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. Pauline Baldwin Avatar
    Pauline Baldwin

    I have every book in the Dynasty series and was eagerly awaiting November when the new one generally comes out. What a crying shame it will be if this amazing series comes to an end prematurely. CHE writes not only a super story each volume but the historical detail she weaves into the story is fantastic. I do hope that another publisher will take on the series and show ‘Little Brown’ what they have thrown away.

    Reply
  2. גני אירועים בצפון Avatar
    גני אירועים בצפון

    I have not read any of these books, but Im joining any comment, because I heard so many people who love them, so this seems like a bad idea. Maybe you should write to the Guardian or something … Bloomsbury, or to arrive at all and call it Dynasty Bloomsbury Group?

    Reply
  3. maryliz Avatar
    maryliz

    I also have loved these books and will be sad when they stop. I hope you have great joy with battle to save these great books

    Reply
  4. hilda keating Avatar
    hilda keating

    i have read these books from The founding right up to the dancing years. I own the first 15 in hardback,but have had to buy paperbacks since, due to circumstances. I do hop0e they continue, because I want the family to find the black pearls that are hidden in the chapel. If they have to end publishing i hope another publisher can step in.

    Reply
  5. Virginia Avatar
    Virginia

    I have read every single Morland book and indeed still have them ALL on my bookshelf as I can’t bear to get rid of them. I await each new volume with great anticipation and am never disappointed. I am just finishing No.32 and already looking forward to the next. It would be a tragedy if the series were not continued up to the present day as promised and I hope the publishers can be persuaded of this otherwise I shall have to go back to No.1 and start all over again! This series is a terrific lesson in the continuity of British history.

    Reply
  6. B J Welsh Avatar
    B J Welsh

    I to have been with this series from the begining way way back and will keep with it to the end. I must say that I believe the earlier books were the best but the later ones are filled with so much detail it is astonishing. I really think that it is sad the publishers have only commmissioned up to 34. I did hope that it would go up to the 60’s .Perhaps we can change their minds

    Reply
  7. Laura Holt Avatar
    Laura Holt

    Please continue these books. They need to be brought up to the present day.

    Reply
  8. Mary Allen. Avatar
    Mary Allen.

    I cannot believe that the publishers are going to discontinue this series.I have read everyone of them and am eagerly awaitinr the next in the series. I have learnt so much of our country’s history from these novels. History was alway my favourite subject at school, and Miss Harrod Eagles along with Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favourite authors. PLEASE dont stop publishing now that she is nearing the end of the series.

    Reply
  9. b g steele Avatar
    b g steele

    i have read everyone of the dynasty series and throughly enjoyed them. i shall certainly miss them. not everybody can purchace them so rely on the library to obtain a copy.

    Reply
  10. sue woolf Avatar
    sue woolf

    I don’t usually buy books as I depend on our local libraries for my reading. However, I am so entranced by this series that I buy every one as it comes out, I can’t believe that the publisher will let them go. I am currently reading book 33 and am awaiting book 34. I have reread each one several times and enjoyed them as much as the first time. Please, please, please let’s all get together and do something to make the publisher change their minds.

    Reply
  11. Margaret Wolstencroft Avatar
    Margaret Wolstencroft

    I am 75 years old and my only worry(up to now) has been if I would live long enough to read the saga to its end. It never crossed my mind that it would stop suddenly. It has been one of my great pleasures each year to order the latest book. How terribly disappointing, please don’t let it happen!

    Reply
  12. Kathleen Tuck Avatar
    Kathleen Tuck

    I am astounded that CHE Moreland Dynasty books are being axed by a very blind publisher. I look forward to each new publication. The research is fantastic. I did not know the full extent of the suffragette movement and was appalled to discover the steps that were taken to deprive females of the right to vote. This should be taught in our schools. Please continue the series what right has the publisher to deprive the public from this wonderful series.

    Reply
  13. beata Avatar
    beata

    I am done with all morland books.I enjoyed them all,and I want to read them again.

    Reply
  14. Redalfire Avatar
    Redalfire

    My wife absolutely loves these books and, it seems unlike many others, these are purchased new from books shops. She just enjoys reading a new book and the Morland dynasty has held her spellbound throughout all 32 books she has read so far. The comforting thought that so many years remain to be explored I am sure adds to the reader’s enjoyment and anticipation. Second thoughts needed Little Brown Book and I wholeheartedly endorse your suggestion that, instead of bemoaning all the reasons for falling sales – get out and SELL them!!!

    Reply
  15. pauline Avatar
    pauline

    I have read all the books and was just brousing to find when the next was being released – I have bought every one so the publishers do make money from me and even buy them in hardback as I want them NOW. Devastated by this news as I was looking forward to them coming up to the present day.

    Reply
  16. Anne Dodsworth Avatar
    Anne Dodsworth

    Horrified to read that the Dynasty series is to end before completion, I buy, not borrow, the new one each year and eagerly look forward to them. The series is a wonderful insight into daily life through the ages and must be allow3ed to continue, come on publishers think again

    Reply
  17. Ruby Hill Avatar
    Ruby Hill

    I am gutted, i have been reading this series since the 80s & pester my book shop for the date of the next one. I only buy paper backs & was told this week that ” The Dancing Years” wont be out untill NEXT March.
    I am now on No.4 of a re read, must be the third time I have done that, they are so well written & I just love them. I’m sure Cynthia could have gone on with these for a long time, as there is still so much to write about. It must be about the longest running series ever.

    Reply
  18. Ronnie avided reader Avatar
    Ronnie avided reader

    Currently reading no. 33 & have read them ALL since the first “Founding” & yes i’m afraid that I do borrow them from the liabary because of the cost & number. They can’t finished with out letting us know if the Black Pearls are hidden in the “Our Lady” wooden statue with other valuables to save the family when in need.

    Reply
  19. April Cowan Avatar
    April Cowan

    I agree with every comment which deplores the short-sightedness of the publishers. The Dynasty
    series could be a blockbusting TV series, giving lots of scope for historical backgrounds with their
    charming costumes. It could be sold overseas as a first-class historical drama. Everyone nowadays
    is interested in their relatives — even their recent ancestors who had to struggle with no electricity,
    and no telephone and had to rely on horsepower for farm work and travel. The portrayal of soldiers
    and different women in the First World War is masterly. I can’t wait for the final two volumes.

    Reply
  20. Lindsay Blume Avatar
    Lindsay Blume

    I have read all of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles books in the Morland series and have currently just finished number 32. I had heard the series was coming to an end so I was very pleased to hear 33 and possibly 34 are still out there. Can’t imagine a publisher being so short sighted. Wonderful series, I hope they come to their senses.

    Reply
  21. Alyson Sansbury Avatar
    Alyson Sansbury

    I own the whole series and when each new book is due I re read all of them and build up my anticipation of the new one. I am very attached to the Morland family and if the stories finish it will leave a big hole in my life. I tried to make the latest one last a bit longer but couldn’t put it down as usual. Please continue with the series

    Reply
  22. Joan Armstrong Avatar
    Joan Armstrong

    I have read and thoroughly enjoyed all the Morland dynasty series and understood it will end at the present day. The content in each book is so well researched and informative.
    It has been so enjoyable that I have had to eagerly await the next edition each year! I am now trying to get the next one after The Fallen Kings from my local library.

    Reply
  23. Mo Snowball Avatar
    Mo Snowball

    I have read everyone of these books and own them all albeit in paperback. I am extremely sad the series is to end surely if we all make enough noise about it we will be able to grt them to change their minds

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth Storey Avatar
    Elizabeth Storey

    I have read all the Morland Dynasty books and indeed have them all (apart from 2) in hard back. My sister buys the new one for Christmas for me every year. In fact I wish Cynthia could find the time to write 2 a year. It always seems a long time to wait for the next one. I cannot believe that the publishers are not going to publish the series up to the present time, however many more books that may involve.

    Reply
  25. Lisa Klepper Avatar
    Lisa Klepper

    I have read all of these books thru #32, and have been eagerly awaiting the next in the series. I can’t believe the publisher is dropping this series!!! These are some of the most engrossing novels I’ve ever read. They just can’t quit publishing them!!

    Reply
  26. Nora Jackson Avatar
    Nora Jackson

    I have read up to no; 28 in Cynthia Harrod-Eagles Saga’s and am now going to find out what she has written since then. I am so sorry to hear they are not to continue.
    Nora Jackson

    Reply
  27. Lilian Kell Avatar
    Lilian Kell

    I have read all the Morland Dynasty books up to date as they come out in paperback and will be very disappointed if they stop printing them. I have enjoyed them all and have the complete set. Please please conitue.

    Reply
  28. Revd.D>M>Pyle-Bridges Avatar
    Revd.D>M>Pyle-Bridges

    I have followed the Morland family ever since the first book was published.
    I should hate to see the series come to an end until it is right up to date.
    I have just finished THE DANCIONG YEARS and considered it one of the best the
    author does not loose her touch.

    Reply
  29. Heather Roberts Avatar
    Heather Roberts

    What a travesty if these wonderful books are no longer to be published. I discovered this great family saga about a year ago on the recommendation of a close friend who had 12 of them in her library collection and am up to book 24. It is a really great way to discover the history, not only of the UK but also where the books branch out into the USA and France. The author must spend months researchinhg her subject and is very clever at weaving the actual political and historical upheavals into this family saga. A good point made by previous comment – revamp the covers! Had I just seen the books whilst browsing I may not have picked them up. Shame on you Sphere!

    Reply
  30. M McGuire Avatar
    M McGuire

    Went to buy my book and they’ve sold out! Will have to wait.
    What does this tell the publishers…….!

    Reply
  31. Glenys Duley Avatar
    Glenys Duley

    I have only just come across this site! The Morland Dynasty cannot come to an end until the present day. This was promised at the beginning of the series. My first Dynasty book was a ‘Book Club’ book and these took me a long way into the series. Since then I have bought the books as they come out in November of each year; in paper back only because the hardback books are a little expensive when on a pension. I am right up to date with them and am sad that apparently it will not last much longer. Please sort out another publisher.

    Reply
  32. M McGuire Avatar
    M McGuire

    My mother and I read them – well she read the book first then I got it. I now read them ‘for her’ – she died in 1993, so you see, it is not possible that the series should end!
    We want to know what happens. Everyone of us has all lived with the characters all these years, it is not sensible to just cut off before the end. I buy my copies – best part of the year is opening a new crisp book, smell the pages and then get stuck in, knowing that there will be several days of sheer pleasure in reading about these families, the history so well researched.
    Please reconsider this drastic action.

    Reply
  33. Poppy Monet Avatar
    Poppy Monet

    i have read every book in the series and i look forward each year to the new novel please don’t stop publishing these wonderful books

    Reply
  34. Mary Allen Avatar
    Mary Allen

    Cynthia Harrod Eagles Dynasty series are my favourite books. I am eagerly awaiting publication of her latest one “The Dancing Years ” I am afraid I am guilty of only borrowing them from the library but surely the publishers must realise how well loved this series is. I feel as if I know all the members of the Moreland family.PLEAS PLEASE do not stop publishing them. There cannot be many more to come in any case now.

    Reply
  35. S Roy Avatar
    S Roy

    Hmm – I will be very sad to see the end of the Morland Dynasty series. It is the only set of books that I buy, as opposed to get from the library. In fact I came across this info as I was looking up the very newest book to put on my list for Father Christmas!! The only thing I would say is that the story will presumably end just after the Second World War. To be honest I wasn’t sure for some time how the author was going to deal with the rather diminished aristocratic background of the family in post war Britain. Would she have had them as Sloane Rangers/involved with various scandals in the Royal Family? I don’t think so. It has worked brilliantly in the past and I have constantly learned new things in an enjoyable way, but maybe it is better to go whilst the series keeps real credibility.

    Reply
  36. Loraine Villiger Avatar
    Loraine Villiger

    Have read all The Moreland Dynasty. waited ayear for The Fallen Kings, couldnt wait for it ,now have waited for The dancing Years,cant wait to get it .It would be a Traversy if this wonderfull Dynesty ever ended,not just because of the wonderfull characters and page turning plots ,but also for the history Cynthia portrays so well, ihope people will get behind her in this.

    Reply
  37. MRS B BODEN Avatar
    MRS B BODEN

    i have been a reader of the moorland dynasty since they began i am utterly amazed that they are thinking of ending the books, they will be much missed.i do hope some one else will have the forsight to take them on.

    Reply
  38. julie atwill Avatar
    julie atwill

    I bought the 1st book about 30 years ago and have enjoyed the series so much, my daughter is now reading them and several friends have become fans.
    Please find another publisher but don’t stop writing Cynthia.

    Reply
  39. Patricia Cooke Avatar
    Patricia Cooke

    I have read every book published in this series and was looking forward to reading many more. Each time I read the latest book, it is like reuniting with old friends. The stories are always absorbing, historically correct and beautifully written. The author has often said she intends to bring the series up to the present day and to read that this is not going to be the case is devastating to me. There must be another publisher who will allow the author to continue this wonderful series. I really think we need to set up a petition to make this happen.

    Reply
  40. Sheila Churchill Avatar
    Sheila Churchill

    Thanks to an Amazon message board, I have just discovered this series . I LOVE long series, esp when thecharacters are well written. I actually went and bought a brandnew edition of The Founding at Barnes& Noble, so they are definitely available here in the US. I am really looking forward to reading these.

    Reply
  41. Philippa Mason Avatar
    Philippa Mason

    I have been reading these books for twenty years now.This is one of the few authors that I buy in hardback.My mother in law now loves her books too.
    I have even taken to reading the Bill Slider mysteries as I get impatient waiting a year for the next instalment of the Dynasty series.
    Yes the books need more marketing and re-releasing.

    Reply
  42. Janet Gant Avatar
    Janet Gant

    I have been reading this series since the 80’s. I have it all in paperback and look forward to the next one coming out. I read the new one from the library then buy it the following year in paperback. I will really miss it if the series stops, but I do agree that they are not well publicised. You very rarely see the books in the shops, it is such a pity as they are so well written,interesting and full of social history. I have recommended them to many of my friends who now enjoy then.

    Reply
  43. Bridget Sawyer Avatar
    Bridget Sawyer

    I am really shocked to read that the Publisher will not continue to publish the Dynasty Series after book 34! I have them all in paperback and look forward to the new one that comes out every November. They are a wonderful source of history alongside the story of the Morland Family. I feel I know the family intimately. They have given me immense pleasure and often reread them. They are well written and well resourced. I really hope that they change their mind.
    Bridget Sawyer

    Reply
  44. Jennifer Marney Avatar
    Jennifer Marney

    I also have enjoyed these books from book 1,and are very dismayed that they are to come to an end before time, I will be bitterly disapointed as I have the whole series on my bookshelf which I often re read as they give me so much pleasure, anything I can do ?

    Reply
  45. Wendie Avatar
    Wendie

    I have been reading this series since it first came out, and have a standing order with my favourite bookstore.
    Maybe she should find another publisher – one who’s not so short-sighted! These are a great read, and stick closely to the historical facts. Can’t wait for the next books!

    Reply
  46. WES MONTGOMERY Avatar
    WES MONTGOMERY

    I was in one of the big chain bookstores this morning and did notice the Source edition of Book 2 (“The Dark Rose”).
    Notwithstanding the Source publication of Books 1 & 2, I am curious as to whether Source is fully committed to publishing ALL THE REMAINING BOOKS IN THE MORLAND DYNASTY SERIES — as well giving CHE the opportunity to continue the Series up to the late 20th century. That is something devoutly to be wished.

    Reply
  47. Elaine Simpson-Long Avatar
    Elaine Simpson-Long

    I will be taking this up with the publsihers soon and will be sending a link to the post and all the supportive comments you have all been kind enought to leave.
    I understand that Source Books Inc may be publishing these in the USA so please check them out – have just checked and they are doing the first two and they are available
    It is crazy t hat these are being discontinued so will see what happens when I wreite to them

    Reply
  48. WES MONTGOMERY Avatar
    WES MONTGOMERY

    I am writing this to show that there are fans of the Morland Dynasty Series here in the States!
    Several months ago, I heard that the Series will not be continued beyond Book 34. I was very, very upset about this decision because the Morland Dynasty Series are among THE BEST HISTORICAL NOVELS that I’ve ever read.
    Ever since I first came across Book 26 in a bookstore here on the East Coast 6 years ago, I was intrigued. So much so that rather than read out of sequence, I felt strongly compelled to start at the beginning. Not easy, though, because sadly, the books are not widely available here in the States. (I fail to see why as historical novels by Philippa Gregory, Georgette Heyer, Jane Austen, Jean Plaidy, and Sharon Penman sell very well here. No bookstore worth their salt is without them.)
    Thankfully, Amazon has filled in the gaps. I’ve now read up to “The Measure of Days” (Book 30). I’m anxiously awaiting the publication of the paperback edition of Book 33 (“The Dancing Years”) so that I can read “The Foreign Field.” I always try to stay one book behind the current published work so that I always have the next book in the series to look forward to.
    These books are so utterly addictive!!! Like the other people who have voiced their comments here, I have learned SO MUCH of English (and British) history thanks to CHE. I sincerely hope that CHE will find another publisher with the good sense to give ‘The Morland Dynasty Series’ a new lease on life.

    Reply
  49. Ruby Hill Avatar
    Ruby Hill

    I’m devastated, I have read this series from the word go. Buying first 3 in hard back from a book club[ in the early 80s i think it was ] then in paper back. I know my book shop only get in a few copies now. I agree a major campain to re launch the series would be great. I have re read it all twice.
    There is so much more could be written, if Cynthia wants to do it of course, no one else could do it so well.

    Reply
  50. Carol B. Person Avatar
    Carol B. Person

    I adore these books and have all of them (having just pre-ordered the next one) and I too am heart-broken to learn that the Morlands won’t come up to the present after all. My understanding when I tried to find them in bookstores is that stores don’t want to stock them because the series takes up too much room on the shelves. But since bookstores are now falling by the wayside, we can still order them on line via Amazon.com (my source almost from the beginning). In fact I have just started re-reading the whole series a month or so ago and have already finished vol. 2. Let’s hope some publisher is foresighted enough to republish and remarket this remarkable series of books.
    Posted by Carol B. Pearson 3 August 2010 at 10:10 p.m.

    Reply

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