It seems many of my friends here are Cornwell fans.  I've not read any of his books.  Where would you suggest I begin? 

I started with the Archer series and it remains my favorite. I also enjoyed the first book in the Uhtred series. I think it's called The Last Kingdom. But I didn't enjoy any of the others I've read. I enjoy Sharpe on occasion. They are quick and fun reads.

I'm a huge Sharpe fan-doesn't hurt that I get to pick my favorite Sean Bean in the lead role.  I want to try the Uhtred series(also due to recs here) but haven't gotten around to it. 

Not a fan of the ones he wrote with his wife-Susannah Kells-Crown of Mercy and two others.  Restoration setting was good but I had a tough time getting a handle on the characters. 

The Archer series is a great place to start or the Saxon Chronicles beginning with The Last Kingdom.  SC feature the forum favorite, Uhtred.  Stay away from Stonehenge!  Not one of Cornwell's better works.  If you like King Arthur, the Excalibur series is also really, really good and The Winter King is the first of those.

Thanks. Sounds like the Archer series is a good place to start.

Stonehenge was my first Cornwell ... and I really enjoyed it! But I accept that I am the minority voice re: this book. I've heard that his Civil War books (Rebel, Copperhead, etc.) aren't as good as some of his others, but Linda really enjoyed them.

Love Sergeant Sharpe, but they start (chronologically) in India, so if that locale isn't a person's cuppa, they probably shouldn't start there.

Point is that he is a wonderful & prolific author and, for what it's worth, and with a nod to Cheryl's comment re: liking Arthur, I think you could almost pick your favorite HF time frame and then find the Cornwell books that match.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/c/bernard-cornwell/

All that said, I agree with the others re: the Archer Series (formally called The Grail Quest series) is my very favorite ... and I'm quite crazy about the Saxon Chronicles!

Kelly

Thanks, Kelly.  I'll check out the web site.