Bernard Cornwell

Cornwell writes historical fiction with a strong military focus, including adventure novels set during the Napoleonic Wars, the Anglo-Saxon era, medieval Europe (including Agincourt), and Arthurian Britain.

His major series include the Sharpe novels (Napoleonic era), the Saxon Chronicles/Last Kingdom series, and the Grail Quest series. He has also written Arthurian novels and standalone historical novels such as Azincourt and The Fort.

Begin with The Last Kingdom (Saxon Chronicles / Last Kingdom Book 1) and continue in series order: The Pale Horseman (Book 2), The Lords of the North (Book 3), Sword Song (Book 4), The Burning Land (Book 5), Death of Kings (Book 6), and The Pagan Lord (Book 7).

Start with a series that matches your preferred setting: for Anglo-Saxon history, begin with The Last Kingdom (Book 1); for Napoleonic action, try one of the Sharpe novels; for medieval treasure/adventure, try the Grail Quest opener Harlequin.

Cornwell’s novels are historical fiction grounded in real events, battles, and periods. He blends documented history with fictional characters and plots, providing detailed period and military accuracy alongside invented elements for storytelling.