Patrick O’Brian Reading Order
6 series · 45 books · Born 1914
Patrick O'Brian was a prominent English author renowned for his intricate historical novels, particularly the acclaimed Aubrey/Maturin series that captures life in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Over his prolific career from 1930 to 2019, he penned 45 works across six series, including standalone novels, short stories, and nonfiction. His compelling storytelling and rich character development have solidified his status as a master of the genre.
Anthologies Series
Complete4 books (1998–2009)
Start with Rough Water: Stories of Survival from the Sea, the first of 4 books in the Anthologies series.
Aubrey/Maturin Series
Complete21 books (1969–2004)
Start with Master and Commander, the first of 21 books in the Aubrey/Maturin series.
| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 |  Master and Commander 1969Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 2 |  Post Captain 1972Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 3 |  H.M.S. Surprise 1973Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 4 | Desolation Island 1977Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 5 | The Mauritius Command 1977Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 6 |  The Fortune of War 1978Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 7 |  The Surgeon's Mate 1980Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 8 |  The Ionian Mission 1981Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 9 |  Treason's Harbour 1983Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 10 |  The Far Side of the World 1984Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 11 |  The Reverse of the Medal 1986Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 12 |  The Letter of Marque 1988Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 13 | The Thirteen-Gun Salute 1989Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 14 |  The Nutmeg of Consolation 1991Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 15 |  The Truelove / Clarissa Oakes 1992Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 16 |  The Wine-Dark Sea 1993Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 17 |  The Commodore 1994Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 18 |  The Yellow Admiral 1996Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 19 |  The Hundred Days 1998Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 20 | Blue at the Mizzen 1999Buy 🇺🇸 |
| 21 |  21: The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey 2004Buy 🇺🇸 |
Non-Fiction Series
Complete3 books (1974–1987)
Start with Men-of-War and read in order.
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete3 books (2014–2014)
Start with No Pirates Nowadays and read in order.
Short Story Collections Series
Complete6 books (1974–2019)
Start with The Chian Wine, the first of 6 books in the Short Story Collections series.
Standalone Novels Series
Complete8 books (1930–1962)
Start with Caesar, the first of 8 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Patrick O’Brian written?
- Patrick O’Brian has written 45 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 1930 to 2019.
- What is the first book in each Patrick O’Brian series?
- Here are the first books in Patrick O’Brian's series: Anthologies: Rough Water: Stories of Survival from the Sea; Aubrey/Maturin: Master and Commander; Non-Fiction: Men-of-War; Short Stories/Novellas: No Pirates Nowadays; Short Story Collections: The Chian Wine.
- What order should I read Patrick O’Brian's books?
- We recommend reading Patrick O’Brian's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Patrick O’Brian's series complete?
- Patrick O’Brian has 6 completed series.