BookBingeSharpe Books in Order
A British rifleman in the Napoleonic Wars rises through the ranks on skill and luck.
Here is the complete Sharpe reading order — all 10 books by Bernard Cornwell, in the order you should read them:
Publication order (recommended)
- Sharpe's Tiger(1997)
- Sharpe's Triumph(1998)
- Sharpe's Fortress(1999)
- Sharpe's Trafalgar(2000)
- Sharpe's Prey(2001)
- Sharpe's Rifles(1988)
- Sharpe's Havoc(2003)
- Sharpe's Eagle(1981)
- Sharpe's Gold(1981)
- Sharpe's Escape(2004)
Chronological order (story timeline)
The in-world timeline differs from publication order for this series. If you prefer events in the order they happen, read:
- Sharpe's Eagle(1981)
- Sharpe's Gold(1981)
- Sharpe's Rifles(1988)
- Sharpe's Tiger(1997)
- Sharpe's Triumph(1998)
- Sharpe's Fortress(1999)
- Sharpe's Trafalgar(2000)
- Sharpe's Prey(2001)
- Sharpe's Havoc(2003)
- Sharpe's Escape(2004)
For a first read we still recommend publication order — it's how the author intended reveals to land.
Track your place in Sharpe
BookBinge remembers which book you're on and writes a spoiler-safe recap before every sequel. Free on iOS.
Get BookBingeFrequently asked questions
How many books are in the Sharpe series?
There are 10 books in the Sharpe series by Bernard Cornwell, beginning with Sharpe's Tiger (1997) and most recently Sharpe's Escape (2004).
What is the first Sharpe book?
The first book is Sharpe's Tiger, published in 1997. That's where new readers should start.
Should I read Sharpe in publication or chronological order?
For a first read, publication order — the author structured reveals around it. Chronological order works well for re-reads.