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Sharpe's Eagle

by Bernard Cornwell

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1,720279,997 (4.02)65
Here is one of those rare novels, the first in an epic series, that completely transports the reader to an unforgettable time and place in history. At Talavera in July of 1809, Captain Richard Sharpe, bold, professional, and ruthless, prepares to lead his men against the armies of Napoleon into what will be the bloodiest battle of the war. Sharpe has earned his captaincy, but there are others, such as the foppish Lieutenant Gibbons and his uncle, Colonel Henry Simmerson, who have bought their commissions despite their incompetence. After their cowardly loss of the regiment's colors, their resentment toward the upstart Sharpe turns to treachery, and Sharpe must battle his way through sword fights and bloody warfare to redeem the honor of his regiment.… (more)
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» See also 65 mentions

English (25)  Spanish (2)  All languages (27)
Showing 1-5 of 25 (next | show all)
4.5* ( )
  leslie.98 | Jun 27, 2023 |
Fairly enjoyable (read spontaneously when an inexplicable interest in the Napoleonic era swept over me). Chapters tend to feel very episodic with most feeling like a self-contained story which made it hard to care about what was next and therefore keep reading, but the last few dealing with the major battle have more momentum and I read 4 of them in a sitting. Never read Cornwell before and I don't know if his habit here of repeated character description is part of his style (I lost count of how many times he used the phrase "the tall rifleman" to describe Sharpe) but it was a bit grating. I also rolled my eyes at one character who existed only to be brutalised in order to give Sharpe motivation but that may have been a sign of the times (1981). Would try more of these but not in a hurry. ( )
  ElegantMechanic | May 28, 2022 |
1 Roguish Captain Risen from the Ranks
1 Easy-Going Irish Sergeant who Fights as Fearsomely as Cuchulainn
1 Crackshot Poacher
1 Light Company at their Command

Wellington! (Arthur Wellesley Variety)
Talavera
1 Striking Display of Pride and Incompetence
1 Exploding Bridge
3 Lost Colours
1 Near Mutiny
1 Career in Tatters

1 Lovely Lady from Lisbon
1 Frighteningly Appearance-Obsessed Officer
1 Nasty Nephew (Lieutenant)
Revenge

1 Lazy, Incompetent and Fearful Army of Allies
Several Columns of French Infantry
Scattered French Voltigeur Skirmishers (Deadly Variety)
1 Dutch Battalion
1 Napoleonic Eagle ( )
  Caramellunacy | Mar 10, 2021 |
Will Sharpe prevail? Of course he will. Will he get the girl? Of course. Will he lose the girl? Uh huh. Will he get into trouble with British military command? You bet. Will he be in a big battle somewhere near the end of the book? You got it.

So okay, Cornwell writes formulaic books. I still love 'em. Sharpe is great, his adventures are exciting, and you actually learn some history. ( )
  JanetNoRules | Sep 17, 2018 |
Sharpe has finally made it to the Iberian Peninsular but he and his Riflemen have been put under the charge of a Regiment raised by a local landowner wanting to play colonel but no skill in military matters. And the less said about the so-called Spanish allies of the British as they attempt to force the French from Spain, the better. Colonel Simmerson finds his lack of experience coming to haunt him badly when he allows his regiment's colours fall into the hands of the French and in order to save his own position, Sharpe has to make good on his own boast that he would be able to take a French Eagle.

In this novel we get a feel of the confusion of this campaign where political expediency is allowed to trump military realities along with a cracking tale of chaotic fighting and loving. ( )
  JohnFair | Sep 10, 2017 |
Showing 1-5 of 25 (next | show all)
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» Add other authors (5 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Bernard Cornwellprimary authorall editionscalculated
Case, DavidNarratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
D'Achille, GinoCover artistsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
Davidson, FrederickNarratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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'Every man thinks meanly of himself for not having been a soldier.'

Samuel Johnson
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For Judy
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The guns could be heard long before they came into sight.
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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
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Here is one of those rare novels, the first in an epic series, that completely transports the reader to an unforgettable time and place in history. At Talavera in July of 1809, Captain Richard Sharpe, bold, professional, and ruthless, prepares to lead his men against the armies of Napoleon into what will be the bloodiest battle of the war. Sharpe has earned his captaincy, but there are others, such as the foppish Lieutenant Gibbons and his uncle, Colonel Henry Simmerson, who have bought their commissions despite their incompetence. After their cowardly loss of the regiment's colors, their resentment toward the upstart Sharpe turns to treachery, and Sharpe must battle his way through sword fights and bloody warfare to redeem the honor of his regiment.

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