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Sharpe's Story
Sharpe's Story is Bernard Cornwell's own account of the Sharpe series; how it began and how it has evolved over nearly thirty years.
121 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2007
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849 people want to read
About the author
Bernard Cornwell
537 books19.3k followersCornwell was born in London in 1944. His father was a Canadian airman, and his mother, who was English, a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. He was adopted and brought up in Essex by the Wiggins family, who were members of the Peculiar People, a strict Protestant sect who banned frivolity of all kinds and even medicine. After he left them, he changed his name to his birth mother's maiden name, Cornwell.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
Cornwell was sent away to Monkton Combe School, attended the University of London, and after graduating, worked as a teacher. He attempted to enlist in the British armed services at least three times but was rejected on the grounds of myopia.
He then joined BBC's Nationwide and was promoted to become head of current affairs at BBC Northern Ireland. He then joined Thames Television as editor of Thames News. He relocated to the United States in 1980 after marrying an American. Unable to get a green card, he started writing novels, as this did not require a work permit.
As a child, Cornwell loved the novels of C.S. Forester, chronicling the adventures of fictional British naval officer Horatio Hornblower during the Napoleonic Wars, and was surprised to find there were no such novels following Lord Wellington's campaign on land. Motivated by the need to support himself in the U.S. through writing, Cornwell decided to write such a series. He named his chief protagonist Richard Sharpe, a rifleman involved in most major battles of the Peninsular War.
Cornwell wanted to start the series with the Siege of Badajoz but decided instead to start with a couple of "warm-up" novels. These were Sharpe's Eagle and Sharpe's Gold, both published in 1981. Sharpe's Eagle was picked up by a publisher, and Cornwell got a three-book deal. He went on to tell the story of Badajoz in his third Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Company, published in 1982.
Cornwell and wife Judy co-wrote a series of novels, published under the pseudonym "Susannah Kells". These were A Crowning Mercy, published in 1983, Fallen Angels in 1984, and Coat of Arms (aka The Aristocrats) in 1986. (Cornwell's strict Protestant upbringing informed the background of A Crowning Mercy, which took place during the English Civil War.) In 1987, he also published Redcoat, an American Revolutionary War novel set in Philadelphia during its 1777 occupation by the British.
After publishing eight books in his ongoing Sharpe series, Cornwell was approached by a production company interested in adapting them for television. The producers asked him to write a prequel to give them a starting point to the series. They also requested that the story feature a large role for Spanish characters to secure co-funding from Spain. The result was Sharpe’s Rifles, published in 1987, and a series of Sharpe television films staring Sean Bean.
A series of contemporary thrillers with sailing as a background and common themes followed: Wildtrack published in 1988, Sea Lord (aka Killer's Wake) in 1989, Crackdown in 1990, Stormchild in 1991, and Scoundrel, a political thriller, in 1992.
In June 2006, Cornwell was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen's 80th Birthday Honours List.
Cornwell's latest work, Azincourt, was released in the UK in October 2008. The protagonist is an archer who participates in the Battle of Agincourt, another devastating defeat suffered by the French in the Hundred Years War. However, Cornwell has stated that it will not be about Thomas of Hookton from The Grail Quest or any of his relatives.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 7, 2023
This is a very brief little reflection by Cornwell on the Sharpe series, and is a must for any Sharpe devotee. It's filled with spoilers since he comments on every Sharpe book he'd published by 2007, so it's really only for the insane people like me who've run through all 23 novels.
It was fascinating to hear his account of why and how he embarked on the series, where the character of Sharpe came from, and why the series progressed as it did. He basically left his life and work in the UK to follow his heart and move in with his future wife Judy in the U.S., where his only plan was to fulfill his dream of becoming a published author. Oh man did that work out.
Some of the best bits from this book include Cornwell commenting on letters from readers expressing disapproval at this or that action of Sharpe in the books, and how that only encouraged him to go further in future books to embrace Sharpe's roguish nature. He's our rogue though, with a great sense of right and wrong and who the right people are to be violent on behalf of.
Cornwell essentially viewed the original books from Sharpe's Eagle through Waterloo as the finished series until it got picked up by a tv production company to find success with Sean Beane in the lead role. It now makes sense to me why Devil and Battle seemed so lackluster, since he wrote them at the behest of the tv production company. The same cannot be said for Sharpe's Fury, my least favorite of all the Sharpe books, which Cornwell randomly decided to write after going to a wedding in Cadiz and seeing the spot of a nearby battle. With 23 books I guess they can't all be hits. It was fun to read about the new inspiration he found though going back in time to Sharpe in India serving under Wellington, and how much he loved writing the despicable Hakeswill.
The end of this volume included a previously published mini-memoir about his childhood growing up with physically and psychologically abusive adoptive parents who belonged to a fundamentalist Christian religious sect that's now defunct. It's an emotionally powerful reflection to read and gives a lot of insight into who Bernard Cornwell is and how he views life in general. Heart-wrenching stuff.
My only wish is that this book were longer and beefier with even more reflections on his writing of the Sharpe series and individual books, since everything in here was pure gold. He pads it a bit with a long quote from each book, and I skipped these in most cases since they weren't too important to get his points across and my memory for the books is fresh. For quick little insight into Cornwell's writing and personal life though, this was great.
It was fascinating to hear his account of why and how he embarked on the series, where the character of Sharpe came from, and why the series progressed as it did. He basically left his life and work in the UK to follow his heart and move in with his future wife Judy in the U.S., where his only plan was to fulfill his dream of becoming a published author. Oh man did that work out.
Some of the best bits from this book include Cornwell commenting on letters from readers expressing disapproval at this or that action of Sharpe in the books, and how that only encouraged him to go further in future books to embrace Sharpe's roguish nature. He's our rogue though, with a great sense of right and wrong and who the right people are to be violent on behalf of.
Cornwell essentially viewed the original books from Sharpe's Eagle through Waterloo as the finished series until it got picked up by a tv production company to find success with Sean Beane in the lead role. It now makes sense to me why Devil and Battle seemed so lackluster, since he wrote them at the behest of the tv production company. The same cannot be said for Sharpe's Fury, my least favorite of all the Sharpe books, which Cornwell randomly decided to write after going to a wedding in Cadiz and seeing the spot of a nearby battle. With 23 books I guess they can't all be hits. It was fun to read about the new inspiration he found though going back in time to Sharpe in India serving under Wellington, and how much he loved writing the despicable Hakeswill.
The end of this volume included a previously published mini-memoir about his childhood growing up with physically and psychologically abusive adoptive parents who belonged to a fundamentalist Christian religious sect that's now defunct. It's an emotionally powerful reflection to read and gives a lot of insight into who Bernard Cornwell is and how he views life in general. Heart-wrenching stuff.
My only wish is that this book were longer and beefier with even more reflections on his writing of the Sharpe series and individual books, since everything in here was pure gold. He pads it a bit with a long quote from each book, and I skipped these in most cases since they weren't too important to get his points across and my memory for the books is fresh. For quick little insight into Cornwell's writing and personal life though, this was great.
March 24, 2011
If you like Bernard Cornwell's series following Richard Sharpe then you may be interested in reading this book. It isn't a story, but rather a sort biography of why he started writing about Sharpe, research he's done and some of the (fictional) history of Richard Sharpe.
May 27, 2014
An interesting overview of Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels and how they came to be written. Unlikely to be of interest unless you are already a Sharpe fan.
April 5, 2016
Probably only for Sharpe/Cornwell fans, how the books came to be written, reasons for various characters, and a bit about Cornwell's early life. Short but interesting.
March 1, 2025
Cornwell's Enthralling Historical Narrative
Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe's Story" stands as both an enthralling historical narrative in its own right and a masterful demonstration of how to balance individual drama against the sweeping backdrop of world-changing events. Through the adventures of Richard Sharpe—a soldier who rises from the ranks through battlefield prowess rather than purchased commission—Cornwell offers readers a compelling ground-level perspective on the Napoleonic Wars.
What distinguishes this entry in the extensive Sharpe series is Cornwell's ability to make familiar historical outcomes feel newly urgent and uncertain. Though readers may know the ultimate results of the conflicts depicted, Sharpe's personal stake in each engagement generates genuine tension. Cornwell accomplishes this through meticulous attention to period detail, from the mechanics of firing a Baker rifle to the social complexities of the British military hierarchy.
The novel's action sequences deserve particular praise for their technical precision and visceral impact. Cornwell strips away romantic notions of warfare to present combat as chaotic, terrifying, and often decided by factors beyond individual heroism—though Sharpe's exceptional abilities remain central to the narrative. These sequences avoid both glorification and excessive gruesomeness, instead conveying the psychological reality of men under fire.
Beyond battlefield exploits, "Sharpe's Story" succeeds in its characterization of both historical figures and fictional creations. Cornwell's Wellington appears as a complex leader whose military genius coexists with social snobbery and political calculation. Sharpe himself continues to evolve as a character, his natural intelligence and combat skills contrasting with his social limitations and capacity for both compassion and ruthlessness.
If the novel has a weakness, it lies in certain secondary plot elements that occasionally feel formulaic—particularly the romantic subplot, which follows patterns established in earlier Sharpe adventures. However, these familiar elements provide structure for what remains an exceptionally well-researched and executed historical adventure that makes the past feel immediate and consequential.
"Sharpe's Story" confirms Cornwell's status as a master of historical fiction who understands that accurate period detail serves rather than impedes compelling storytelling.
Bernard Cornwell's "Sharpe's Story" stands as both an enthralling historical narrative in its own right and a masterful demonstration of how to balance individual drama against the sweeping backdrop of world-changing events. Through the adventures of Richard Sharpe—a soldier who rises from the ranks through battlefield prowess rather than purchased commission—Cornwell offers readers a compelling ground-level perspective on the Napoleonic Wars.
What distinguishes this entry in the extensive Sharpe series is Cornwell's ability to make familiar historical outcomes feel newly urgent and uncertain. Though readers may know the ultimate results of the conflicts depicted, Sharpe's personal stake in each engagement generates genuine tension. Cornwell accomplishes this through meticulous attention to period detail, from the mechanics of firing a Baker rifle to the social complexities of the British military hierarchy.
The novel's action sequences deserve particular praise for their technical precision and visceral impact. Cornwell strips away romantic notions of warfare to present combat as chaotic, terrifying, and often decided by factors beyond individual heroism—though Sharpe's exceptional abilities remain central to the narrative. These sequences avoid both glorification and excessive gruesomeness, instead conveying the psychological reality of men under fire.
Beyond battlefield exploits, "Sharpe's Story" succeeds in its characterization of both historical figures and fictional creations. Cornwell's Wellington appears as a complex leader whose military genius coexists with social snobbery and political calculation. Sharpe himself continues to evolve as a character, his natural intelligence and combat skills contrasting with his social limitations and capacity for both compassion and ruthlessness.
If the novel has a weakness, it lies in certain secondary plot elements that occasionally feel formulaic—particularly the romantic subplot, which follows patterns established in earlier Sharpe adventures. However, these familiar elements provide structure for what remains an exceptionally well-researched and executed historical adventure that makes the past feel immediate and consequential.
"Sharpe's Story" confirms Cornwell's status as a master of historical fiction who understands that accurate period detail serves rather than impedes compelling storytelling.
July 3, 2021
A brief, fun read with lots of interesting tidbits but full of spoilers. I didn't mind, but if you don't want to know what happens to many of the characters do not read until you've finished the series.
January 8, 2023
I miss this series, both of these deal with short stories of Sharpe at Christmas. The first, Sharpe's Christmas, Sharpe gets to meet an old friend from his youth and do him a good turn.
The second, Sharpe's Ransom, Sharpe needs to defend his new home in Normandy from soldiers turned bandits.
The second, Sharpe's Ransom, Sharpe needs to defend his new home in Normandy from soldiers turned bandits.
January 23, 2026
According to this, Sharpe's Tiger is set in 1977, not 1799.
July 10, 2017
Not sure what I was expecting of this but it’s a really interesting story and I would recommend it for any Sharpe fans, it makes things a lot clearer.
February 15, 2018
This was really short. It really only served to remind me that I need to perhaps go back and re-read the Sharpe novels.
April 30, 2018
A great background to the Sharpe series. Its lovely to hear some of the reasons behind character names and plot lines. To be honest I would have liked more!
October 15, 2022
The 'Cakes and Ale' section rates 5* and makes the volume.
June 13, 2009
I first picked up a Sharpe book in a public library, sometime in the mid 80s not long after they were originally published. I think it was probably the third or fourth book in the sequence, and after devouring that one I went back to the start with "Sharpe's Eagle" and then followed the rest through in order until I had caught up with the author Bernard Cornwell's prodigious output, to Waterloo and beyond. I also watched and enjoyed the TV adaptations, although it is tempting to wonder what they would have been like if the original choice to play Sharpe, Paul McGann, had not been injured on set necessitating his replacement by Sean Bean who really has made the role his own.
Sharpe's Story is a brief account by the author of the genesis and progression of the series, with excerpts and examples to illustrate the horrors of battle in that time and the nature of Sharpe's own ruthless brutality. While some readers would apparently prefer Sharpe to be noble and honourable, Cornwell relishes having Sharpe fight dirty, as he fights battles for those that cannot fight for themselves.
The book closes with an autobiographical essay, describing the author's early life with his adoptive parents who were members of a strict religious sect called the Peculiar People. Out of five adopted siblings, one sadly committed suicide, one remained a Baptist and the remainder did not follow the beliefs that were forced upon them. As the author puts it bluntly, God, one; The Devil, four. This early experience informed the author's atheism and his natural preference for cakes and ale rather than virtue!
A slim volume, and probably one for fans of the series only, but interesting and informative nonetheless.
Sharpe's Story is a brief account by the author of the genesis and progression of the series, with excerpts and examples to illustrate the horrors of battle in that time and the nature of Sharpe's own ruthless brutality. While some readers would apparently prefer Sharpe to be noble and honourable, Cornwell relishes having Sharpe fight dirty, as he fights battles for those that cannot fight for themselves.
The book closes with an autobiographical essay, describing the author's early life with his adoptive parents who were members of a strict religious sect called the Peculiar People. Out of five adopted siblings, one sadly committed suicide, one remained a Baptist and the remainder did not follow the beliefs that were forced upon them. As the author puts it bluntly, God, one; The Devil, four. This early experience informed the author's atheism and his natural preference for cakes and ale rather than virtue!
A slim volume, and probably one for fans of the series only, but interesting and informative nonetheless.
December 18, 2009
Not as good as Sharpe's Skirmish or Sharpe's Christmas, but it's interesting because Cornwall talks about the random chronology of the series, and reasons behind it. I *did* know who Sharpe was named after, but I *didn't* know how many different series of the books there were though.
I also did NOT know Bernard Cornwell was adopted by a mad religious sect, as revealed in the autobiographical second factual story, Cakes and Ale. It all sounded a bit Cold Comfort Farm
I also did NOT know Bernard Cornwell was adopted by a mad religious sect, as revealed in the autobiographical second factual story, Cakes and Ale. It all sounded a bit Cold Comfort Farm
September 18, 2012
Having now finished all of the books in Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe series, I enjoyed reading about the story behind it all. A bit of an inspiring read as a would-be future writer. It was also interesting to read about the differences between the original Sharpe books and the newer ones interspersed across the timeline. This is a niche read, though, as only fans of Sharpe or the Napoleonic Wars would get much out of it. But if you like Cornwell's writing, this short book will give you some rare insight into how it all started.
October 11, 2012
This is the story behind Cornwell's incredible character Richard Sharpe. I have read the books and seen the movies, and they are wonderful. Sharpe fight for England from India, to Denmark to Waterloo. He is a rough character, promoted from the ranks to be an officer. In this small gem of a book Cornwell writes about many of the other recurring characters, and his inspiration and emotions regarding them. A must for Sharpe fans
April 5, 2014
Great little book about Sharpe and how he evolved, though it was sadly written in 2007, immediately after the last Sharpe novel to date, in spite of promises to the contrary in these pages!! Also worth reading for "Cakes and Ale" the little essay at the end that explains wonderfully Cornwell's attitude to religion. I came away from this short book very pleased to be confirmed in the knowledge I'd always suspected, that I think Bernard Cornwell to be a very interesting character!
November 14, 2013
Great little book about Sharpe and how he evolved, though it was sadly written in 2007, immediately after the last Sharpe novel to date, in spite of promises to the contrary in these pages!! Also worth reading for "Cakes and Ale" the little essay at the end that explains wonderfully Cornwell's attitude to religion. I came away from this short book very pleased to be confirmed in the knowledge I'd always suspected, that I think Bernard Cornwell to be a very interesting character!
January 11, 2009
This would be an excellent introduction to Sharpe if you had to pass an exam on it. A really interesting insight into Bernard Cornwell's background especially his early life and how that moulded Sharpe in many ways.
June 6, 2011
If you did not adore Bernard Cornwell before, you will once you read this wonderful extended historical/author's note.
August 7, 2010
Learned why Mr. Cornwell is not a Christian. Despite his horrible childhood experiences, his Biblical knowledge shows through in his books, and not in a negative way.
February 17, 2011
Great background from Cornwell about the Sharpe books and TV movies.
August 4, 2011
The story of how Cornwell came to write the Sharpe series and a short autobiographical article. Produced by the Fan Club, no less.
March 13, 2012
Love Sharpe
October 25, 2014
Bernard Cornwell's story of how he came to write the Sharpe stories. Very interesting. Quick read - tiny book.
March 9, 2014
The evolution of Richard Sharpe - background - and now it begins
September 21, 2014
Excellent historical short stories.
February 26, 2013
Bernard Cornwell brings a good story & History together wonderfully.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews