 First edition | |
| Author | Patrick O'Brian |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Series | Aubrey–Maturin series |
| Genre | Historical novel |
| Publisher | Collins (UK) |
Publication date | 1979 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 280 |
| ISBN | 0-00-222498-4 |
| OCLC | 5658117 |
| 823/.9/14 | |
| LC Class | PZ3.O1285 Fo PR6029.B55 |
| Preceded by | Desolation Island |
| Followed by | The Surgeon's Mate |
The Fortune of War is the sixth historical novel in the Aubrey–Maturin series by British author Patrick O'Brian, first published in 1979. It is set during the War of 1812 and much of the story takes place in Boston, Massachusetts.
HMS Leopard has made its way to Botany Bay, left its prisoners, and sailed to Pulo Batang, where the ship is declared unfit for war. Captain Aubrey and some of his followers are put aboard the packet ship La Flèche to sail home for a new commission, but a shipboard fire ends the months of sweet sailing and brings them into the new war.
The Fortune of War contains lightly fictionalized accounts of two actual sea battles in the War of 1812.