Bernard Cornwell Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Bernard Cornwell books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Bernard Cornwell is one of the most beloved and successful historical fiction writers of our time. His name is known by readers who love thrilling stories set in real wars, with characters who feel alive on the page. But behind this bestselling author is a story just as powerful as the ones he writes.

Born in London in 1944, Bernard Cornwell entered the world as a “child of war.” His mother served in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during World War II, and his father was an airman in the Canadian Air Force. Because he was born out of wedlock—a fact that shaped much of his early life—Cornwell was put up for adoption. He was taken in by a couple named Mr. and Mrs. Wiggins, who lived in Thundersley, Essex. They belonged to a religious group called the Peculiar People. The name may sound gentle, but life under this strict sect was anything but easy.

Cornwell grew up in a household where joy and personal freedom were tightly controlled. The Peculiar People banned many everyday pleasures like alcohol, dancing, and even television. They also rejected modern medicine. It was a tough environment for a creative young boy, and as soon as he was old enough, he left that world behind. He studied at the University of London, took his mother’s maiden name—Cornwell—and began carving out his own path.

Before becoming a full-time author, Cornwell worked as a teacher and later moved into journalism. He eventually landed a job at the BBC and even became the head of news at Thames Television. But a big change was about to happen in his life. In 1979, he fell in love and married an American woman. When he moved to the United States to live with her, he faced a problem: he couldn’t get a work permit. So, he decided to do something bold—something that would change his life forever. He picked up a pen and began to write novels.

At first, Cornwell simply wanted to support his family. But as soon as he began writing, it was clear that he had found his true calling. Inspired by the Horatio Hornblower books he loved as a child, he created a new hero: Richard Sharpe. Sharpe was everything readers love in a character—tough, brave, flawed, and deeply human. His journey began during the Napoleonic Wars, and readers quickly fell in love with the action-packed stories that followed him through battle after battle.

The Sharpe series didn’t just stay on the page. Its success caught the attention of television producers, and it was adapted into a popular TV series starring Sean Bean. At first, Cornwell didn’t think Bean was the right fit for the role, but after seeing him on screen, he changed his mind completely. He was so impressed by Bean’s performance that he even stopped describing Sharpe’s hair color in the books to match the actor’s look.

Throughout his career, Cornwell has written many more novels beyond the Sharpe series. Some of these include The Saxon Stories (which inspired the Netflix series The Last Kingdom), Azincourt, and The Fort. He’s also written thrillers and even collaborated with his wife under the pen name “Susannah Kells.” But one thing stays the same across all his work: his deep love for history, and his talent for making it feel real.

What sets Bernard Cornwell apart is not just his storytelling, but how much he makes you feel like you’re right there with the characters. Whether you’re marching through muddy battlefields or standing in the shadow of a crumbling fort, his writing is full of life, danger, and emotion. His books are not just about war—they are about courage, friendship, betrayal, and survival. They show us how the past still speaks to us, even centuries later.

Today, Cornwell lives in the United States, dividing his time between Massachusetts and South Carolina. Even after decades of writing, he continues to publish new books, drawing in both loyal fans and new readers. His works have been translated into many languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

In the world of historical fiction, Bernard Cornwell stands as a master. His books remind us that history is not just about dates and battles—it’s about people, about choices, and about the stories we carry with us. If you’re looking to lose yourself in a world of honor, blood, and unforgettable characters, Cornwell’s novels are a perfect place to start.