Sharpe or Hornblower - Which is the better series?

[elster]

Lurking Lawyer said:

elster said:

No he starts off as a Sergeant, at the end of the first TV episode he is commissioned to a Lieutenant.

I stand corrected! It's been a long time since I saw the first episode and my recollection was obviously slightly awry.

Anyway, even if he spends the first hour and three quarters as a Sergeant, that's not much in the scheme of things given how many films were made, so I think on the whole it's fair to say that Sharpe did start out as a junior officer, just like HH

I read the Sharpe books the best part of 20 years ago while at university. Maybe it's time to raid the local library and start them all over again...

As an aside for anyone who enjoys this as TV, do give the books a go - and Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey and Maturin series of novels too. Top banana, the lot of them.

I'm with you there Mr Lawyer. Read the books before my ex introduced me to Sharpe, as she is in love with Sean Bean.

Thoroughly enjoyed them, and still do.

[richw_82]

Lurking Lawyer said:

elster said:

No he starts off as a Sergeant, at the end of the first TV episode he is commissioned to a Lieutenant.

I stand corrected! It's been a long time since I saw the first episode and my recollection was obviously slightly awry.

Anyway, even if he spends the first hour and three quarters as a Sergeant, that's not much in the scheme of things given how many films were made, so I think on the whole it's fair to say that Sharpe did start out as a junior officer, just like HH

I read the Sharpe books the best part of 20 years ago while at university. Maybe it's time to raid the local library and start them all over again...

As an aside for anyone who enjoys this as TV, do give the books a go - and Patrick O'Brien's Aubrey and Maturin series of novels too. Top banana, the lot of them.

So are we talking screen versions or book versions? Because if we are talking book versions Sharpe is even more of a hard man!

Ric

[michaeljclark]

Got the Sharpe DVD box set and all the books. Fantastic stuff

Got the Hornblower boxset and one of the books, but I don't think its as good as Sharpe.

[C C]

Sean Bean Sean Bean in uniformPhwoar.

I have the Sharpe DVD box set and I love the Bernard Cornwell books (started reading those before they started making the tv series).Really like the later Sharpe books - set in India, before Sharpe was raised from the ranks. Somewhere I have the press packs from Central and Carlton for the original 2 series - some fabulous glossy photos in them. Also have a signed photo of Sean Bean (in uniform!) with other members of the Sharpe Cast. Oh yes and I used to be a paid up member of the Sharpe Appreciation Society

Read a couple of the Hornblower books and they were okay but not a fan of the tv series.
Reading "Man of Honour : Jack Steel for Queen and Country" by Iain Gale at the moment - not read any of these before and I am really enjoying it, similar to Sharpe but main character is a Lieutenant & a gentleman and it is set in 1704 and the battle of Blenheim.

[308mate]

C C said:

Sean Bean Sean Bean in uniformPhwoar.

I have the Sharpe DVD box set and I love the Bernard Cornwell books (started reading those before they started making the tv series).Really like the later Sharpe books - set in India, before Sharpe was raised from the ranks. Somewhere I have the press packs from Central and Carlton for the original 2 series - some fabulous glossy photos in them. Also have a signed photo of Sean Bean (in uniform!) with other members of the Sharpe Cast. Oh yes and I used to be a paid up member of the Sharpe Appreciation Society

Christ!

Well I know when I'm beaten.....

[TonyHetherington]

I'll not say who, but interesting trivia; someone on PH's very lovely wife used to date Sean Bean

[AtWork]

I like them both, but which is better...

Edited by AtWork on Thursday 12th February 13:29

[raharley]

Hornblower is a post tt. Sharpe kicks arse.

[Mattygooner]

Sharpe, like his... sword Raaaar!
Hornblower.... like his sexual orientation..Yohhooooo!

Mind you.."Buggar me Pat"..

Hmmmm