Unravel the enigma of Patrick O’Brian with *Patrick OBrian: A Very Private Life*, a captivating biography by his stepson, Nikolai Tolstoy. Delve into the life of the intensely private author behind the celebrated Aubrey-Maturin series. Tolstoy utilizes exclusive access to O’Brian’s personal archives to paint a vivid picture of his life in Collioure, France, where he penned his masterpieces. Discover O’Brian’s evolution from a struggling writer to a literary sensation. Explore his diverse literary pursuits, including his work as a translator of French luminaries. The biography probes beyond the public persona, revealing a man grappling with the ironies of fame and the complexities of human relationships. This intimate portrayal offers a rare glimpse into the world of a literary giant, making it a must-read for O’Brian aficionados and those seeking a deeper understanding of a writer’s life. Published by William Collins in 2019, this hardcover edition offers 608 pages of literary exploration. Perfect for fans of biographies, historical fiction, and those interested in the lives of authors.
Patrick OBrian: A Very Private Life
22,72 $
In stock
An intimate portrait of the reclusive and brilliant author, written by his step-son Nikolai Tolstoy.
The English novelist Patrick OBrian is much admired for his best-selling Aubrey-Maturin series of sea novels the unexpected success of the series secured his place in literary history. Far less is known about OBrians personal life, largely because he preferred to keep it that way. In A Very Private Life, OBrians step-son Nikolai Tolstoy draws upon his step-fathers archives and papers to faithfully capture a life dedicated to the written word.
This biography covers the latter part of OBrians life, from the moment of his arrival at Collioure in the south of France in 1949, where he wrote all his major works, to his death in 2000.
Throughout his career, OBrians writing was supplemented by his translation work, which saw him translate the likes of Simone de Beauvoir and Henri Charriere. Tolstoy also captures OBrian as he conducted research for the biography of his close friend and neighbour, Pablo Picasso.
Tolstoy maps his step-fathers literary career, from its poverty-stricken beginnings to the remarkable success OBrian enjoyed later in life. He notes how through a cruel irony of fate, just as his step-fathers literary career attained greater acclaimed, OBrians pleasure in his achievement began to diminish.
This truthful, warm and insightful biography is a testimony to Tolstoys respect and admiration for his step-father, one of Britains most loved literary figures.
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Binding | |
| Condition | |
| ISBN-10 | 0008350582 |
| ISBN-13 | 9780008350581 |
| Language | |
| Pages | 608 |
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| Year published | |
| Weight | 860 |
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