Sharpe Books in Order

3.8/5 · 32 ratings across 5 books · Open Library

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The Sharpe series, written by Bernard Cornwell, follows the adventures of Richard Sharpe, a British soldier who rises through the ranks during the early 19th century. Set primarily in India and later in the Peninsular War, the series explores Sharpe's experiences in military campaigns, his personal struggles, and his encounters with betrayal and loyalty. Each story highlights his resourcefulness and determination in the face of danger, set against the backdrop of historical conflicts.

Books in this series

Ordered by first publication where known. The official numbering for this series is incomplete in our sources, so we don't show series numbers we can't verify.

  1. Cover of Sharpe's Eagle

    Sharpe's Eagle

    1981 · Bernard Cornwell

    Richard Sharpe is a soldier known for his bold, professional, and ruthless approach to battle. He demands the same from his men, insisting they fight…

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  2. Cover of Sharpe's gold

    Sharpe's gold

    1981 · Bernard Cornwell

    Sharpe is a bold, professional, and ruthless soldier who faces a dangerous mission. After returning from battle, he and his regiment are sent north…

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  3. Cover of Sharpe's company

    Sharpe's company

    1982 · Bernard Cornwell

    A 1982 novel by Bernard Cornwell in which Richard Sharpe, having lost his command to a wealthy rival who bought the promotion Sharpe coveted, faces…

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  4. Cover of Sharpe's sword

    Sharpe's sword

    1983 · Bernard Cornwell

    Sharpe's Sword is a 1983 novel by Bernard Cornwell. Having forced their way into Spain in 1812, the British plan a decisive battle, while Captain…

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  5. Cover of Sharpe's enemy

    Sharpe's enemy

    1984 · Bernard Cornwell

    A band of renegades, led by Sharpe's enemy Obadiah Hakeswill, takes British and French women hostage on a strategic mountain pass. Sharpe is forced…

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  6. Cover of Sharpe's honour

    Sharpe's honour

    1985 · Bernard Cornwell

    A 1985 novel by Bernard Cornwell, a Sharpe Adventure. Condemned to the gallows after a court-martial, Sharpe must lead his men into battle again…

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  7. Cover of Sharpe's regiment

    Sharpe's regiment

    1986 · Bernard Cornwell

    In this 1986 novel by Bernard Cornwell, Sharpe's men risk being wiped out not by the enemy but by bureaucrats in Whitehall. Amid rumors of fresh…

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  8. Cover of Sharpe's siege

    Sharpe's siege

    1987 · Bernard Cornwell

    Wellington prepares for a major attack against French forces led by Napoleon, but he faces the challenge of preventing French forces from attacking…

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  9. Cover of Sharpe's Rifles

    Sharpe's Rifles

    1988 · Bernard Cornwell

    Richard Sharpe, an officer who does not fit his rank in society, finds himself cut off from the army and surrounded by enemy cavalry. He also faces…

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  10. Cover of Sharpe's Revenge

    Sharpe's Revenge

    1989 · Bernard Cornwell

    In this 1989 novel by Bernard Cornwell, set in 1814 amid rumors that Napoleon is dead or has fled, Sharpe fights one last battle at Toulouse, one of…

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  11. Cover of Sharpe's Waterloo

    Sharpe's Waterloo

    1990 · Bernard Cornwell

    Bernard Cornwell, author of Sharpe's Company, Sharpe's Siege, and Sharpe's Revenge, continues the saga of Lt. Col. Richard Sharpe in this, his final…

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  12. Cover of Sharpe's Devil

    Sharpe's Devil

    1990 · Bernard Cornwell

    Sharpe's Devil is the twelfth novel in the Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell, published in 1992. Set in 1820, the story follows Sharpe and…

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  13. Cover of Sharpe's Christmas

    Sharpe's Christmas

    1994 · Bernard Cornwell

    "Sharpe's Christmas" is a short story written by Bernard Cornwell, featuring his fictional character Richard Sharpe. The story was originally written…

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  14. Cover of Sharpe's battle

    Sharpe's battle

    1995 · Bernard Cornwell

    Sharpe's Battle is a 1995 novel by Bernard Cornwell set during the Peninsular War. Lt. Col. Richard Sharpe is tasked with leading an untrained Irish…

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  15. Sharpe's Ransom

    1995 · Bernard Cornwell

    "Sharpe's Ransom" is a short story written by Bernard Cornwell, featuring his fictional hero Richard Sharpe. It was originally written for the…

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  16. Cover of Sharpe's Tiger

    Sharpe's Tiger

    1997 · Bernard Cornwell

    In 1799, Richard Sharpe, an inexperienced private in His Majesty's army, joins an expedition to India to overthrow the ruthless Tippoo of Mysore and…

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  17. Cover of Sharpe's Triumph

    Sharpe's Triumph

    1998 · Bernard Cornwell

    "Sharpe's Triumph" is the next installment in Bernard Cornwell's popular Sharpe series. Set in India in 1803, the story follows Richard Sharpe, who…

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  18. Cover of Sharpe's Fortress

    Sharpe's Fortress

    1998 · Bernard Cornwell

    Richard Sharpe is promoted for his bravery during the war against the Mahratta confederacy but feels uneasy about his new position. He is also…

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  19. Cover of Sharpe's skirmish

    Sharpe's skirmish

    1999 · Bernard Cornwell

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  20. Cover of Sharpe's Trafalgar

    Sharpe's Trafalgar

    2000 · Bernard Cornwell

    "Sharpe's Skirmish: Richard Sharpe and The Defence of Tormes, August 1812" is a short story set during the Napoleonic Wars. It follows Richard Sharpe…

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  21. Cover of Sharpe's Prey

    Sharpe's Prey

    2001 · Bernard Cornwell

    The eighteenth novel in Bernard Cornwell's bestselling series follows Lieutenant Richard Sharpe in 1807. After returning to England, Sharpe wants to…

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  22. Cover of Sharpe's Havoc

    Sharpe's Havoc

    2003 · Bernard Cornwell

    In 1809, Lieutenant Richard Sharpe is caught in the chaos of the French invasion of Portugal. After years of service in India and at Trafalgar, he…

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  23. Sharpe's Christmas

    2003 · Bernard Cornwell

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  24. Cover of Sharpe's Escape

    Sharpe's Escape

    2004 · Bernard Cornwell

    It is 1810, and Napoleon's army advances into Portugal. General Wellington has left the land barren to weaken the French. Captain Richard Sharpe…

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  25. Cover of Sharpe's Fury

    Sharpe's Fury

    2006 · Bernard Cornwell

    In 1811, Captain Richard Sharpe finds himself in Cadiz after a failed attack on a French-held bridge. Accompanied by his sergeant, Harper, and the…

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Sharpe books in?

Chronological order — This is the Chronological order widely recommended by readers; it differs from strict publication order.

How many books are in the Sharpe series?

We list 25 books by Bernard Cornwell , published between 1981–2006.

Where can I buy the Sharpe books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.