Hi

Thanks for the heads' up with the books. I too read the Bounty books...great stuff there! Real ripping yarns. Bligh fascinates me: brilliant seaman and navigator who got his men across the Pacific by boat, yet a terrible administrator (New South Wales revolt and all). I will keep a weather eye open for Marryat. Yes, I might do an episode on Cochrane for White Ensign. As to the French Revolution literature don't overlook the books of the era, as they are free on Google Books. Thomas Carlyle is HIGHLY recommended, but you certainly have to work at him, he is so florid and left field at times, but worth a go. Probably need to read the following first though. Archibald Alison's 'History of Europe' for context. George Long's 'Revolutions: a pictorial history', which commences from the States General in 1789 The excellent Maclean Rowan's 'History of the French Revolution' for her backstory chapters. JSC Abbott for Napoleon (for his early days especially) although very Victorian in style. Hazlitt for Napoleon (brilliant book but he does go off on tangents occasionally) For some reason these stellar authors are overlooked and forgotten nowadays. As to Napoleon vs Revolution I am the same. I still love the battles and such, but the road to Revolution IS interesting, albeit with some not so sexy topics to cover...like finances. Keep in touch! Regards Mark

Hi there cgod.

Yes, this IS the second time and there will be many more as I use the 'events' in O'Brian's books as hooks to discuss the reality of the era. For instance: music as mentioned in the books and what that actually meant for real people of the time - in this instance Royal Naval personnel. As to his authenticity, I think he himself admitted that the character of Aubrey was based on Lord Cochrane. I have read Alexander Kent and some Forester. After O'Brian I prefer Kent but I must admit I admire O'Brian for his style. These episodes are only meant as a diversion and addition to the episodes we post to our main website - for me it is the French Revolution. They allow small digressions on topics the main narrative would normally miss. In no way are they meant to publicise O'Brian or even state that he is the best writer, although I personally believe he is. I do not know much about Marryat...do you highly recommend him? Regards Mark