Patrick O'Brian (1914–2000)

Patrick O'Brian was known for being a prolific English novelist, biographer, and translator. He was best known for his Aubrey-Maturin novels set in the period of the Napoleonic Wars. The novels centered on the characters of Jack Aubrey, an officer in the Royal Navy, and his friend the physician, natural philosopher and intelligence agent Stephen Maturin. Meticulously researched, this twenty-volume series garnered enthusiastic critical reviews and a wide and fervent readership. The 21st unfinished novel of this series was published posthumously. After having an American publisher, he received notoriety, selling millions of books. Born Richard Patrick Russ, he published two books and several short stories under his birthname before changing his name after World War II. In 1949 he and his second wife moved to France. In addition, O'Brian authored biographies of Pablo Picasso and Sir Joseph Banks. His translations from French into English included Henri Charrière's "Papillion," Jean LaCouture's biography "Charles De Gaulle," and works of Simone de Beauvoir. In 1995 at age 80, he received his first award, the Heywood Hill Literary Prize for his lifetime literary contributions. In 1997 he received the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire and an honorary doctorate degree from Trinity College.

The principal author here is Patrick O'Brian famous for the Aubrey-Maturin novels.  The birth name of this author was Richard Patrick Russ. He changed his name by deed poll in August 1945 to Patrick O'Brian, under which name his books were published.