Bernard Cornwell Books In Order

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Publication Order of Sharpe Books

Chronological Order of Sharpe Books

Publication Order of Sharpe Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Crowning Mercy Books

with Susannah Kells

Publication Order of Grail Quest Books

Publication Order of Starbuck Chronicles Books

Publication Order of Sailing Thrillers Books

Publication Order of Warlord Chronicles / The Arthur Books

Publication Order of The Warrior Chronicles / Saxon Stories Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Crowning Mercy Books

Bernard Cornwell is a master of history and master of the pen. He is an author of historical novels and a illegitimate child of war. He began writing to support his family, and soon became known for his novels about the Napoleonic Wars, featuring the magnificent Richard Sharpe. His series were so popular that they were adapted into a successful television series and serials for BBC and ITV.

Early Life

Bernard Cornwell was born in London in 1944, as a child of war. His mother was a English citizen in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force. His father was an airman for the Canadian airforce. But he was an “illegitimate” child and his parents put him up for adoption. Later Cornwell was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Wiggins of Thundersley, Essex. The Wiggins were members of a now extinct religious sect, called the Peculiar People.

The group was extremely script and forbade “frivolity” which included television, dancing, alcohol, cigarettes, and even conventional medicine. When he was old enough to leave, he went to London University and took his mother’s maiden name, Cornwell. After graduating from the University of London, he worked as a teacher. He tried to join the British armed services three times, but was rejected because of nearsightedness.

After teaching, he got a job with BBC’s Nationwide. He then became the editor of Thames television news. In 1979, he moved to the United States with his American bride. He wasn’t able to receive a green card right away, and as a result was unable to work legitimately in the country. So he began working as a novelist because it didn’t require a work permit.

Career

When he was a boy, Cornwell read C.S. Forester’s novels which chronicle the adventures of Horatio Hornblower, a fictional British navy officer in the Napoleonic wars. Motivated by a need to make a living, Cornwell decided to write a series about one of the characters, Lord Wellington, and his campaigns on land. He named his main character Richard Sharp (a rugby player). Cornwell began writing a short series Sharpe’s Eagle and Sharpe’s Gold (1981) and then later Sharpe’s Company (1982).

Cornwell and his wife then co-wrote another series of novels: A Crowning Mercy (1983), Fallen Angels (1984), and Coat of Arms (1986) under the pseudonym “Susannah Kells.” In 1987, he published Redcoat, a book set in Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. Cornwell then wrote a series of thrillers about sailing. In 2008, he published Azincourt about a soldier in the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years War.

He released the final two novels of his Saxon Stories collection with The Burning Land (2009) and Death of Kings (2011). Cornwell enjoyed being a serial novelist, and focused much of his career on this endeavor. However he did publish a few successful standalone novels like The Fort (2010).

The Sharpe Series

The Sharpe series was the first series undertaken by Cornwell. The first 11 books of the series involves Sharpe’ s adventures in the Peninsular War over 6-7 years. Cornwell decided to write a prequel quintet to the first 11 books – Sharpe’s Tiger, Sharpe’s Triumph, Sharpe’s Fortress, Sharpe’s Trafalgar, and Sharpe’s Prey. This quintet follows Sharpe’s adventures in India. The series also included the addition of two more books, Sharpe’s Devil, six years after the end of the wars, and Sharpe’s Battle, taking place during the Battle of Fuentes de Onoro.

Sharpe’s Eagle (1981)

The first book in the Richard Sharpe series put Cornwell on the map. This gritty portrayal of the Napoleonic War set in Talavera introduces Captain Richard Sharpe. After a devastating defeat and the theft of their colors, Sharpe’s regiment begins to turn on him. He must fight to regain his honor and the loyalty of his men.

Sharpe’s Gold (1981)

The second book in the Sharpe series finds sSharpe and his regiment in trouble when his regiment runs out of money and supplies. Their only hope lies in finding a Portuguese treasure. To do this, Sharpe might have to betray his men.

Television Adaptation

After publishing his first eight novels, Cornwell was approached by a production company about turning the Sharpe series into a television show. But they asked him to write another book so they would have a starting point for the television show. As a result, Cornwell wrote Sharpe’s Rifle. The television show was filmed for ITV. It starred Sean Bean as Richard Sharpe, a soldier in the Napoleonic Wars.

At first Cornwell did not approve of Sean Bean playing his beloved character. But when he saw his portrayal on the screen, Cornwell was absolutely delighted and dedicated his novel, Sharpe’s Battle, to the actor. He even admitted to changing the writing in his books to match how Bean would act or do. For example, Cornwell didn’t think Bean’s physical appearance did not match the dark haired Sharpe in the books.

But as soon as he saw Bean’s interpretation of the character, Cornwell stopped mentioning Sharpe’s hair color all together. The show was produced by Celtic Films and Picture Palace. The series was shot in Crimea, Spain, Portugal, England, and Turkey. The series ran from 1993 to 1997. In 2006, ITV partnered with BBC America to produce new episodes ofo Sharpe based on his adventures in India.

Sean Bean was called to reprise his role as Richard Sharpe. The result was Sharpe’s Challenge, a two-part event. The first part aired on ITV on April 23, 2006 and the next part aired the next day. The adventure series premiered on BBC America in September, 2006. 2 more episodes were scheduled to be made in 2006, but the production was postponed twice. The first was because of the resignation of ITV’s chief executive, the second was because Sean Bean wasn’t available at the time.

Finally Sharpe’s Peril was produced by Celtic Film/ Picture Palace in 2008. It was broadcasted on ITV in November of 2008. It aired in the United States in 2010 on PBS. Bernard Cornwell is a British author who writes historical novels steeped in the beauty and savageness of war. Although he has a great body of standalone novels, he is known best as a serial novelist. His most popular series is the Sharpe series, which features Richard Sharpe.

The success of Sharpe has led the author’s written masterpiece to a multitude of exciting television adaptations. Cornwell continues to write exciting tales of war starring Richard Sharpe from his homes in Massachusetts and South Carolina.

Book Series In Order » Authors » Bernard Cornwell

20 Responses to “Bernard Cornwell”

1. Gerard Kwilecki: 8 months ago

   Can someone please tell me which seasons of The Last Kingdom match which books in the Saxon Stories book series? Also, which book(s) are based on Seven Kings Must Die? Thanks!

   Reply
   • Rick Kirkpatrick: 7 months ago

     I haven’t looked at it all that closely but it seemed to me as I was watching that each season contains events from two books. So, season 1 = books 1&2, season 2 = books 3&4, and so on.

     The show runners must have known season 5 was going to be it and they drastically changed some events surrounding Stiorra and Sigtrigger but, overall I feel like they did a good job representing the books, which are very complex. Those changes may have been for already planned events in the (possibly) upcoming movie. Anyway, they have 3 books to draw from for the movie and soon there will be 4 books.

     Reply
     • Nora Walker: 4 months ago

       Beyond the earliest scenes, the TV series does not line up with the books at all. The books are written in an active, in-the-moment first person. The producers weren’t going to make 50 episodes with Uhtred in every scene. They needed to develop the other characters, too.
       I don’t know how they made their choices, or to what (if any) extent Cornwell might have been consulted. In all, though, I thought the producers amazingly sanguine with plot lines very far from the originals.
       That shouldn’t be taken as criticism. I was a fan of the books long before they finished the series. In all, the series is as much a masterpiece as the books.

       Reply
2. SIMON MUNFORD: 9 months ago

   Hi,
   Can you tell me if “THE ARISTOCRATS” and “COAT OF ARMS” are the same book?
   I have read all of Bernard Cornwell’s books and I love them all, including “The Aristocrats”.
   Regards,
   Simon

   Reply
   • Graeme: 9 months ago

     Hi Simon – I’ve been unable to obtain copies of both books at the moment to compare but from my research yes they do appear to be the same novel.

     Reply
3. michael carter: 10 months ago

   I was a history prof. in Boston for over forty years. Can’t thank you enough for the pleasure your books have given me.

   Could get 5 or six books on War of 1812, maybe more

   Reply
4. Roger: 1 year ago

   As a life long avid reader Historical Fiction has become my favorite read. With the exception of the Sailing Series I believe I’ve read everything Bernard Cornwell has written, three times through the Saxon and Starbuck (we do need #5!) series. I do like Pete Lunde’s idea. I just want more from my favorite author!

   Reply
   • David Eniffer: 1 year ago

     Great idea Roger. West Viking by Canadian author, Mowat Farley Published in 1965 is a great reference book and would be a great inspiration fora new series. I found it fascinating quite a few years ago. I am sure Bernard would more than do it justice.

     Reply
5. Pete Lunde: 1 year ago

   Having read all of Cornwell’s books, one historical adventure I would like him to tackle is the Norse visit to North’s America.
   The encounter with the “skrellings” (indians) must have been something, but little evidence remains to substantiate what happened. Is there more? My relatives in Norway laugh at the idea and said the Vikings probably met people crazier than they were! Obviously too far away and not worth the trouble to remain (and no plunder). But still, a story largely unknown. If possible, however, opening the door on this part oh history would be great.
   Pete Lunde

   Reply
6. Molly Meyer: 2 years ago

   Was introduced to The series of The Saxon Series. They were filled with the rich history of The United Kingdom through the eyes of the warrior Utredt of Babenberg!

   Reply
7. ken coley: 2 years ago

   Mr. Cornwell, have read 51 of your books. You’ve
   captured me. Will you do another Starbuck series,
   as you indicated in “The Bloody Ground?”

   Reply
8. rai invernizzi: 3 years ago

   FROM sOUTH AFRICA have enjoyed the sHARPE Series both in my own library and after moving with my wife to a new home and town been giving spare and extra copies to the local SPCA for the use of new readers and look foward at trying to buy any new copies of all his novels even the new series from sailing having had a yacht ourselves to whatever I can fing in the new town all great stuff thanks and kkepup the good wrk Rai

   Reply
   • Solo: 8 months ago

     Bernard Cornwell is definitely my favorite living writer of historical fiction. I would think coming from South Africa you may be familiar with Wilber Smith. He was a great Historical fiction writer. He wrote many books (series) on Africa. He also wrote many books (series) on ancient Egypt. Like Mr. Cornwell they will keep you turning the pages. Addictive!

     Reply
9. Tygar: 4 years ago

   what about all the books about the english archers!

   Reply
10. LordAldric .: 4 years ago

    A friend is starting this series at my recommendation and we discussed chronological vs. publication order. He emailed the author, Bernard Cornwell, to put it to rest and actually got the author’s response: it’s best in chronological order, not publication order.

    Reply
11. Kir Rich: 6 years ago

    Cornwell has stated since Sharpe’s last book that another was forthcoming. I saw that he stated that in 2011 up to 2017. In Feb. 2017 he stated he had a new book he was working on, but would not state what it was about. Still waiting for that one…Many people still waiting for another Sharpe book…

    Reply
12. Dave: 6 years ago

    Where is the fifth Starbuck book?

    Reply
    • Graeme: 6 years ago

      He only wrote 4

      Reply
      • Dave: 6 years ago

        I know that he wrote 4 but at the end of his 4th book, he finished with the words that Starbuck marched again
        Dave

        Reply
        • Paul: 2 years ago

          I recall an interview with Mr Cornwell where he’d stated that he’d set that series aside, but intended to get back to it, and that was around when the Arthurian trilogy was written. There are a lot of things pulling at his attention, so… maybe there’ll be a fifth book?

          Reply