Editing Patrick O'Brian (section)

===Aubrey–Maturin series===
{{Main|Aubrey–Maturin series}}
Beginning in 1969, O'Brian began writing what turned into the 20-volume [[Aubrey–Maturin series]] of novels. The books are set in the early 19th century and describe the lives and careers of Captain [[Jack Aubrey]] of the Royal Navy and his friend, naval physician and naturalist Dr [[Stephen Maturin]], a man of Irish and Catalan parents. The books are distinguished by O'Brian's deliberate use and adaptation of actual historical events, either integrating his protagonists in the action without changing the outcome, or using adapted historical events as templates. In addition to this trait and to O'Brian's distinctive literary style, his sense of humour is prominent (see [[Aubrey–Maturin series#Humour|Humour]] in main article, ''Aubrey–Maturin series'').

The series employs technical sailing terminology throughout. Some critics consider the books a [[roman fleuve]], which can be read as one long story; the books follow Aubrey and Maturin's professional and domestic lives continuously.