World’s End July 26, 2006
Posted by John Hodson in : Books - News and Reviews , trackbackTo France for a fortnight; no blogging, no posting at various fora (no work!), indeed, no films. But a chance to finish, at last, Patrick O’Brian’s fabulous Aubrey / Maturin series, something I’ve been putting off. Not that I don’t want to read them, of course, but I simply don’t want the adventure to end.
These supremely written and researched books formed the basis for Master and Commander - The Far Side of The World. Peter Weir’s excellent film took it’s title from two of of the 20 novels (I also have the unfinished - O’Brian died in 2000 - and untitled, 21st), but also little plot snippets and characters from many others. It’s a delight, now that I’ve read most of them, to watch the film again (and again) and pick up the various references. It’s also delightful to watch a film that so effortlessly entertains; a fine companion for the swashbucklers of the Golden Age. I can pay it no high a compliment.
I’ve followed the rambunctious Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, the acutely intelligent surgeon and spy, Stephen Maturin, from their first meeting, blazing their guns across the seven seas, through riches and bankruptcy, illness, love, marriage and tragedy. I’ve come to know and love them both…and I don’t want to turn the last page.
I’ll also be taking Simon Callow’s second part of his mammoth Orson Welles biographical trilogy, Hello Americans, a lip-smacking prospect considering the breathtaking standard of his first Welles tome, and Maureen O’Hara’s autobiography ‘Tis Herself, for which I don’t hold out much hope, but what the hell.
I pledge, whilst away, to do as little as humanly possible, eat, drink (and eat) far too much (it’s a man’s work I have in front of me…) and return to these shores further pledging that next time - next time - I’ll see much more of la Belle France’s cultural delights, and ingest less of it’s gastronomic temptations.
Speaking of which, where’s that blasted toasted cheese? Killick? Preserved Killick there..!
Comments»
Have a great holiday John! Behave yourself with all those dusky French maidens or the lovely Ann will have to hit you with a wooden spoon
I’ve just come over all Benny Hill!
Thanks Mike!
Have fun in France, John. Be interested to hear if Ms O’Hara’s tome is any good, should you get round to it. I’ve been toying with getting it for a while now.