Master and Commander, by Patrick O'Brian

Burdened by a lack of sailing knowledge, sea terminology, 19th century naval warfare tactics and geography I launched into this great read armed with a dictionary specifically written to accompany the novel and its 19 other companions. I saw the movie back a few years; the movie is an amalgam of a number of the O'Brian books. But this first in the series follows Captain J. Aubrey on his first command, of the Sophie, in the Royal Navy in their ongoing war with the French and myriad shifting allies among the mediterranean people. I found the read a pleasure on multiple fronts: nautical terms, life aboard a 19th century man o' war, sea battles and tactics all make for a colorful setting for the character development and relationship between JA and Dr. S. Maturin (ship's surgeon, botanist and all around scientist). A true exercise in pleasurable education. I will surely read the next in line.