Sharpe Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Sharpe books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything! It includes both publication and chronological order.

About the Sharpe Series

The Sharpe series, created by British author Bernard Cornwell, is one of the most beloved historical fiction collections ever written. At the heart of these gripping novels stands Richard Sharpe, a tough and brave soldier who rises through the ranks of the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars. From humble beginnings as a private to the status of lieutenant colonel, Sharpe’s journey is not just a military tale—it’s also the story of a man constantly fighting for respect, survival, and personal honor. The books take us through many battlefields—India, Portugal, Spain, and beyond—while painting a vivid picture of 19th-century warfare and society. With every turn of the page, readers are drawn into the smoke and chaos of battle, but also into the deeply human experiences of courage, fear, friendship, and betrayal.

Bernard Cornwell, born on February 23, 1944, in England, brings a rare combination of historical accuracy and powerful storytelling. Although he has written many novels across different time periods—including stories about the American Civil War—it is the Sharpe series that has left a lasting legacy. Readers across generations admire how he brings history to life. His deep knowledge of military history, combined with a natural gift for drama, makes the Sharpe books hard to put down. Every detail, from the weapons to the strategies to the uniforms, feels real. Yet, it’s the character of Sharpe himself that truly makes these stories unforgettable.

Sharpe is not your typical hero. He’s not from the upper class, he doesn’t always follow orders, and he certainly doesn’t act like a gentleman. But what he lacks in polish, he makes up for with raw determination, instinct, and heart. He is fearless on the battlefield, yet vulnerable in his relationships. He’s loyal, but not naive. He’s often seen as an outsider, even after earning promotions. This makes him highly relatable to readers. We see him struggle. We see him fall. But we also see him get back up again and again, often stronger than before. It’s easy to root for Sharpe—not just because he wins battles, but because he wins them against the odds.

The first book in the series, Sharpe’s Tiger, introduces us to a young Sharpe fighting in India. As the series goes on, each book builds on the last, showing his growth, his victories, and his failures. Books like Sharpe’s Rifles, Sharpe’s Eagle, Sharpe’s Company, and Sharpe’s Waterloo highlight different chapters of his military life. Cornwell doesn’t just write about battles—he writes about the men who fight them, their fears, their friendships, and their rivalries. The way he captures the rough, chaotic world of a soldier’s life during the Napoleonic era is something few authors have done so well.

In fact, the success of the Sharpe novels eventually brought Richard Sharpe to television. Many books from the series were adapted into a popular TV series starring Sean Bean as Sharpe. These adaptations reached an even wider audience and gave fans a chance to see the hero come alive on screen. While some details were changed for the screen, the heart of the story remained the same: a working-class soldier with unmatched bravery, fighting for his place in a world ruled by privilege.

What makes the Sharpe series truly stand out is not just the action or the history—it’s the emotion. Readers feel the weight of Sharpe’s struggles. They cheer when he wins and hurt when he loses. Whether you’re a fan of military fiction, historical drama, or simply enjoy a great underdog story, the Sharpe series has something for you. It’s more than a war story—it’s a personal journey through history.

Bernard Cornwell once said he began writing because he needed to earn a living in the U.S., where he couldn’t get a work permit. But what started as a necessity soon became a passion. Today, his books have been read by millions, and the world of Richard Sharpe continues to captivate new readers year after year.

If you’re just discovering these books or revisiting them after many years, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure. The Sharpe series isn’t just a list of war stories—it’s a tribute to resilience, honor, and the human spirit set against one of the most dramatic periods in world history.