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Title: The Wives of Los Alamos

Subtitle: A Novel

Author: TaraShea Nesbit

Narrator: Tavia Gilbert

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-25-14

Publisher: Audible Studios for Bloomsbury

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 208 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Their average age was 25. They came from Berkeley, Cambridge, Paris, London, Chicago - and arrived in New Mexico ready for adventure, or at least resigned to it. But hope quickly turned to hardship as they were forced to adapt to a rugged military town where everything was a secret, including what their husbands were doing at the lab. They lived in barely finished houses with P. O. box addresses in a town wreathed with barbed wire, all for the benefit of a project that didnt exist as far as the public knew. Though they were strangers, they joined together - adapting to a landscape as fierce as it was absorbing, full of the banalities of everyday life and the drama of scientific discovery. And while the bomb was being invented, babies were born, friendships were forged, children grew up, and Los Alamos gradually transformed from an abandoned school on a hill into a real community: one that was strained by the words they couldnt say out loud, the letters they couldnt send home, the freedom they didnt have. But the end of the war would bring even bigger challenges to the people of Los Alamos, as the scientists and their families struggled with the burden of their contribution to the most destructive force in the history of mankind.

The Wives of Los Alamos is a novel that sheds light onto one of the strangest and most monumental research projects in modern history. It's a testament to a remarkable group of women who carved out a life for themselves, in spite of the chaos of the war and the shroud of intense secrecy.

Editorial Reviews:

Editors Select, February 2014 - Theres no doubt about it, TaraShea Nesbits debut is a strange one. But its also lyrical and lovely and appeals to my inner English major who gets giddy when a novels form matches its meaning so perfectly. Being so acclimated to books that delve into the minutiae of individual experience, the use of the first person plural narrative voice was a shock to my ear, though it wasnt long before I realized what Nesbit was getting at here. Historical women make great fictional fodder (think The Paris Wife, The Women, The Chaperone, just to name a few) because often so little is known about them. But Nesbit take a different tactic. Instead of fleshing out one person from the mass of history she makes this about the common experience of the families who were present during the development of the atom bomb. Her approach allows for a series of vignettes that together encompass a sweeping sense of time and place, and sheds new light on one of the most defining collective experiences in human history.

Members Reviews:

Fascinating.

At first the plural voice "We" seemed odd, but as I listened it became more like the voice of a greek chorus. Imagining these women brought along, having to move blindly without knowing the details or where they were going, and the lives they lived while their husbands built something that still threatens life on this planet to this day, is amazing because it sounds so normal, the wives created a community, while their husbands worked on something which had the power to end a war and the world.

Unique POV Perfect For Telling This Story!

Where does The Wives of Los Alamos rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I've listened to over 1,500 audio books and this is one of the best books that I've heard that were written to be ideally presented as audio books.

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Title: Everything Under the Heavens

Subtitle: Silk and Song, Book 1

Author: Dana Stabenow

Narrator: Marguerite Gavin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 02-21-14

Publisher: Gere Donovan Press

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 47 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Raised in a prosperous family of 14th century Chinese merchants, Wu Johanna has grown up on camelback, in bustling city marketplaces and the cool, shaded depths of Silk Road caravanserai. Hers is a world of spice merchants and pearl divers, bandits and troubadours, servants and sheikhs. A world in which trust is more valuable than gold, and the right name can unlock a network of contacts from Japan to North Africa. Johanna is, after all, the granddaughter of Marco Polo.

In the wake of her father's death, however, Johanna finds that lineage counts for little amid the disintegrating court of the Khan. Dynastic loyalties are shifting, petty jealousies lead to cold-blooded murders, and the long knives are coming out. If Johanna is to find a future for herself, she'll have to rely on her wits, the vagaries of fortune, and a close-knit circle of friends and traveling companions. Her destiny-if she has one-lies more than a continent away, at the very edge of the known world.

Members Reviews:

Transport yourself back...

...to a time and place not often visited in current fiction. Join Stabenow's rich characters through a well-researched and entertaining adventure of historical fiction. I can hardly wait for the sequel!

If you liked Kate Shugak...

Do NOT choose this series. Logic hard to follow, characters not compelling, overall disappointing story

Disappointment

What would have made Everything Under the Heavens better?

If, when I was choosing the Dana Stabenow book, I had known that this was the first "chapter", I would not have been so surprised. The length of the "chaapter" was the length of a novel but ended with a cliff hanger ... not good.The narration was done by a woman that had done all of the other Stabenow books and I was lulled into thinking that this was the first of the Kate Shugak novels, the one where the lineage of the Inuit (or whatever tribe) came by its mixed blood. Not good thinking on my part but I would have accepted this new genre if I wasn't left hanging. One cannot call it a book if it is not complete in and of itself.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I think that I will get her next novel in book form and then the disappointment won't be so great. It seems like listening is a more active use of the mind.

What didnt you like about Marguerite Gavins performance?

She was fine in the performances, except for the fact that she has done all the other books and is so identified in my mind as "Alaska". I kept hearing the narrator's voice and it would bring images of all the other characters in her Alaskan novels.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Disapppointment

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Title: Warrior of the West

Subtitle: The King Arthur Trilogy, Book 2

Author: M. K. Hume

Narrator: Steven Crossley

Format: Unabridged

Length: 19 hrs and 56 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-18-14

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 40 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The second book in an exciting, brand-new Arthurian trilogy

Twelve long, blood-soaked years, have passed since Artor fulfilled his destiny and was crowned the High King of the Britons. Against all odds, Artor has united Celtic Britain and with a last great campaign, has banished the Saxon scourge. The legend of Camlann has begun. But even as Artor's kingdom is at its zenith, even as he has succeeded in conquering all external threats to his rule, his kingdom is being undermined from within. For Artor has chosen Wenhaver (Guenevere) as a second wife. Queen of the Britons, Wenhaver will always love what she cannot have and have what she cannot love, and her bitterness threatens to bring down all those around her. Not only is Artor betrayed by the one person he should be able to trust, he has also learned of appalling perversion at the heart of his kingdom. He must make a terrible choice. Does he commit a deed that leaves him open to comparison with the despotic Uther Pendragon? Or does he let evil go unchecked? The burden of leadership, of power, now rests solely - and heavily - on Artor's shoulders for Myrddion Merlinus, master tactician, guiding light for so many years, has left Artor to his fate. Could all that Artor has fought for, the destiny of Britain, be lost?

Will Britain be torn apart?

Members Reviews:

Great Arthurian Story

If you could sum up Warrior of the West in three words, what would they be?

All about relationships

What was one of the most memorable moments of Warrior of the West?

The second to last scene when you realize that Artur is alone

Which character as performed by Steven Crossley was your favorite?

I love most of Hume's characters, but I think that Nimway may be my favorite because of her optimism.

Any additional comments?

I have read or listened to most of the contemporary Arthurian Legend novels and this trilogy is one of my two favorites. It is, in the end, all about the different relationships between the characters and how those relationships shape events. Listening to this book, I often stopped and replayed a few passages, just so I could relish how beautifully the author describes a particular setting or the emotions of one of her characters. I also love the strength of the Hume's women. This is a book to sit back and listen to slowly so that you can enjoy the beauty of the writing and the message hope that it offers.

Starts Out Great but Ends Too Slow

This is the second book in the King Arthur Trilogy. It starts out great with an exciting description of early medieval warfare and thrilling adventures of King Arthur. Unfortunately, after the first half the book begins to drag way too slowly. The second half tells the story of King Arthur meeting and marrying Guinevere. There is no grey in this Guinevere--she's spoiled and awful almost to the point that her character is a bit unbelievable. The second half of the book develops a deep morose tone that is hard to slug through. I finished the book with some difficultly both due to the depressing feel and lack of any real action. This book could have been great if the last third had been chopped off or replaced with another adventure.

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Title: The Time of the Wolf: A Novel of Medieval England

Subtitle: Hereward, Book 1

Author: James Wilde

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-14-13

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 100 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

A rousing historical novel that rescues one of Englands forgotten heroes from the mists of early medieval history and brings him to brutal and bloody life in 1062, a time many fear is the End of Days. With the English King Edward heirless and ailing, across the grey seas in Normandy the brutal William the Bastard waits for the moment when he can drown England in a tide of blood. The ravens of war are gathering. But as King Edwards closest advisors scheme and squabble amongst themselves, hopes of resisting the naked ambition of the Norman duke come to rest with just one man: Hereward.

To some a ruthless warrior and master tactician, to others a devil in human form, Hereward is as adept in the art of warfare as the foes that gather to claim Englands throne. But in his countrys hour of greatest need, his enemies at court have made him an outlaw. To stay alive - and a free man - he must carve a violent swathe from the frozen lands outside the capital.

The tale of a man whose deeds will become the stuff of legend, this is also the story of two mismatched allies: Hereward, the dark angel of war; and Alric, a man of peace, a monk. One man will risk everything to save the land he loves, the other will strive to save his friends soul.

Members Reviews:

Old English history with a good story line

Where does The Time of the Wolf: A Novel of Medieval England rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

I was some what familiar with this period but this shed a new light on many of the characters involved in this period of history

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Time of the Wolf: A Novel of Medieval England?

Once the Normans had won and a true resistance started I felt that history would change for the English

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

Without a doubt Mr Vance is a true professional who has a talent to bring the characters to individual life Enjoyed all of his books

If you could take any character from The Time of the Wolf: A Novel of Medieval England out to dinner, who would it be and why?

King Edward to try and get him to see reality of his situation

Any additional comments?

I am sure I will read more in the series and learn something of time old politics from ruthless men

Formulaic, okay but disappointing

What would have made The Time of the Wolf: A Novel of Medieval England better?

This book seemed to be a formulaic "buddy-road movie," with two opposites forced together by circumstances. The plot is credible, but the dialog is sometimes as contrived as a reality TV show. Things that Cornwell or Kristian would have developed through internal dialog or action were explained through forced (and unrealistically long) conversation. Apologies to the author, but it felt like he was given the plot points by his agent and filled them in dutifully.

What was most disappointing about James Wildes story?

The author seems to have forgotten that Saxons and Danes did not speak the same language. This makes fluid dialog difficult, but other writers have managed it. Also, the protagonist enters the story as a fully-formed hero-on-a-quest, already the best swordsman in the country, blah, blah. Another chosen one, rather than a believable human.

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Title: Checkmate

Author: Dorothy Dunnett

Narrator: Andrew Napier

Format: Unabridged

Length: 30 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 11-07-13

Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 99 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

1557 and Francis Crawford of Lymond is back in France, leading an army against England. But even as the Scots adventurer succeeds on the battlefield, his past becomes a subject of intense interest to both sides. For whoever knows the secret of Lymond's parentage possesses the power to control him - and destroy him.

Members Reviews:

Lymond's back but where's THE GAME OF KINGS Book 1

Would you consider the audio edition of Checkmate to be better than the print version?

If I had never read in print, I don't think I could have appreciated the audio as the work of audio art that it is.

However, Having anxiously waited for what seems to be forever, finally The Lymond Chronicles!

Audible, please make the The Game of Kings (Book 1) available as quickly as possible! These books should be savored in the order they were written and as I have read them in the "old-fashioned" way atleast once a year since they were originally released in print.

It is so wonderful to have the books currently available read by such an accomplished narrator. Beautiful inflexion; realistic and measured pace just as I would have imagined Ms. Dunnett to have meant.

So very pleased!! I will keep these books in "My Library" for always!

Now that the Lymond Chronicles have reached their end though missing the very first book in the series; I will be moving on to the House of Niccolo series by Dorothy Dunnett that is the pre-quel series to the Lymond books. Dorothy Dunnett was perhaps the best writer of historical fiction ever.

Well done.

If you could sum up Checkmate in three words, what would they be?

Fine complex series.

If you could take any character from Checkmate out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ahem.

Any additional comments?

I hardly think I would take any of the characters from Dorothy Dunnett out to dinner, as requested by the prompter questions from Audible. What I do have to say is that the Niccolo and the Lymond series are very fine historical fiction. They're complicated, long, and marvelously detailed, yet holding the thread of the complex storylines to the very last page. If you enjoy the Gabaldon "Outlander" series, perhaps these are next for you, but be aware they're not so simple nor so racy. (Also, Dame Dunnett has a clue about geography quite lacking in Outlander.) If you like a challenging read/listen, try these two series. For this book, Andrew Napier managed quite well to bring emphasis and variation to the words. He does not attempt a solo theatrical performance but a competent, workmanlike and clear reading.

caution, Lymond will steal your heart and imsginat

too good, I want to start over again. heroic tales, villains, Noble heros, abiding love - it's got it all

Simply the Best.

Simply the best historical novels every e r....rich in characters, comes playroom o t-shirt, eloquent language.

Francis Crawford

this is my favourite DD book! I love a clever book and this is just so clever! Sad it's over!

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Titel: Das Haupt der Welt (Otto der Große 1)

Autor:: Rebecca Gablé

Erzähler: Detlef Bierstedt

Format: Unabridged

Spieldauer: 30 hrs and 40 mins

Sprache: Deutsch

Veröffentlichungsdatum: 10-04-13

Herausgeber: Lübbe Audio

Bewertung: 4.5 von 5 von 3 Stimmen

Kategorien: Fiction, Historical

Zusammenfassung des Herausgebers:

Brandenburg 929: Beim blutigen Sturm durch das deutsche Heer unter König Heinrich I. wird der slawische Fürstensohn Tugomir gefangen genommen. Er und seine Schwester werden nach Magdeburg verschleppt, und bald schon macht sich Tugomir einen Namen als Heiler. Er rettet Heinrichs Sohn Otto das Leben und wird dessen Leibarzt und Lehrer seiner Söhne. Doch noch immer ist er Geisel und Gefangener zwischen zwei Welten. Als sich nach Ottos Krönung die Widersacher formieren, um den König zu stürzen, wendet er sich mit einer ungewöhnlichen Bitte an Tugomir, den Mann, der Freund und Feind zugleich ist.

Mitglieder Bewertungen:

... trust and deal with my LDR in a much better way, thank you very much for all the ...

The book has helped me to trust and deal with my LDR in a much better way, thank you very much for all the good advice.

Entertaining

I liked it, read it through nights, and it got me to look for more books about that time in Europe. Much nicer than reading history books.

Once again outstanding!

As my favorite author, Rebecca Gable researches everything she writes about in detail. As usual, this novel held my interest throughout. The author is not only a very knowledgable historian but also a most gifted writer who brings the past vividly to life. The reader will feel transported back in time becoming a witness to early German history. The novel is a wonderful historical account and will hold your attention throughout.

The Head of the World

Once again Rebecca Gabel has pealed away the veil of the Middle Ages and given insight into the lives and intrigues of those individuals so remote from our past but stillpart of our communal psyche, Well done!

Four Stars

ist very good and for People, which are interested on history

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Title: The Ludwig Conspiracy

Author: Oliver Pötzsch

Narrator: Simon Vance

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-03-13

Publisher: HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 258 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In 1886, King Ludwig II, the King of Bavaria, was deposed on grounds of mental incapacity without any medical examination. His "diagnosis" remains controversial among historians to this day. Soon after his fall from power, Ludwig died under mysterious circumstances, leaving the eccentric and beautiful "fairytale" castles he had built as his only remaining legacy.

While putting away books from an estate sale purchase, rare book-dealer Steven Lukas finds a box he's never seen before wedged between books on a high shelf. In it he discovers what looks to be a small diary written entirely in code, a lock of hair, and old photographs of the Fairytale King. It isn't long however, before his excitement turns to fear as he realizes that mysterious others want the diary too - and will apparently kill to get it. Suspecting that his find may contain the secret truth behind Ludwig's death, Steven consults with art historian Sara Lengfeld. Soon they find themselves on the run together, investigating each of Ludwig's three castles for clues as to just what in that ancient diary could be so explosive as to be worth killing - and even dying - for.

Critic Reviews:

"Pötzschs sophisticated plotting and good use of a real-lifehistorical puzzle place this far ahead of most Da Vinci Code wannabes." (Publishers Weekly starred review)

Contact me for any questions: [email protected]

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Title: Dakota December and Dakota Destiny

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Narrator: Stina Nielsen

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-28-13

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 71 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

Dakota December

"Help."

A weak voice moaned from the horses back. Sheriff Caleb Stenesrude climbed over the gate in a blizzard and reached up in time to catch the woman as she fell. To his astonishment, a small child, hanging on for dear life, fell with her. Under his breath, he thanked the good Lord for bringing them this far and for a dog with a nose and ears to beat all. As the North Dakota storm continued to scream outside the house on the edge of town, Caleb tried to tend to the near-frozen mother and boy. When the woman let out a piercing cry of labor, Caleb realized this would be a Christmas Eve like no other. In the days after, Caleb and the town of Soldahl took Johanna Carlson and her two children into their hearts, but Johanna kept her distance, afraid to tell anyone the truth about her life.

Dakota Destiny

As folks in Soldahl reel from the war, Pastor Moens daughter, Mary, struggles to live with shocking news about the man she loves that arrived by telegram: We regret to inform you that Private First Class Willard Dunfey is missing in action and presumed dead. Thru months of agonized waiting, news came to Soldahl on Tuesday, November 11, 1918 that Victory Day had come. Does she have reason to hope?

This volume includes the fourth and fifth books of the Dakota Series featuring the intertwining lives of five inspiring women, all who lived in the early 1900s in the immigrant community of Soldahl, North Dakota.

Members Reviews:

So so

I thought this series was kind of generic and I usually like Lauraine Snelling's novels.

LOVED THESE BOOKS

I loved these books. Typical Lauraine Snelling stories. Strong characters, one unexpected twists to the plot with excellent moral and life inspiring wisdoms.

The narrator was very good. I enjoyed this

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Title: River on Fire

Author: Scott Pratt

Narrator: Tim Campbell

Format: Unabridged

Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-28-13

Publisher: Phoenix Flying Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 26 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

River on Fire is the story of Randall Smith, a foundling orphan growing up in the midwestern United States in the late 1960s. Without the intimate guidance of loving parents, Randall struggles to understand a dangerous and confusing world during one of the most tumultuous times in modern history. Filled with humor and irony, River on Fire will both warm and break your heart.

Members Reviews:

I have very mixed feelings about this novel

Frankly, I'd much rather listen to a Joe Dillard novel. River of Fire is on balance a disappointment after reading all seven of Pratt's Joe Dillard novels as well as Justice Redeemed. I wonder what led Scott Pratt to write River of Fire because it is so very, very different from his other novels. The classroom type assignments at the end off the audiobook are obviously asking the reader to find deeper meaning than I found. Had I bought this Pratt novel before any of his legal thrillers I definitely would have not purchased another Scott Pratt book. My big issue with the book is whether to give it one star or two. My only question now is whether to return it.

Great read

I am a Scott Pratt fan, so I looked forward to reading this new offering from him. I loved this book and I am curious about from where in Mr. Pratt's heart and soul this book came...and I wonder if additional one-off stories will be available. I certainly enjoyed this book, but I'm also looking forward to more books about Joe.

River on Fire

This was a pretty good book, I giggled a few times out loud...The end left a little to be desired.

Very entertaining

Well written, read and good speed. Not sure about discussion at end of story though.

Great story telling and engaging characters

Loved his best day and the characters were well defined and likable (except Sam). Interesting take on the period.

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Title: The Mauritius Command

Subtitle: Aubrey-Maturin Series, Book 4

Author: Patrick O'Brian

Narrator: Ric Jerrom

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs

Language: English

Release date: 08-15-13

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 34 votes

Genres: Fiction, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

In The Mauritius Command, Captain Jack Aubrey is ashore on half-pay without a command until his friend, occasional intelligence agent Stephen Maturin, arrives with secret orders for Aubrey to take a frigate to the Cape of Good Hope under a Commodore's pennant. But the difficulties of carrying out his orders are compounded by two of his own captains: one a pleasure-seeking dilettante, the other liable to provoke the crew to mutiny.

Based on an actual campaign of 1810 in the Indian Ocean, O'Brien's attention to the detail of early 19th-century life ashore and at sea is meticulous. This tale is as beautifully written and as gripping as any in the series; it also stands on its own as a superlative work of fiction.

Members Reviews:

Literate Age of Sail Buddy Comfort Food with Bite

The fourth entry in Patrick O'Brien's Age of Sail books about the bosom buddies Jack Aubrey (navy man through and through) and Stephen Maturin (surgeon, naturalist, spy), The Mauritius Command (1977), probably features the most action in the series up to this point. The novel begins domestically enough, with Stephen visiting Jack at his poky Hampshire cottage where he lives with his wife Sophie, their twin girls ("bald babies" with "pale, globular faces," turnip-like noses, and the air of being "infinitely old, or members of another genus"), her obnoxious niece Cecelia, and her atrocious mother Mrs. Williams. They're struggling to get by on Jack's half-pay (as a post-captain without a ship), because Mrs. Williams lost all her money and Sophie's dowry in a foolish investment. Their hives house cobwebs rather than bees; their vegetable garden is rife with caterpillars and flies; their cow is cadaverous and dry. Jack, whose natural medium is the sea, is clumsy and lugubrious on land and spends long hours in his jury-rigged observatory gazing longingly at passing ships.

Luckily for Jack, Stephen has managed to get him an important commission: he is to captain a frigate to the Cape of Good Hope, where he will join a squadron of British ships to help them give Bonaparte and company a black eye by taking the French island colonies of and around Mauritius. Stephen is to deal with intel, propaganda, and diplomacy, while Jack is to be the Commodore of the entire action. This is but a temporary post, after which he will resume being a post-captain, but success may land him a baronetcy. It surely gives Jack a host of new worries and frustrations, partly because he frets at not being able to take part in the plans he designs, partly because he must give orders to captains who are the lords of their own ships and hope that they will perform well. It is thus vital that he accurately assess their strengths and weaknesses, and they don't get on well together. In fact, Lord Clonfert envies, admires, fears, worships, and hates Jack and feels an over-mastering desire to impress and surpass him, which, combined with his dashing behavior and manic-depressive personality, makes for a compelling character.

Throughout the novel O'Brien liberally (though never tediously) sprinkles age of sail details about food, ships, tactics, and the like, as well as about Stephen's interest in flora and fauna and human nature.