Over the last 30 years Bernard Cornwell has become a highly respected historical novelist following in the footsteps of his own inspiration, Horatio Hornblower writer C. S. Forester. Since creating Napoleonic war hero, Richard Sharpe, back in 1981 Cornwell has averaged nearly two books a year, focussing on a variety of different historical periods and events.

With 30 million copies of his books sold throughout the world, the collector may be forgiven for dismissing Cornwell as an author of interest. However that may be a mistake as his Sharpe novels in particular are capable of achieving significant attention and promising prices.

The Sharpe novels number twenty-four and as with any large series of novels it is creating a complete collection that is perhaps most appealing. The easiest way is of course to purchase a ready-made collection, but buyers need to remember that Cornwell wrote the novels across a 25-year period up to 2006, so supposed "complete" collections may need further work to actually fully complete. Asking prices for a fully complete set of first editions may reach up to $8,000 to include signed copies.

Individual books vary in cost with some of the supposed "rarer" stories such as Sharpe's Sword from 1983 having reached $2,500, although prices can go below $100 depending on condition and exact print run. His other works such as Rebel, Copperhead and The Winter King have yet to consistently challenge the $100 barrier.

For collectors, Cornwell offers some of the most popular and readable books out there. With excellent availability, few limited edition runs, and prices that vary widely it may be that the serious collector opts out of considering Cornwell. But as an initial route in collecting for others he may be the ideal author to start with