Originally Posted by
Trundlecreak
What you need is the Aubrey/Maturin novels by Patrick O'Brian - the series begins with 'Master and Commander'. Film was very good but didn't really do the book(s) justice. Brilliant writer and stylist, brilliant handler of plot and character. One book is all you need to become addicted.
I made it through the first six and collapsed in exhaustion. O'Brian has quite a sense of humour.