Editing Master and Commander (section)

===Background===
In an introductory ''Author's Note'' to the novel, O'Brian sets out his approach to historical accuracy, noting that historic records of naval battles are filled with "actions that few men could invent". He goes on to say, "That is why I have gone straight to the source for the fighting in this book ... and so when I describe a fight I have log-books, official letters, contemporary accounts or the participants' own memoirs to vouch for every exchange ... Yet, on the other hand, I have not felt slavishly bound to precise chronological sequence; ... within a context of general historical accuracy I have changed names, places and minor events". He considers that "authenticity is a jewel", and that "the admirable men of these times ... are best celebrated in their own splendid actions rather than in imaginary contests".<ref name="M&C">{{Cite book |title=Master and Commander |last= O'Brian |first= Patrick |publisher=[[HarperCollins]] |year=1970 |isbn=978-0-00-649915-2 |location=London |at=Author's Note}}</ref>

The naval actions of the novel are closely based on the exploits of [[Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald|Thomas Cochrane]] (1775–1860), 10th Earl of Dundonald, a notoriously fiery naval captain and later admiral.{{sfn|Brown|2006|p=10}}{{sfn|Brown|2006|p=103}} Cochrane's own ship, [[HMS Speedy (1782)|HMS ''Speedy'']], forms the basis for Aubrey's ''Sophie''.{{sfn|Brown|2006|p=335, 336}}

Although Aubrey's exploits are historically-sourced, his personality is O'Brian's own invention and differs significantly from that of the real Cochrane,{{sfn|Brown|2006|p=9}} a Scot who could at times be rash, confrontational and disagreeable.{{sfn|King|2000|p=206}} The character of Maturin is likewise of O'Brian's devising,{{sfn|Brown|2006|p=10}} though it has been said that the author's own personality, attitudes, interests and even appearance are closely reflected in his character's persona.{{sfn|Brown|2006|pp=9, 274}}