Call number
Series
Genres
Publication
New York: W.W. Norton, 1992, c1986.
Pages
287
Description
Captain Jack Aubrey, R. N., ashore after a successful cruise, is persuaded by a casual acquaintance to make certain investments in the City. This innocent decision ensnares him in the London criminal underground and in government espionage-the province of his friend Stephen Maturin. Is Aubrey's humiliation and the threatened ruin of his career a deliberate plot? This dark tale is a fitting backdrop to the brilliant characterization and sparkling dialogue which O'Brian's readers have come to expect.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1986
Physical description
287 p.; 7.7 inches
ISBN
0393309606 / 9780393309607
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User reviews
LibraryThing member elenchus
In which, the Surprise has perhaps one final opportunity to demonstrate her honour, before sold into salvage. Aubrey meets ashore an emissary to France for His Majesty, bearing news and a rare opportunity; Maturin devises with Blaine a trap for the suspected mole, leaving marked currency with Wray
//
Mowett's poetry has found a publisher, though Stephen suspects a swindle. Martin publishes a pamphlet on immorality in the navy, effectively ending his career as naval chaplain; apparently never thought to consult Stephen on it, knowing he'd agree with the moral sentiments. Duhamel returns the Blue Peter, and fingers Palmer, Wray, and "Smith" as agents of Lucan, in return for passage to Canada aboard HMS Eurydice, courtesy of Henneage Dundas.
Stephen's godfather provides a means of rescue for dear Surprise. Stephen himself wipes the nose of a petty bureaucrat, and avoids the snares of one Madame de La Feullade. Mentions a "lost page" from Gibbon's Decline and Fall, pulled at page-proof stage to avoid offending friends at bar & bench. Much less botanising this time round.
At tale's open, Jack meets for the first time Samuel Panda, his son by Sally Mputa, the woman whom he kept aboard HMS Resolution, and for which he was disrated. At the close, he sits in Marshalsea awaiting trial for Stock Exchange fraud (an incidental victim of a Tory plot against Gen Aubrey and the Radicals). Sentenced to be pilloried but saved from public abuse with the roused indignation of seamen and naval officers.
//
In effect Part One of a miniseries-within-a-series, comprising with the next volume a fulcrum in Jack's and Stephen's joint career: formally dismissed the service, and though still very much involved in Admiralty plans (both naval and intelligence) the lost status is crucial. Stephen's inheritance leads to him purchasing Surprise, and getting from Blaine letters of marque and reprisal against several nations, in advance of a proposed intelligence mission to Chile and Peru.
No interior map in this installment, the endpapers are of London and the Thames: Jack's and Stephen's private clubs off Piccadilly, the Royal Society and Liberties, Parliament and the Admiralty, King's Bench and Marshalsea prisons.
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& Barrow. Both scenarios play into bigger schemes than are expected.//
Mowett's poetry has found a publisher, though Stephen suspects a swindle. Martin publishes a pamphlet on immorality in the navy, effectively ending his career as naval chaplain; apparently never thought to consult Stephen on it, knowing he'd agree with the moral sentiments. Duhamel returns the Blue Peter, and fingers Palmer, Wray, and "Smith" as agents of Lucan, in return for passage to Canada aboard HMS Eurydice, courtesy of Henneage Dundas.
Stephen's godfather provides a means of rescue for dear Surprise. Stephen himself wipes the nose of a petty bureaucrat, and avoids the snares of one Madame de La Feullade. Mentions a "lost page" from Gibbon's Decline and Fall, pulled at page-proof stage to avoid offending friends at bar & bench. Much less botanising this time round.
At tale's open, Jack meets for the first time Samuel Panda, his son by Sally Mputa, the woman whom he kept aboard HMS Resolution, and for which he was disrated. At the close, he sits in Marshalsea awaiting trial for Stock Exchange fraud (an incidental victim of a Tory plot against Gen Aubrey and the Radicals). Sentenced to be pilloried but saved from public abuse with the roused indignation of seamen and naval officers.
//
In effect Part One of a miniseries-within-a-series, comprising with the next volume a fulcrum in Jack's and Stephen's joint career: formally dismissed the service, and though still very much involved in Admiralty plans (both naval and intelligence) the lost status is crucial. Stephen's inheritance leads to him purchasing Surprise, and getting from Blaine letters of marque and reprisal against several nations, in advance of a proposed intelligence mission to Chile and Peru.
No interior map in this installment, the endpapers are of London and the Thames: Jack's and Stephen's private clubs off Piccadilly, the Royal Society and Liberties, Parliament and the Admiralty, King's Bench and Marshalsea prisons.
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LibraryThing member iayork
Excellent addition to an excellent series.: This series is an absolute treasure, and I can't recommend it highly enough. I do, however, caution you on a couple of things. O'Brian is difficult to read. Well, that's not quite fair, it's not difficult, it's slow to read. Paragraphs can go on for a
Whatever you do, don't give in to the temptation to skip sections because they seem like long descriptions. If you take the time to read them, they seem to always offer some gems of wit and a sly turn of phrase; plus, O'Brian can resolve an entire dilemma or introduce a battle and the aftermath in a couple of sentences.
Looked at from a certain point of view, it actually enhances the story because you have to think about what you just read.
Read them all and read them in order. I can't speak to the rest of the series, but up until now it is superb.
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page and a half or longer, and that makes it difficult to digest all that happened. Whatever you do, don't give in to the temptation to skip sections because they seem like long descriptions. If you take the time to read them, they seem to always offer some gems of wit and a sly turn of phrase; plus, O'Brian can resolve an entire dilemma or introduce a battle and the aftermath in a couple of sentences.
Looked at from a certain point of view, it actually enhances the story because you have to think about what you just read.
Read them all and read them in order. I can't speak to the rest of the series, but up until now it is superb.
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LibraryThing member DarthDeverell
The Reverse of the Medal, Patrick O’Brian’s eleventh book in his Aubrey-Maturin series, picks up shortly after the events of The Far Side of The World, with Captain Jack Aubrey returning the HMS Surprise to England, where the aging ship will be sold out of the service and possibly reduced to
Aubrey must reconcile his own sense of the passage of time and a cruel world, as he encounters both his bastard son, Samuel Panda, and must participate in a courts martial in which the various accused are certain of a guilty verdict. When the crew return home, they find things similarly bleak ashore. Dr. Stephen Maturin learns that his wife, Diana, has abandoned him over a perceived slight during his time in the Mediterranean. Jack, meanwhile, receives what seems a lucky stock tip that results in his arrest for fraud on the Stock Exchange, further complicating his naïve notions of justice. O’Brian is in full force in this novel as he captures the sense of melancholy through Jack’s observations, writing, “Jack observed with regret that the fine coloured coats of his youth were losing more and more ground to black, which, though well enough in particular cases, gave the far pavement a mourning air. To be sure, bottle-green, claret-coloured and bright blue did appear now and then, but the far side of the street was not the flower-garden that once it had been. And pantaloons were almost universal among the young” (pg. 110). Though the trial would seem outlandish, O’Brian’s careful attention to historical detail ensure that it is accurate, as he based the culminating events of the novel on James Beresford Atlay’s account of the trial and conviction of Lord Cochrane before Lord Ellenborough at the Guildhall for a fraud on the Stock Exchange
Like the previous four novels, The Reverse of the Medal exists outside the normal flow of time – this novel being the fifth of twelve to exist in what O’Brian described as an extended 1812, with these dozen books taking place between the beginning of June 1813 and November 1813. Like his previous novels, O’Brian perfectly recreates the world of the Napoleonic War in 1812, using Aubrey and Stephen’s melancholy to reflect their awareness of the rapid changes occurring in this era and the passage of time in the series’ internal chronology. This Folio Society edition reprints the original text with insets containing historical portraits and sketches to illustrate some of the scenes.
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scrap. A sense of melancholy overhangs the events of this novel, both with the impending loss of the Surprise and other events.Aubrey must reconcile his own sense of the passage of time and a cruel world, as he encounters both his bastard son, Samuel Panda, and must participate in a courts martial in which the various accused are certain of a guilty verdict. When the crew return home, they find things similarly bleak ashore. Dr. Stephen Maturin learns that his wife, Diana, has abandoned him over a perceived slight during his time in the Mediterranean. Jack, meanwhile, receives what seems a lucky stock tip that results in his arrest for fraud on the Stock Exchange, further complicating his naïve notions of justice. O’Brian is in full force in this novel as he captures the sense of melancholy through Jack’s observations, writing, “Jack observed with regret that the fine coloured coats of his youth were losing more and more ground to black, which, though well enough in particular cases, gave the far pavement a mourning air. To be sure, bottle-green, claret-coloured and bright blue did appear now and then, but the far side of the street was not the flower-garden that once it had been. And pantaloons were almost universal among the young” (pg. 110). Though the trial would seem outlandish, O’Brian’s careful attention to historical detail ensure that it is accurate, as he based the culminating events of the novel on James Beresford Atlay’s account of the trial and conviction of Lord Cochrane before Lord Ellenborough at the Guildhall for a fraud on the Stock Exchange
Like the previous four novels, The Reverse of the Medal exists outside the normal flow of time – this novel being the fifth of twelve to exist in what O’Brian described as an extended 1812, with these dozen books taking place between the beginning of June 1813 and November 1813. Like his previous novels, O’Brian perfectly recreates the world of the Napoleonic War in 1812, using Aubrey and Stephen’s melancholy to reflect their awareness of the rapid changes occurring in this era and the passage of time in the series’ internal chronology. This Folio Society edition reprints the original text with insets containing historical portraits and sketches to illustrate some of the scenes.
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LibraryThing member Fence
Someone mentions Jack Aubrey and at once you think of sea battles and naval history, you may not think of Stock Exchange frauds and court cases, but that is exactly what we have here. Of course there is some sea action, this book takes up after Master and Commander, so even if you only saw the film
Jack has problems of his own, a young black catholic man who has a remarkable similarity to Jack turns up, but Stephen isn’t carefree either. His wife appears to have left him, and there is trouble in the intelligence agency.
But I don’t really read these books for the plot. I read them because of the way they are written, the characters that shine and the wonderful language. It is also interesting the way Jack notes that the colourful coats he’s used to are no longer fashionable. More and more fashion calls for black coats. Well, maybe you don’t find that interesting, but I did.
Plus, the more I read around this whole general time period the more I enjoy these books. Phrases I read in Heyer’s books turn up here too, things “don’t signify.” ) A saying I now intend to use all the time, so be prepared.
I particularly liked Jack’s unshakable belief in the English justice system, his absolute knowledge that once he tells the jury the truth nothin could possibly go wrong. Not to mention Stephen’s attempts to dissuade him of this notion:
“They are men who tend to resign their own conscience to another’s keeping, or to disregard it entirely. To the question ‘what are you’re sentiments when you are asked to defend a man you know to be quilty?’ many will reply ‘I do not know to be guilty until the judge, who has heard both sides, states that he is guilty.’ … standing up in a court for which ever side has paid upi, affecting warmth and conviction, and doing everything you can to win the case, whatever your private opinion may be, will soon dull any fine sense of honour. The mercenary soldier is not a valued creature, but at least he risks his life, whereas these men merely risk their next fee.”
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you have a rough idea of what to expect.. Aubrey and the crew of the Surprise have been off protecting whalers and most of this book is set either on their way home, or back in England.Jack has problems of his own, a young black catholic man who has a remarkable similarity to Jack turns up, but Stephen isn’t carefree either. His wife appears to have left him, and there is trouble in the intelligence agency.
But I don’t really read these books for the plot. I read them because of the way they are written, the characters that shine and the wonderful language. It is also interesting the way Jack notes that the colourful coats he’s used to are no longer fashionable. More and more fashion calls for black coats. Well, maybe you don’t find that interesting, but I did.
Plus, the more I read around this whole general time period the more I enjoy these books. Phrases I read in Heyer’s books turn up here too, things “don’t signify.” ) A saying I now intend to use all the time, so be prepared.
I particularly liked Jack’s unshakable belief in the English justice system, his absolute knowledge that once he tells the jury the truth nothin could possibly go wrong. Not to mention Stephen’s attempts to dissuade him of this notion:
“They are men who tend to resign their own conscience to another’s keeping, or to disregard it entirely. To the question ‘what are you’re sentiments when you are asked to defend a man you know to be quilty?’ many will reply ‘I do not know to be guilty until the judge, who has heard both sides, states that he is guilty.’ … standing up in a court for which ever side has paid upi, affecting warmth and conviction, and doing everything you can to win the case, whatever your private opinion may be, will soon dull any fine sense of honour. The mercenary soldier is not a valued creature, but at least he risks his life, whereas these men merely risk their next fee.”
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LibraryThing member Lukeorafferty
Onshore, but the Best of the Aubrey-Maturin series so far: I find Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series a challenge to read, albeit an excellent, well-connected long novel. I could not put down the eleventh in the series, The Reverse of the Medal, once I began it. Although most of this book
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occurs on land, where Captain Jack Aubrey is naive and awkward, O'Brian exploits this: the force of the plot is as strong as the earliest, more typically naval stories in the saga. The climax brought tears to my eyes, and the last chapter's denouement evoked a cheer for Maturin and his dear friend. I went right to the Web to order the next two novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member gbsallery
This is the first review I have written for a Patrick O'Brian novel, having read the prior Aubrey-Maturin books before getting into LibraryThing, so this is in some ways a review of the whole series. This makes it even harder to put into words quite how staggeringly brilliant these books are; a
I can't really do justice to the depth and subtlety of this work, so I'm just going to gibber for a bit.
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sense heightened by the Reverse of the Medal, as its final pages bring a crescendo of emotion and meaning which can only be appreciated once you have the first ten novels under your belt. That such careful, (impeccably) mannered prose can move you so much is testament to the deep bond that you, as reader, share with the characters, who are sketched in with such deftness that their every movement and thought are utterly believable, consistent, and thus a pleasure.I can't really do justice to the depth and subtlety of this work, so I'm just going to gibber for a bit.
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LibraryThing member Fence
Someone mentions Jack Aubrey and at once you think of sea battles and naval history, you may not think of Stock Exchange frauds and court cases, but that is exactly what we have here. Of course there is some sea action, this book takes up after Master and Commander, so even if you only saw the film
Show More
you have a rough idea of what to expect.. Aubrey and the crew of the Surprise have been off protecting whalers and most of this book is set either on their way home, or back in England. Jack has problems of his own, a young black catholic man who has a remarkable similarity to Jack turns up, but Stephen isn’t carefree either. His wife appears to have left him, and there is trouble in the intelligence agency. But I don’t really read these books for the plot. I read them because of the way they are written, the characters that shine and the wonderful language. It is also interesting the way Jack notes that the colourful coats he’s used to are no longer fashionable. More and more fashion calls for black coats. Well, maybe you don’t find that interesting, but I did. Plus, the more I read around this whole general time period the more I enjoy these books. Phrases I read in Heyer’s books turn up here too, things “don’t signify.” ) A saying I now intend to use all the time, so be prepared. I particularly liked Jack’s unshakable belief in the English justice system, his absolute knowledge that once he tells the jury the truth nothin could possibly go wrong. Not to mention Stephen’s attempts to dissuade him of this notion: “They are men who tend to resign their own conscience to another’s keeping, or to disregard it entirely. To the question ‘what are you’re sentiments when you are asked to defend a man you know to be quilty?’ many will reply ‘I do not know to be guilty until the judge, who has heard both sides, states that he is guilty.’ … standing up in a court for which ever side has paid upi, affecting warmth and conviction, and doing everything you can to win the case, whatever your private opinion may be, will soon dull any fine sense of honour. The mercenary soldier is not a valued creature, but at least he risks his life, whereas these men merely risk their next fee.” Show Less
LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Jack just can't get a break! He's too naive for his own good when it comes to living on shore and he pays for it on a large scale when he gets caught up in political maneuvering. A majority of the action happens on shore, which is a nice change. I loved the scene where Jack and his crew undertake
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to make Ashford Cottage shipshape. I can just imagine the scene! And I wish I had my own crew to come do the same to mine! Show Less
LibraryThing member JBD1
Another good 'un from O'Brian, this volume with a little bit of everything: espionage, conspiracies, sea battles, natural history ... it's so easy to just sit down with one of these books and lose a few hours; I recommend it highly.
LibraryThing member wealhtheowwylfing
Captain Jack Aubrey and his particular friend, Dr. Steven Maturin, return to England. Within days of his arrival, Jack's credulous nature (at least on land) and kind heart put him in the crosshairs of a political scandal. While he withstands imprisonment and trial, Steven tries to figure out the
Another beautifully written novel from O'Brian.
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truth of the matter.Another beautifully written novel from O'Brian.
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LibraryThing member malcrf
What can I say that has not been said before. Elegant and beguiling plot, wonderful characterisation and vivid prose.
LibraryThing member bragan
Book 11 in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series sees some surprising revelations, changes, and reversals of fortune. There's not much sea-going action here, and what there is isn't incredibly satisfying. And the spy stuff is somehow never quite as interesting to me as it feels like it should be,
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even with the treason-in-high-places plot we've got going on at this point in the series. But the parts of the story involving the characters' personal lives and problems are extremely engaging. Both Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin have moments here that make me feel immense affection for them... and also moments where I'd kind of like to knock some sense into them. Especially Jack Aubrey. How can a man that unbelievably competent at sea be such a gullible screw-up on land? But, of course, that's all part of what makes him such an interesting and oddly lovable character. There's also a moment towards the end that genuinely got me a little choked up, and a very interesting setup for going forward into the next volume. Show Less
LibraryThing member kslade
Another good book in the series. This time it spends more time on espionage than sea action.