RANDOM JOTTINGS

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Long time blogger just moved to wordpress. Love music, theatre, movies, sport (tennis and cricket) and cooking. Two great daughters, two great granddaughters.

Cynthia Harrod Eagles – The end of a Dynasty?

M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 

To my utter astonishment and dismay I understand that the Morland Dynasty books of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles will soon be coming to an end.  Not because the author has got fed up with writing them, au contraire, but because her publisher don't want them any more.  Apparently they have decided they are not going to continue with the series because they are not selling enough copies.  Although it is extremely popular, too many people either borrow them from the library or buy a second hand copy and the publisher gets no money from that (neither does the author of course!)    Apparently Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' contract goes up to Book 34, so there are two more to come but after than – zilch.

I find this decision incredibly short sighted.  Historical fiction always sells well – why is Jean Plaidy being reprinted?  Why are Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory plastered all over Waterstones?  No need to answer that one – because their publishers pay for this space that is why.  There is very little publicity for the latest Morland novel as each is published and I think the publishers have lost sight of what a marvellous series they have in their keeping.   My gut feeling is that Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has been with them a long time, she is reliable, she gives them a Morland book a year (plus the Bill Slider mysteries) so they take her for granted and perhaps don't think she is 'sexy' enough.

Why don't they do a push on these titles?  Why don't they re-brand and re-market these marvellous books?  Make sure they are all available and in print in paperback, promote them, publicise them all over again and I guarantee that sales will go up.  I have followed the Morland Dynasty since book one and, apart from sharing in the joys and sorrows of the Morland family, the historical research is staggering and they are extremely well written too.

I am going to write to Sphere, who publish these books.   Sphere is part of the Little, Brown Book group and their CEO and publisher is Ursula Mackenzie.   The Publishing DIrector – Commercial of Sphere is Antonia Hodgson and both these ladies can be located at:

Little, Brown Book Group
100 Victoria Embankment
LONDON
EC4Y 0DY

Those of you who have read and enjoyed these books please leave a comment and join me in doing our very best to keep the Morland Dynasty going.  If you have a blog I would appreciate it if you could spread  the word.  Failing that, well we will just have to see if another publisher with a bit more nous will take them on.

Go on – you know it makes sense……….

Posted in

261 responses to “Cynthia Harrod Eagles – The end of a Dynasty?”

  1. Mrs Donlan Avatar
    Mrs Donlan

    I have bought every single one of the Morland Dynasty since they were first published. I look forward to the new one each year and will miss them very much. I have to agree that they are not well publicised, I can rarely find them on the shelves of most booksellers and when I do find one it is the only one in the series. Very short sighted Is there any reason why another publisher couldn’t take over?

    Reply
  2. kathhleen m plumb, Avatar
    kathhleen m plumb,

    I read the first Morland Dynasty book back when I lived in Warwickshire England some 29 years ago, and eagerly look forward to each new volume, they must not stop publishing them, I am donating my collection when the final one comes out to my local labrary who are eagerly looking forward to having them
    Kathleen

    Reply
  3. Maureen Peach Avatar
    Maureen Peach

    I am devastated that the Dynasty series is having to finish. I have read every book and am anxiously awaiting the new one in November. I used to buy them but due to circumstances I now have to borrow from the Library. I know it is difficult to find these books for which I blame the publishers. CHE is due, and is worthy of a massive publicity campaign. I also agree with the comments that it is a very good way to learn history. It certainly opened my eyes about WW1.

    Reply
  4. Mrs. Brenda Midgley Avatar
    Mrs. Brenda Midgley

    I am so interested in finding this site. I am new to CHE Morland Dynasty books. I seem to read rather quickly and confess, therefore, that I go to the library rather than buy books (it can get very costly even with paperbacks and as reading isn’t my only hobby my spending could quickly get out of hand!).
    I was looking for a ‘new’ author when I found the first of her books, (I seem to have read everything of all my other favourite authors) and I feel very fortunate that I started with Book ? – set in 1912 and dealing with the Titanic Disaster. I am now reading book 31 The Foreign Field set in 1917 and I have somewhat amazingly for a library service managed to borrow them in continuing order thus far. I came onto the website to see if I could find out what is the next book in the series; so on finding this site am appalled to read that her publisher is thinking of giving them up. I have learnt so much history from her books (which it has to be said seemed to be given only scant coverage as a subject when I was at school – shortly after the second world war and an east end of London school; probably there was neither the resources or teachers to aid us in our learning). Apart from the Morland family stories I have found the descriptions of war scenes and places to be abolutely riveting – filling in a lot of the blank spots in my knowledge of historical matters. If nothing else I must say a big thank you to CHE for helping to fill in my scant knowledge in such an absorbing fashion. How on earth she managed to resource all this material is beyond me.

    Reply
  5. Monica Avatar
    Monica

    Please don’t stop publishing these books! I’ve read every one and love them. In fact I have just started the series again – and have now discovered facts about the Morlands that I had forgotten. All the books are well researched and enjoyable to read.

    Reply
  6. June Neal Avatar
    June Neal

    I have read every one up to number 31 and can’t wait for the next one please carry on with them after 34 it will be such a shame as they are so interesting and a book that sometimes cannot be put down

    Reply
  7. Patricia Jones Avatar
    Patricia Jones

    I have learned more about British History from the Morland Dynasty than from any other source. They are very well written and easy to follow. It would be a great loss to lose these marvellous books. I leve in Canada and they are very hard to find in any bookstore. I have purchased the entire series from Amazon.ca and enjoyed every word.

    Reply
  8. Monica Avatar
    Monica

    Am devastated by these news. Am just nearly through “Measure of Days” and cant image not to partake in the lives of the Morlands anymore. How sad.

    Reply
  9. Susan Darlington Avatar
    Susan Darlington

    I can’t believe that the books aren’t going to continue up to the present time. I have every book up to and including 31. I started buying in hardback when they were first published, but now buy paperback and I can’t wait every year until the next one is out. I have promised myself that I will start at the first book again and read one after the other until I have reread them. PLEASE PLEASE let another publisher take on Cynthia Harrod Eagles.

    Reply
  10. Margaret Mayhead Avatar
    Margaret Mayhead

    I have been reading these books for more than 20 years , and Cythia Harrad Eagles cannot write her books quick enough for me . soon has I know they are coming out I am down to the book shop, and if there is not one in stock I order it. Please dont stop publishing them.

    Reply
  11. Elaine Simpson-Long Avatar
    Elaine Simpson-Long

    Thank you all so much for these comments. I am going to print them all off and send them with a letter to the publishers and hope to get this off soon. If I receive any reaction I will, of course, let you all know

    Reply
  12. May Hall Avatar
    May Hall

    I can’t believe that the publishers are not going to allow Cynthia to carry on with the Moreland books, they are my favorite books and I have read everyone more than once. I cannot wait to purchase the new one each November. I enjoy these books so much and have learnt so much history over the years. Cynthia is such a great writer and all her work deserves more publicity.

    Reply
  13. Margaret Jenkins Avatar
    Margaret Jenkins

    Cannot believe what I have just read, thank goodness I came across your web page am going to write to Sphere immediately, they must be made aware of public opinion regarding this insane decision.

    Reply
  14. Shirley Percival Avatar
    Shirley Percival

    The Morland Dynasty must not be allowed to finish!!!
    I am a third way through for the third time of reading, and am enjoying the history of the Morland Family again. I enjoyed history at school, but never really payed to much attention to facts. Now I cannot re-learn English history enough!!! Please, please publishers listen to your readers.

    Reply
  15. Jill Millard Avatar
    Jill Millard

    I have just come across the news that the Morland Dynasty series will finish with Book 34 in the 1020’s. This series just can’t finish before it reaches the present day and the publisher is very shortsighted to stop publishing them. They must reconsider or surely some other company could take over and publicise them properly. I have read every one as it has been published. They are hard to get in Australia but my daughter always gives me the latest book for Christmas – it’s read by New Year and I wait another 12 months for the next one.

    Reply
  16. Mrs P J Foster Avatar
    Mrs P J Foster

    I would like to tell you that my friend Sue and I have read every one of the Morland Dynasty series. I bought every one up until No.16 and since then I have either borrowed them off Sue or have had them on loan from the local Mobile Library, when asked they always order them and they show that they are well read. If I could find the money to pay for them I would buy every one up to which ever mumber of the series there are. Sue has all the Morland Dynasty books available. We have thoroughly enjoyed everyone and look forward to the next one to come. We would be very disapointed if there were no more!!

    Reply
  17. Pam Giles Avatar
    Pam Giles

    I couldn’t agree more with all the comments and compliments. I’m still getting through all the books, like the last writer, reading the latest ones at the same time as catching up with the earlier ones. It’s fascinating to follow the family through the years and learn about our history at the same time. Living close to where Morland Place would be is a bonus.
    I really like the strong female characters who provide the family with backbone whichever historical period they live in. I hope the story will continue as long as Cynthia is still inspired to write about the Morlands. I’ll never have enough!

    Reply
  18. lynne Waller Avatar
    lynne Waller

    I have just read the books for the 2nd time and they are still wonderful, you can learn so much from them it makes history come to life.I think it is very sad that the pulishers are so short sighted all they seem to want is sex and violence and are not bothered about a good story.
    Perhaps Waterstones should take up the fight.

    Reply
  19. Diane Pratt Avatar
    Diane Pratt

    I am just reading The Foreign Field and am distraught to hear that there are only going to be three more after this. I started reading the Dynasty three years a go since I retired and the it has given me so much pleasure, I do hope another publisher can be found.

    Reply
  20. Mrs Coral M. Ordish Avatar
    Mrs Coral M. Ordish

    Please, please, please don’t allow The Morland Dynasty books to just fade away, as far as I knew Ms Harrod-Eagles was going on until, at least, 1939 and the start of WW2.
    I am not surprised however, to read that they are not selling, book=stores and even some libraries here in Australia have never even heard of either the author or any of her books. Something is wrong somewhere.
    In October of 2009 I placed an order with a local bookshop for Book 32 and now here it is, June, and I have still not received it.
    I would have thought that her publishers would have had some contact with publishers in Australia but apparently not.
    As you say we, who enjoy these books, should contact her publisher and plead with the not to cease publication of her books.

    Reply
  21. Marcia Niles Avatar
    Marcia Niles

    I agree with the above readers. I have just finished #32 which ends in 1918. How can she get to the present in only two more books? I have read all and enjoyed every one.

    Reply
  22. sue jefferys Avatar
    sue jefferys

    I too am sorry to hear the end is approaching. I eagerly await each new book in the series and am currently busy with no 33 or is it 34. I love English history and have learned so much more from her series. Please, please do something to keep it alive for future generations. A country cannot build a future if it does not have a past.
    SJ in South Africa 2010-06-02

    Reply
  23. Cas B Avatar
    Cas B

    I am really upset that the publisher is looking at cancelling the Morland Dynasty. I have read every one of the series and cannot wait for the next episode to come out. I have learnt more about English history since reading these books than I ever did at school. The recent books about WWI are brilliant as I am fascinated with that era. I do hope they reconsider, is there any way that Cynthia Harrod-Eagles could use another publisher?
    I accidently came across this link as I was trying to get into the CHE website as I was going to write to her and tell how much I was enjoying this series!
    I have just finished reading The Foreign Field, my Great Uncle died in November 1917 and I am browsing the internet to see if I can find out where exactly he got killed. Hopefully her books have encouraged other readers to investigate history especially if it relates to their ancestors.

    Reply
  24. Azga Avatar
    Azga

    I believe that Morland Dynasty shall continue.It is not read in England only, but also abroad. I am from the Czech Republic and this book is really popular here. I really hope that current situation will be reconsidered and we will be able to read 35th and following volums.

    Reply
  25. Julie Marquis Avatar
    Julie Marquis

    I will be so sorry if this is the end – I have read all the books and can not wait until the next one comes out,think the publisher is crazy
    I agree with everyone above they should be rebranded historical books at the moment are bit business look at philippa gregory books.

    Reply
  26. dodie Squires Avatar
    dodie Squires

    I came across these books recently and started in 1909 and carried on from there but at the same time started again from book1. This means that one minute I am fighting the Battle of Bosworth and then I’m in the trenches in Flanders. I can’t bear to think she won’t be continuing with them.

    Reply
  27. Jan Moon Avatar
    Jan Moon

    I have every book in this series up to no 28, which I have just finished. And it breaks my heart to think there may be no more. The books are hard to buy in Australia, but I get my daughters, who live in London to purchase them and send them on. I have never seen one publicised in Australia – it would seen that there is a case for perhaps revamping the covers (they are a bit boring) and publicising them, people would get more interested. There is an upsurge in this country and I am sure in the UK, with people wanting to read these type of books, specially with the huge popularity of family history, and researchers wanting to know how their relatives lived and how things were in by gone days.
    I had better keep my eyes open for 31 – 34, I’d hate to miss them after all this time.

    Reply
  28. M00ncakie Avatar
    M00ncakie

    i think Cynthia Harrod Eagles is a most wonderfull and dedicated author it would be a sin to not continue with the Morland Dynasty series and its lively characters. I have learned so much through reading these books that i am thankful that she did the research and not me :) i’m sure these books would appeal to more people if only there was more publicity… which i don’t think the author should be punished for lack there of!!!

    Reply
  29. Marjorie Holmes Avatar
    Marjorie Holmes

    I have read every one of the Moreland Dynasty series.They are wonderful. My husband buys them for my Birthday, each November as the come out. I think it is very shortsighted of the publisher. They contain a wealth of Historical knowledge as well as being wonderful novels, each in its own right.
    Please find a new publisher.

    Reply
  30. Liz Russell Avatar
    Liz Russell

    Please, please continue to publish Cynthia Harrod Eagles Dynasty series. I have read all of them, and love them. Well written, well research and enthralling.

    Reply
  31. Jan Williams Avatar
    Jan Williams

    I’m stunned. I thought they had been advertised as “…to present day”. Since time has slowed down in the last few volumes I can’t see her getting passed the 1920s.
    I’ve just bought number 31 on Amazon because, despite numerous visits to the bookshops of Cardiff, I haven’t been able to find it. Publishers can’t expect a novel to sell if it’s not on the shelves. A publicity campaign would be good but useless without the product!

    Reply
  32. Jeanne Laffan Avatar
    Jeanne Laffan

    Historical novels are a wonderful way of finding out the social history of a country and the Morland Dynasty is so well researched that one can rely on the accounts written about. Publishers need a quick prod every now and then

    Reply
  33. Marina Freeman Avatar
    Marina Freeman

    I have loved The Morland Dynasty series and have eagerly awaited each book as it was published.I used to joke that I hoped I didn’t die before I’d read the final book,now it seems I won’t have to worry!
    I think it is very short-sighted of the publisher to stop publishing any more of them and hope they will have a re-think or some more enterprising firm will take them over.

    Reply
  34. Elaine Simpson-Long Avatar
    Elaine Simpson-Long

    Anne – thanks for your comment. Have been really busy last few weeks with grandmother duties but am now entering a period of relative calm and intend to tackle the publisher about this. Sheer lunacy on their part!

    Reply
  35. Anne Wright Avatar
    Anne Wright

    Utterly devastated that the Dynasty Series should end. I have read and own every one of the series and indeed all are in hardback. I note the comments about re-reading and although I dont usually read a book again I have re-read these not once but many times. I am not ready to let the Morlands go yet so I hope the publisher will take note. I did try to contact the publisher but could not find an email address. I cannot help feeling they are not in tune with what the readers want as many people I know love historical fiction and love the Dynasty series

    Reply
  36. LizF Avatar
    LizF

    Any campaign to keep CHE in print will have my full support. I loved them when they first came out and tried to keep up with them via the library when circumstances meant that buying books had to be put on the back burner. Having said that I think that I lost track of them after about number 20 when it took me so long to get hold of the next one that I lost track which was a shame.
    Also agree with the comment about the teaching of history in schools being seriously limited – having had four children I can confirm that they cover: the Eqyptians, the Vikings, the Tudors and then the two World Wars. If they touch on anything else it’s a miracle- to the point that they know more about Civil Rights in the USA than the English Civil War!

    Reply
  37. jennygirl Avatar
    jennygirl

    I was told by other blogger frineds about CHE, and I am anxiously awaiting my review copy from Sourcebooks here in the U.S.
    As someone else mentioned, Sourcebooks is republishing her books, so hopefully this will lead to good things. Sourcebooks re-released Heyer and now everyone is interested in her. Maybe CHE can reap the same awards. It’s a shame that CHE has been loyal to her house only to have them drop her like a bad habit. Karma is B—-!

    Reply
  38. Natalie T. Avatar
    Natalie T.

    I’ve blogged about this and referenced your blog. I hope it helps a wee bit.

    Reply
  39. Devaki Khanna Avatar
    Devaki Khanna

    I’m fascinated by historical fiction–always have been. I think Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ Morland Dynasty is a magnificent project–telling the story of a nation through the story of a family over almost 500 years of history takes a lot of hard work and persistence. Her publishers can certainly make this a paying proposition–why are they not selling the television serial rights to these books? That is sure to increase book sales. They can also look at e-bbok and audiobook rights. And yes, why not use these books to get UK schoolkids interested in history? I remember talking to someone who said that the only periods of history that schoolteachers focused on were the Tudor period and the two world wars. THIS IS DISGRACEFUL!

    Reply
  40. Marg Avatar
    Marg

    I am pretty sure I have seen the second one as being released in the US by Sourcebooks as well, although I have no idea how many they have contracted to buy at this time!
    I only have read the first few books of this series, but I have really enjoyed them, and I am definitley intending to keep on reading.
    I will post a link to Elaine’s over at Historical Tapestry as I know we have a few Moreland fans, and will post over at HistoricalFictionOnline.com as well.

    Reply
  41. Lyn Avatar
    Lyn

    I loved this series too, Elaine. Hope the publishers can be persuaded to change their minds.

    Reply
  42. Natalie T. Avatar
    Natalie T.

    I have them on my to-be-read list.
    It is dreadfully short-sighted of the publishers and reminds me a lot of the way that they suddenly stopped publishing the also magnificent Barbara Pym when she was in mid-career.
    There are people–I am one of them–who purchase books. I don’t merely go to the library. If I think that an author is good, I will buy his or her books.
    Just today I have purchased the first two in the series: “The Founding” and “The Dark Rose” and look forward to buying and reading them all. Thank you for the blog entry.

    Reply
  43. Margaret Powling Avatar
    Margaret Powling

    I have jsut ordered the first in the series although having more than 30 ahead of me, I find that somewhat daunting! Maybe once readers know this series is to be axed, they will buy them by the shed-load. Only tills ringing will make publishers take note, not blandishments in any other form (otherwise many good writers would still be in print!)

    Reply
  44. Cornflower Avatar
    Cornflower

    I haven’t read them at all but have read much about them and earmarked them as a “to be read”. What a short-sighted decision this seems to be; as you say, it looks as though all that’s needed is a bit of effort put behind them.

    Reply
  45. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I’ve read the first in the series and thoroughly enjoyed it so I intend to get through the rest one day. A Heyer-style rebranding exercise sounds great as I do think that the UK covers are a bit dated. (Just don’t put headless women on the covers!)

    Reply
  46. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    Teresa/(Elaine)–I read and commented on a few of your earlier posts, but as you’ve overtaken me I have only been skimming the posts as I don’t want to know what happens before I get to the book! :) I think Sourcebooks is doing a good thing and hopefully it will spark interest over here in them as readers will be able to get in on the ground floor so to speak. They’ve done wonders for Georgette Heyer, and now they are publishing Elizabeth Chadwick who I hear is very popular in the UK (along with RF Delderfield). And I know I’ve just gotten the first Poldark book that they published–they seem to be picking up on interest in good historical fiction. I may have to do a CHE post myself now.

    Reply
  47. Teresa Avatar
    Teresa

    I’m about 1/3 through the series now and am sorry to hear that her publisher is giving them up. They really are good reads–and getting better. I just finished The Campaigners, and it blew me away!
    I wonder if they aren’t selling so well because the series runs so long, and people don’t want to pick up book #30+ in a series? I’ve been reading and reviewing one book in the series each month, and I have noticed that as I’ve gotten further along I’ve gotten fewer comments on my reviews, which leads me to think that people aren’t inclined to pay attention to later books in a long-running series. So what the publisher needs to do is push the series from the beginning. I was excited to see Danielle mention the Sourcebooks reissue a few weeks ago and would love to see them generate some interest. Lots of people seem interested in the concept–it’s just starting near the end that puts them off.

    Reply
  48. Danielle Avatar
    Danielle

    Did you know Sourcebooks here in the US is publishing her Morland books? The first one is going to be coming out in the next few months. I don’t see it listed yet on their website, but I know they were offering review copies of it. I’m not sure this will extend to any new books and it will take them a while to publish her whole backlist. At least it’s a glimmer that they won’t go entirely out of print. It’s a pity her regular publisher is dropping her–I have been buying them as they come out in paper and very slowly reading them. I hope Sourcebooks will print her newer titles. I think I’ll have to pull out the next in line (I’m still close to the beginning) and get going on them again. You can see it on Amazon (the Sourcebooks edition):
    http://www.amazon.com/Founding-Cynthia-Harrod-Eagles/dp/1402238150/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262986913&sr=1-2

    Reply
  49. Simon (Savidge Reads) Avatar
    Simon (Savidge Reads)

    I havent read any of these books but am joining in with the comments because I have heard so many people out there love them so this seems a really bad idea. Maybe you should write to the Guardian or something… or get Bloomsbury to take them all on and call its The Bloomsbury Dynasty Group?

    Reply
  50. Diney Costeloe Avatar
    Diney Costeloe

    Certainly they should Re-think, Re-brand and Re-launch the Cynthia Harrod Eagles ‘Morland Dynasty’! I used to read them avidly and was always waiting for the next one to come out. Is she really getting towards number 34? Wow!
    Surely they won’t waste all that hard work! Re-branding Georgette Heyer introduced her to a whole new generation of readers….re-launching C H E would do the same for her.
    I always enjoy her letters to the Daily Telegrapg too, she always has something interesting to say!

    Reply

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