The Sharpe novels

I am looking at starting to read the sharp novels. Where would one start? I went to the wikipedia page and it lays them out in chronological order, yet they werent written in chronological order. Would I start with Sharpe's Eagle first as that was the first written? Or just go with Sharpe's Tiger as that is the one that is the earliest in Sharpe's career?

Thanks!

I would do it chronologically because that makes logical sense

http://www.bernardcornwell.net/index...e=1&seriesid=1

Read what Cornwell wrote. Should be easy enough

My suggestion is to read Sharpe's Rifles first. That was the first book Cornwell wrote and it does the best job of establishing the character. Then you can either proceed with the Peninsular Campaign or go back to read Sharpe's history in India. I don't necessarily think you have to read the India stories first just because they happened first. It's kind of fun to think you know all about a character and then go back to the beginning to discover even more.

I'm currently reading "The Generals" by Simon Scarrow, about Wellington and Napoleon's early careers. Good book, and Cornwell even has a recommendation on the back cover.

Bernard Cornwell is a god among men.


If you get time read his Arthurian Tales and Saxon Stories. Some of the best books i've ever read.

ok cool. just wasnt sure if I was missing out on some good background by reading the first book written further down the line as I believe it is number 8 in the series.

I do believe you will get more background by reading the previous 7 first. I've sadly only read 3 Sharpe books despite reading almost all of Bernard Cornwells other series, (which are splendid), and he's the type of author that takes great pains in accuracy, so there shouldn't be any sort of plot or continuity conflict with the first book written and the previous 7 in the series, if that's what you're worried about.

thanks very much vindex!

quick question. isnt Sharpes Eagle first?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard...nal_character)

Originally Posted by gord96

thanks very much vindex!

quick question. isnt Sharpes Eagle first?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard...nal_character)

Well, I guess you've got me there. You learn something every day.

Back when there was only the Peninsular Campaign series (and they made the BBC miniseries), Sharpe's Rifles was the first in the series and where everybody started, so I just assumed he wrote it first.

The miniseries was QUITE good, BTW.

One thing I like about Sharpe's Rifles is how he explains basic Napoleonic era tactics in the sort of rock-paper-scissors manner: Infantry faced with artillery should disperse, but then they can be picked off easily by cavalry. Infantry faced with cavalry should form squares, but then they're dead meat for cannonfire. So worst nightmare is to be threatened by both cavalry and artillery at the same time.

Sharpe's eagle is a good one _b

Also give Hornblower a read too

thanks guys!

I've read em all. Really brilliant series, much better than the tv series(although they are fun too)

My opinion is that you start with Sharpe's Tiger. Chronological that is the first. Not the first book he wrote though. But in that one he was still a soldier/private. It's realy the start of his carreer. Also gives some more insight how he became who he was. Especialy if you read the following up to sharpe's rifles. If you start with sharp's rifles you miss a whole lot of background. So my advice, read it in chronical order, not the order of when it is written by Mr. Cornwell

Have fun and let us know what you think of it

I also think you should start with Sharpe's Tiger. It might not be the first one he wrote, but it seemed the most sensible to me to read them chronologically - still enjoyed all of them

I've read all 21 books in the series in the order they were written and it didn't alter my enjoyment of them.

If you go to his web site www.bernardcornwell.net and read what he says it might help you decide.

If it's tactics you are after it doesn't really matter which book you read as most of them cover something.

Go for the first and work from there. And Bernard Cornwell is an amazing writer. Id recommend his other series based in other periods of history. The Saxon series and the warlord chronicles are both ones I'd reccomend.

Sharpes Tiger first
then Sharpes Triumph
then Sharpes Fortress

etc