Background – Fighting Sail – If you wish to have a feel of how naval warfare was conducted in the age of sail, I strongly recommend you see the current film adapation of Patrick O’Brian’s books on the big screen, entitled Master and Commander. This is the most realistic depiction of what life and combat was like on an 18th century warship that you will ever see. Here are some links to provide background on the film and the author???

• NPR: A 1995 interview with author Patrick O’Brian (requires RealAudio)
• The New Yorker: Ruling the Waves – a review of the movie.
• Daily Telegraph: Luck Jack Sails to Hollywood – Max Hastings on Patrick O’Brian’s legacy.

• 24 Hour Museum: Master and Commander / The Far Side of the World Museum Trail – A listing of naval museums in the UK where artifacts from Nelson’s Navy can be viewed