Patrick O'Brian: The Making of the Novelist 1914-1949

About this book

A complex layered portrait of the man considered by many to be the greatest British novelist of the twentieth century. This is the story of Patrick OBrians life up to his decision to move to Collioure in the south of France. His childhood; his precocious writing success; his sailing experiences; and the truth behind his first marriage divorce and name change are set forth with candor and sympathy. Along the way Nikolai Tolstoy reveals the seeds of inspiration that would one day lead to comparisons to Jane Austen and even Homer. Tolstoy was OBrians stepson and their acquaintance lasted forty-five years. He stayed with his mother and OBrian at their French home and was a frequent correspondent with the reclusive author discovering facets of his character and creative genius that were hidden from others. Over the years he accumulated a vast collection of the authors papers correspondence and notebooks many of which are reproduced here. On the basis of this trove of original material Tolstoy has written the definitive biography that OBrian and his admirers deserve. 16 pages of illustrations