandable. "

    - Ross, 3/14/2010

About the Author

Patrick O’Brian (1914–2000), a translator and author of biographies, was best known as the author of the highly acclaimed Aubrey–Maturin series of historical novels. Set in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars ,this twenty-volume series centers on the enduring friendship between naval officer Jack Aubrey and physician and spy Stephen Maturin. The Far Side of the World, the tenth book in the series, was adapted into a 2003 film directed by Peter Weir and starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany. The film was nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture. He wrote acclaimed biographies of Pablo Picasso and Sir Joseph Banks. He also translated many works from the French, among them the novels and memoirs of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Lacouture’s biographies of Charles de Gaulle.

About the Narrator

Patrick Tull (1941–2006), born in the United Kingdom, was a multitalented actor of the stage, screen, and television, as well as an award-winning audiobook narrator. He acted in numerous American television shows from 1962 to 1996, including Crossroads, and he had roles in six Broadway plays between 1967 and 1992, including Amadeus. His film credits from 1969 to 1996 included roles as Cecil in Parting Glances and Jerry the bartender in Sleepers. He served as narrator for the television series Sea Tales. He narrated nearly forty audiobooks, and his readings of The Canterbury Tales, The Letter of Marque, Monk’s Hood, The Vicar of Wakefield, and How Green Was My Valley each earned him an AudioFile Earphones Award. His narration of Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels was praised by novelist Stephen King as among his ten favorite audiobooks of 2006.