Patrick O'Brian
Biography of Patrick O'Brian
Full Name and Common Aliases
Patrick O'Brian, born Richard Patrick Russ, is widely recognized by his pen name, Patrick O'Brian. Throughout his career, he became synonymous with the rich tapestry of historical fiction, particularly his naval series set during the Napoleonic Wars.
Birth and Death Dates
Patrick O'Brian was born on December 12, 1914, and passed away on January 2, 2000. His life spanned much of the 20th century, a period marked by significant historical events that influenced his writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Patrick O'Brian was a British author and translator. Although he spent much of his later life in France, his works are deeply rooted in British history and culture. O'Brian's professional life was dedicated to writing, with a particular focus on historical novels, biographies, and translations.
Early Life and Background
Born in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, England, Patrick O'Brian was the eighth of nine children in his family. His early life was marked by a love for literature and storytelling, which was nurtured by his parents. Despite facing health challenges as a child, O'Brian's passion for writing emerged early, leading him to publish his first novel, "Caesar: The Life Story of a Panda-Leopard," at the age of 15.
O'Brian's early education was sporadic due to his health, but he was largely self-taught, immersing himself in the world of books. His formative years were spent in the English countryside, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature and history—elements that would later permeate his literary works.
Major Accomplishments
Patrick O'Brian's most significant accomplishment is undoubtedly his Aubrey-Maturin series, a collection of 20 novels that vividly depict life in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. The series, beginning with "Master and Commander," is celebrated for its historical accuracy, intricate character development, and masterful storytelling. O'Brian's ability to weave complex narratives with rich historical detail has earned him a dedicated readership and critical acclaim.
In addition to his novels, O'Brian was a skilled translator. His translations of works by French authors, including Simone de Beauvoir and Henri Charrière, further showcased his linguistic prowess and contributed to his reputation as a versatile writer.
Notable Works or Actions
The Aubrey-Maturin series stands as Patrick O'Brian's magnum opus. The novels follow the adventures of Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, as they navigate the tumultuous waters of war and friendship. The series is lauded for its authentic portrayal of naval life and its exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the human condition.
Beyond this series, O'Brian's biography of Sir Joseph Banks, "Joseph Banks: A Life," is another notable work. It reflects his deep interest in history and his ability to bring historical figures to life with vivid detail and insight.
Impact and Legacy
Patrick O'Brian's impact on the genre of historical fiction is profound. His meticulous research and attention to detail set a high standard for historical accuracy in fiction. The Aubrey-Maturin series has been compared to the works of Jane Austen and C.S. Forester, and it continues to influence writers and filmmakers alike.
O'Brian's legacy is also evident in the continued popularity of his books, which have been adapted into films and inspired countless readers to explore the rich history of the Napoleonic era. His work has sparked a renewed interest in maritime history and has contributed to a greater appreciation of the complexities of life at sea.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Patrick O'Brian is widely quoted and remembered for his unparalleled ability to blend historical fact with fiction. His writing is celebrated for its wit, depth, and authenticity, qualities that resonate with readers and scholars alike. O'Brian's characters, particularly Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin, are beloved for their complexity and humanity, making them enduring figures in literary history.
O'Brian's quotes often reflect his keen observations of human nature and his profound understanding of the historical context in which his stories are set. His work continues to be a source of inspiration and reflection, ensuring that his legacy endures in the literary world.
Quotes by Patrick O'Brian
Of course I do know it is the French who are so wicked; but there are all these people who keep coming and going – the Austrians, the Spaniards, the Russians. Pray, are the Russians good now? It would be very shocking – treason no doubt – to put the wrong people in my prayers.
I would not cross this room to reform parliament or prevent the union or to bring about the millennium... – but man as part of a movement or a crowd is... inhuman... the only feelings I have are for men as individuals; my loyalties, such as they may be, are to private persons alone... Patriotism is a word; and one that generally comes to mean either my country, right or wrong, which is infamous, or my country is always right, which is imbecile.
One of the miseries of medical life is that on the one hand you know what shocking things can happen to the human body and on the other you know how very little we can really do about most of them.
He cannot hold his wine; he has no head for it. Why, on no more than three glasses, for I absolutely poured him out no more, he was on the point of singing Yankee Doodle. Yankee Doodle, in a King’s ship, upon my sacred honour!
All your sea-omens are of disaster; and of course, with man in his present unhappy state, huddled together in numbers far too great and spending all his surplus time and treasure beating out his brother’s brains, any gloomy foreboding is likely to be fulfilled; but your corpse, your parson, your St Elmo’s fire is not the cause of the tragedy.
It is a great while since I felt the grind of bone under my saw,′ he added, smiling with anticipation.
Few had much room to cast stones, but hypocrisy has never failed the English middle class in any latitude, and they flung them in plenty with delighted, shocked abandon – rocks, boulders, limited in size only by fear for their husband’s advancement. Conciliating discretion had never been among Mrs Villiers’s qualities, and if subjects for malignant gossip had been wanting she would have provided them by the elephant-load.
Yet whether wisdom can be any more profitably pursued than happiness is a question.
Still, the farther hills remained as untouched as the sea; high, remote, arid, dark and sterile, poisoned with the sun.