Sharpe's Prey: The Expedition to Denmark, 1807

by Bernard Cornwell

Book Overview

"The greatest writer of historical adventures today."
--Washington Post

Critically acclaimed, perennial New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell (Agincourt, The Fort, the Saxon Tales) makes real history come alive in his breathtaking historical fiction. Praised as "the direct heir to Patrick O'Brian" (Agincourt, The Fort), Cornwell has brilliantly captured the fury, chaos, and excitement of battle as few writers have ever done--perhaps...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060084537
• ISBN13: 9780060084530
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Rediscover unpublicised history.

Exactly what we have come to expect from Mr.Cornwell - intriguing plot, bloodthirsty action, skulduggery, espionage and (of course) the usual healthy dose of lust, both carnal and pecuniary. Although, in this little-publicised episode in British history, Sharpe seems strangely inept and less logical than normal, doubtless due to his recent bereavement and near-bankruptcy. At times we see the hard man reduced to tears at some small reminder ... this unmanning shows in the guileless way he goes about his task of ensuring that a chest of gold gets to the right place with the desired effect. Instead, he lets himself be duped - and almost killed - several times before gathering his wits; which he does in grand style, saving the day, finishing the job and settling a few scores - looks like it all turns out fine in the end, doesn't it? Read it and find out...The writing, and the action, flows so well that the book is finished before one realises - leaving one gasping for more.Once again the tale is based on historical facts, brilliantly dramatised; and summarised in an illuminating appendix - Mr.Cornwell's place at the top of the military history writers' roll of honour is assured. *****

Sharpe in Denmark, 1807

This is book is not as bad as some reviewers seem to indicate. I find it easilier to view Sharpe as a means to an end. The Sharpe character serves as a vehicle in which Mr. Cornwell can present a fascinating portrayal of the Napoleanic period in which the British army fought. To view him in any other context is absurd, because Sharpe is superhuman. No other living mortal could have seen and done the many things which Cornwell has put him through. If looked at in this way, the Sharpe series can really be a fun, entertaining and informative read. Sharpe represents the Tommy Atkins of Wellington's army which humbled the great Corsican over years of warfare. Cornwell has been back-tracking his saga ever since getting Sharpe through the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns. The many references to his past in India and England that were mentioned in these novels have been brought to the fore in the latest series. We get to see how Sharpe got himself into the 95th Rifles and with Wellington's army in Spain. One has to credit Cornwell for doing a brilliant job here of incorporating all this information and plot together. He has constructed each novel to stand on its own, as well as be part of the on-going Sharpe series. What makes these novels great is their period detail and close attention to history. The reader not only gets first-class action, romance and adventure, but great historical detail as well. It's a winning combination for sure, even if Sharpe does come across as a robotic killing machine at times. Cornwell's penchant for graphic descriptions of fighting and killing also carry much shock value and keep the reader standing on edge. In this story our hero actually expresses a little feeling and emotion for a change. The 1807 Denmark expedition is little known and this makes the novel quite interesting. Sharpe does less of a killing spree here than in previous novels and perhaps this is what readers miss in this book! Danes are not slaughtered like Frenchmen usually are! Cornwell provides vivid action for the small-scale battles that occur, allowing us to see the 95th Rifles in action for the first time. We also get brief cameos of characters who will become important later on while earlier characters prepare to make their exit for them. All in all a worthy addition to the on-going Sharpe series. If Cornwell can squeese out another one it will have to be set in Portugal at the battles of Rolica and Vimero where Wellington and Sharpe will begin their long march toward Waterloo.

Sharpe in Copenhagen

Once again, the author has given me a story that involves an aspect of the Napoleonic Wars about which I previously knew nothing, the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807. Of course, he has put his intrepid hero, Richard Sharpe, right into the center of it, alongside actual historical characters. It's an exciting tale, as always with the Sharpe series, although we get to see a little of the softer side of Sharpe, as he grieves for his lost Grace, who died in childbirth. Sharpe is the early 19th century James Bond, always getting into and out of near-impossible situations, and always seeming to find a beautiful woman to share some time with him. The settings appear factual, and I assume that the details of the action are quite correct. Now that this tale is told, I wonder where Sharpe's adventures will take him next, for it appears that most of the time from 1807 until Waterloo has been covered by other books in this series. I can only hope the author finds other adventures for Richard Sharpe, for I would miss him terribly if there were no further works about him.

Richard Sharpe as a Secret Agent!

It is the year of our Lord, 1807. Lady Grace Hale the love of Ricahrd Sharpe's wife, has died in childbirh, leaving Richard Sharpe penniless, and a member of the 95th Rifles. He is reduced to quartermaster in the rifles, a job that he hates. He tries to sell his comission, that was given to him on the field of battle in India by Sir Arthur Wellesley,and he is told he cannot see it. (Horse Guards rules. He goes back down to the gutter of London with approximately three shillings and changes, and goes to the area that he used live in, the slums of London, the gutter, the world he does know best, in order to survive. All the jewels from the Indian Sultan are gone, and Richard Sharpe must live by his wits for a few days in the dark, dank area of London that he is familiar with. The 95th Rifles, are a different group of men, and they do acknowledge intelligent in their men, so just as Richard Sharpe is in the sewer again, he is approached to go to Denemark to bribe the Crown Prince of Denmark with a large supply of gold in order for Napoleon not to use Danish ships in an English invasion. Because Sharpe is "broke" again, with the money be too much of a temptation. Will he survive in the service of the crown as a secret agent? Whether this is your first or your latest Richard Sharpe novel by Bernard Cornwell, this one is one of the most descriptive books that he has written. Its full of challenges for our hero, and yes if you are a reader of hisory come and join the world of Richard Sharpe, and the world of Bernard Cornwell, you will be happy that you made the decision to read this book. Enjoy the story! And yes Sean Bean, who portrays 006 in "GoldenEye," usually plays Richard Sharpe. Cheers, and I raise a toast to Richard Sharpe! Sharpe is on his march to Waterloo. This is a book to own, and this is a book to pass on to a good friend who likes a great novel! I cherish my books like old friends, and do not pass them around lightly! If you liked this one, there are plenty more fantastic Richard Sharpe stories!

Another wonderful story of Sharpe

As one of those who has the complete set of Sharpe, I preordered the book, and started reading it the same evening I received it. It is always nice to follow the story of an old friend such as Sharpe. The history of the early 1800's comes to life in these stories. Here we see the contrast between the poor of England and Denmark as Sharpe travels back to his childhood and settles old scores, and then to Denmark and sees the contrast in Denmark. Wonderful battle scenes.The story of a battle of the British/French wars that we know little about. We see Sharpe and Wellington as they meet after three years. Harper makes an appearence. Just a wonderful read. I always read these books through for the story and color, then go back and read it again for clarity. I look forward to more of Sharpe over the coming years. Highly recommended.