Published by HarperCollins, London; 1998. 298pp. 8vo. First edition, first impression. Condition: Fine/Near Fine
Bound in original navy cloth boards, with title in gilt to the spine. The binding is square and tight, with no marks or wear, save for a touch of bumping along the edges. Inside, the pages are clean and bright, free of blemishes or damage, with only some light toning.
The book is housed in its original, first-issue dust jacket, which is also in very smart condition. Vibrant and bright, it has no marks or damage to speak of, apart from some minor bumping to the edges and a little fading to the spine.
In all, this is a very smart example of this important novel from Cornwell's Sharpe series. Chronologically, the second novel, this tale follows the British exploits in India and the Battle of Asaye, where Sir Arthur Wellesley, with a tiny British army, faced the Maratha horde. Outnumbered and outgunned, Wellesley decides to fight, and Sergeant Richard Sharpe is plunged into the white heat of a battle that will make Wellesley's reputation. It will make Sharpe's too, but only if he can survive the carnage and killing frenzy, for it is at Assaye that he at last realises his ambition and has a chance to seize it. This novel is the ideal addition to any Cornwell and Sharpe collection.