The Letter of Marque

The Letter of Marque
First edition
AuthorPatrick O'Brian
Cover artistGeoff Hunt
LanguageEnglish
SeriesAubrey-Maturin series
GenreHistorical novel
Published1988 Collins (UK)
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint (Hardback & Paperback) & Audio Book (Cassette, CD)
Pages284 paperback edition
ISBN0-393-02874-7 first Norton edition, hardback
OCLC20825241
823/.914 20
LC ClassPR6029.B55 L4 1990
Preceded byThe Reverse of the Medal 
Followed byThe Thirteen-Gun Salute 

The Letter of Marque is the twelfth historical novel in the Aubrey–Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian, first published in 1988. The story is set during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812.

Aubrey faces life off the Navy List, as the captain of a letter of marque, finding heart to endure and train yet another ship's crew, but of volunteers, with no Marines aboard. Maturin travels to meet his wife.

This novel received strongly positive reviews, for the characterizations and the naval actions. "O'Brian is a brilliant stylist of sea-historicals" in this "authentic and engaging" novel.[1] The two principal characters, "bluff, hearty Aubrey and reedy, intellectual Maturin", return for an exciting story with accurate historical depictions.[2] "Jack's seamanship and heroism are complemented by Stephen's absent-minded brilliance . . . in this swift, witty tale of money and love."[3] Richard Snow called it a "self-contained and satisfying story."[4]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kirkus1990 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Nixon1990 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference PW1990 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Snow1991 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).