OBIT: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian

Subject: OBIT: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Peter T.
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 09:57 AM

It has not been a good winter for lovers of fine writing. Iris Murdoch, Joseph Heller, Quentin Crisp, and now Patrick O'Brian have died.

Some of the shanty singers here might have found his Aubrey-Maturin series of novels about the world of Nelson's navy (and after). One fine thing about the novels was the rich portrayal of cultural life -- the amateur music making especially (pick-up quartets were a speciality).

He is also a reminder of how much can be done in the last half on one's life. He published the first in the increasingly famous 17 volume series when he was 55, and seems to have been working until just about the day of his death, in Dublin, last Sunday at 85. He has sailed over the horizon.....
yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: katlaughing
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 10:11 AM

I heard a wonderful piece on him on NPR, Peter. It said he didn't really hit the big until about 10 years ago, money and fame-wise. That means there's hope for all of us, huh?

Along with clips from an interview, they also gave some of his early history, including his real last name, Russ, and that he'd abandoned his wife and child who had spina bifada.

Other info said he'd been called the greatest novelist of this century (20th) and compared him to some pretty heavy hitters.

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Dave Swan
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 01:07 PM

I was introduced to his work while was bedfast following orthopedic surgery. Escape into his Aubrey-Maturin novels passed many a long day waiting to heal. He's remained a favorite and I'm sad to see that he's gone. Dave

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Martin _Ryan
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 06:51 PM

A great favourite of mine for many years (hardly surprising since I'm a scientist, sailor. birdwatcher and lover of music!). The Irish Times has had several articles about him in the last few days. Clicck HERE for one.

Regards

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Susan A-R
Date: 08 Jan 00 - 07:45 PM

My Dad was an avid sailor, and loved the Patrick O'Brian books. I should go back and dig up the cookbook someone gave Dad for Christmas a couple of years back, based on the series. Something about Spotted Dick, hmmm. Well, maybe for april fools at the kitchen.

I am sure those two lively gentlemen with a love for sailing and good writing are having a time of it wherever they may be.

Susan A-R

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Jan 00 - 12:44 PM

His books were variously described as seafaring books with a lot of recipes, or cookbooks with a nautical bent...

The fan club regularly hold banquets based on the meals described in his books.

LTS

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Susan A-R
Date: 09 Jan 00 - 11:19 PM

I believe I'd have to do such a banquet on April Fools day given the vegetarian nature of the place I run, but maybe I'll just indulge myself and do a dinner in memory.

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 10 Jan 00 - 10:53 AM

And to add to this increasing list, the historical author Nigel Tranter passed early this morning..... We are getting low on good writers for this new millennium, anyone want to start a protection scheme~?

LTS

Subject: RE: The Passing of Patrick O'Brian
From: BK
Date: 16 Jan 00 - 08:34 PM

He dies, & I finally purchased one of his novels - something I've been meaning to do for a long time.. figures.. Good piece on NPR.

Cheers, BK