The Thirteen Gun Salute

This naval novel sends Captain Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin on a diplomatic mission to a Malay sultanate, sailing in a borrowed ship under a cover name while French agents work the same court. Maturin pursues natural history ashore and an intelligence brief; Aubrey must handle a difficult diplomat, a sickly crew, and the etiquette of salutes and treaty. The action moves from England and the Atlantic to the South China Sea. The book is a historical sea novel of embassy and intrigue, not a standalone first voyage.

Bound in dark bue buckram, cover blocked in gilt and colour with a design by Neil Gower. 12 pages of colour and black & white plates, and 6 black & white tailpieces. Map endpapers printed dark grey on light blue. Blue slipcase.