Crack open the action-packed pages of a Bernard Cornwell book and step into thrilling reimaginings of the past. Cornwell books plunge into the drama of eras like the Napoleonic Wars and Viking conquests, centred around gritty heroes navigating real historical events. Meticulous research ensures his swashbuckling adventures brim with authentic textures and details that instantly transport readers. Whether sailing stormy seas with Vikings or infiltrating enemy camps full of intrigue, Bernard Cornwell’s books fuse richly told fictional stories with the grand sweep of history itself.
Overview of Bernard Cornwell’s Books
Renowned historical fiction author Bernard Cornwell has transported legions of readers back in time through intricately researched, action-packed novels spanning mediaeval eras to the Napoleonic wars. Here’s a quick overview of his major works:
The Last Kingdom Series – Ongoing 13-book (so far) series following Uhtred of Bebbanburg, born Saxon but raised Danish Viking, battling to reclaim his birthright while playing a pivotal role in King Alfred’s 9th-century unification of England against invading Danes.
The Saxon Stories Series – Another name American publishers use in referring to Cornwell’s famous The Last Kingdom books chronicling 9th century England’s birth out of fractious Anglo-Saxon kingdoms facing existential Viking threats.
The Sharpe Series – Extended 24-book series highlighting the swashbuckling, rough-and-tumble adventures of maverick British Rifleman Richard Sharpe across battlefields of the late 18th and early 19th century Napoleonic Wars.
The Starbuck Chronicles – Quartet centred around Boston-born Confederate soldier Nathaniel Starbuck’s exploits as a rifleman, spy and artillery officer serving the South during the American Civil War from 1861-1865.
The Warlord Chronicles – Trilogy reimagining 5th-6th century post-Roman Britain as a disjointed landscape of warring fiefdoms where legends like Arthur, Merlin and others emerge to shape kingdoms and Christendom itself.
The Grail Quest Series – Trio of 14th century-set mysteries with soldier Thomas of Hookton seeking the Holy Grail while confronting church intrigues and power brokers of England and France during the turbulent Hundred Years War.
With a series spanning mediaeval Britain to Napoleon’s battlefields, Bernard Cornwell has rightfully earned renown as a historical fiction icon. His books plunge readers into pivotal conflicts armed with intricately researched details and propulsive stories centred on rugged soldier-protagonists.
Best collections of Bernard Cornwell’s Books at WHSmith
1. Enemy of God: A Novel of Arthur (Warlord Chronicles 2nd edition)
In this epic sequel to Bernard Cornwell’s books, Arthur works to unite Britain’s kingdoms as prophesied. At the same time, champion Derfel strives to defend the emergent order from savage Saxon invasions – including an exiled Cerdic thirsting for conquest, unseating Arthur and claiming Excalibur for himself. Paints 5th-century life in gritty detail.
2. Sharpe’s Command: (The Sharpe Series Book 14)
Tempers flare when corrupt aristocrat Lord Kiely takes command of Sharpe’s company on the destructive British retreat from the Portuguese frontier back to Lisbon in this gripping narrative from Bernard Cornwell’s books. To save the regiment and pursue justice, Sharpe is forced to take matters into his own hands through illicit bargains and bold subversion of Kiely’s leadership.
3. The Winter King: A Novel of Arthur (Warlord Chronicles)
In this historical fiction from Bernard Cornwell’s books, Cornwell reimagines King Arthur as a battle-hardened warrior striving like a David against Goliaths to unite 5th-century Britain against invading Saxons, who slay his parents and birthright. Well-researched Dark Ages historical fiction centred around flawed yet epic figures.
4. War of the Wolf: (The Last Kingdom Series Book 11)
With visions of heroic King Alfred haunting him, Uhtred – once Alfred’s sworn man – raises an army against traitorous Wessex lords Aethelhelm and Aethelred aligned with conquering Danes in this gripping narrative from Bernard Cornwell’s books. In Uhtred’s storied old age, what final victory can Dane and Saxon achieve?‘
5. The Lords of the North: (The Last Kingdom Series Book 3)
In The Lords of the North, an enthralling tale from Bernard Cornwell’s books, vengeful Uhtred and bold slave girl Brida reconquer his stolen Northumbrian ancestral lands from murderous Scots who killed his foster father. There Uhtred asserts himself as a formidable thegn in King Alfred’s Britain, after banishment for supposed treason.
6. Sharpe’s Prey: The Expedition to Copenhagen, 1807 (The Sharpe Series Book 5)
Sharpe joins the perilous British assault on Copenhagen during the Napoleonic Wars. There flames Officer Peter D’Alembord’s quest for vengeance against Danish commander Steenie Hansen for slaying D’Alembord’s brother years before. Sharpe reluctantly steps in to settle the blood feud.
7. Sharpe’s Gold: The Destruction of Almeida, August 1810 (The Sharpe Series Book 9)
Tasked with seizing a fortune in Portuguese gold before Napoleon can access it, Sharpe hunts down a missing British aristocrat through bomb-blasted cities and French-occupied countryside teaming with deserters and guerrillas. All for the king and countrymen.
8. Sharpe’s Devil: Napoleon and South America, 1820-1821 (The Sharpe Series Book 23)
False rumours of Napoleon’s exile lift Sharpe out of melancholy retirement. He enlists the colourful Chosen Men of old to sail to Brazil and check the reports. There they confront an unexpected French scheme promising riches and requiting past injustices against Sharpe and his family.
Conclusion
Though spanning continents and military milestones, Bernard Cornwell’s books distil seismic global power shifts into profound personal journeys. When you open up the pages of Bernard Cornwell’s books, the past becomes impossible to put down. Protagonists put familiar faces on enormous upheavals, reminding us that history’s greatest tides often hinge on the beating hearts swept up in them. Both diehard history buffs and thrill-seekers can find his books at WHSmith. Visit Feedhour for more information on Bernard Cornwell’s latest book.