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Referenced when discussing how Royal Navy captains sought prize money by capturing enemy ships. The hosts mention that 'Anyone who's read Patrick O'Brien's novels will be familiar with' this practice, referring to O'Brian's famous Aubrey-Maturin naval series.

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Mentioned when discussing Columbus being stuck in the Doldrums - the hosts reference a memorable sequence in Patrick O'Brian's Napoleonic-era naval novels where characters are stuck in the Doldrums without water

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The Patrick O'Brian naval fiction books are referenced when discussing how prize money from captured ships was important to sailors

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Tom mentions he previously refused to read Patrick O'Brian's naval novels but now wants to recant, in the context of discussing his newfound interest in naval history and the Trafalgar story.

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Referenced as naval novels that Tom hasn't read. Dominic compares Sir Sidney Smith to Jack Aubrey, a character from O'Brian's books, and mentions that if Tom had read them he would know about certain naval/spy experiences.

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Discussed as naval historical fiction that Tom couldn't get through - gave up after 30 pages due to too much rope/nautical detail