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. Nina Avatar
    Nina

    I too have read the entire series, purchasing from either used book stores or new. Cannot believe the series is being discontinued. I’m in the US and history has always been a passion of mine. This author has not only made English history interesting but wrote in simple language the great tragedy of WWI and the terrible lose of life to a nation. Apparently no one at the publishing house put any thought into how to promote the series in bookstores, media, etc. They are sitting on a gold mind. This series would be AWESOME AS A PBS Masterpiece series.
    Hoopefully, Sphere will continue publishing.
    Nina

    Reply
  2. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    Beryl and Glenys – I gather that we are going up to No 34 and then the publishers will see. So many protests about this that it has caused a rethink. There is no publicity attached to these books at all and the publishers say the are ‘not selling enough’. Well get out there and sort it out!

    Reply
  3. Beryl Weller Avatar
    Beryl Weller

    I am also sorry the Morland Dunasty is coming to an end. I have read them from the beginning. I was delighted to find no 33 in Haywards Heath Waterstones, I got the only copy and there was no publicity. I am sure a reprint of the whole series woud be popular with people who like historial novels.
    Here’s Hoping for a reprieve.
    Beryl

    Reply
  4. Glenys Duley Avatar
    Glenys Duley

    I have purchased and read all the Dynasty books from the beginning. I have just purchased No.33. I was of the impression that the books were to go on until the present day. Having entered this site I have found that I have been misinformed and that there is only one more book left in the series. I am very, very disappointed

    Reply
  5. D Richardson Avatar
    D Richardson

    Dorothy Richardson said ….
    I have all of the Dynasty series and have read most of them three times as I wait for the next one to be published. As well as being enjoyable books to read they have taught me all the history I never knew. I can’t imagine the series ending and I was looking forward to learning more of the history of the twentieth century by reading the books. Please let her publisher have second thoughts.

    Reply
  6. jrainbrim@yahoo.co.uk Avatar
    jrainbrim@yahoo.co.uk

    I am ashamed to say that whilst funds were low for me in the 90s, the only way I could read these books was to borrow them from the library or by them second hand. I have in the last 10 years though bought them new or someone has bought for me for Christmas or birthday as it falls just before the big day.
    These are really the only books I read now. I read autobiographys in between or re read from the first one.

    Reply
  7. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    Have just heard from CHE today after writing to her that the publishers seem to be backtracking and we will be up to 35. Keep up the pressure as I gather the reason for this decision is the protests and letters that have come in! Power to the Readers say I

    Reply
  8. Judith Avatar
    Judith

    A number of the covers of the Morland Dynasty books say they are going up to the present day – so are the publishers lying??
    I spend time trying to find a series of historical fiction as i enjoy living with the families – and these are regrettably few. So the Morland books are ones I watch out for. i have nearly the whole set.
    Historical novels enabled my interest in history for Alevel too.

    Reply
  9. Allison Taylor Avatar
    Allison Taylor

    I cant describe how sad it makes me to think that I have just finished a morland book only to find out it was the end of the entire series! Im sure Cynthia must of had a far better ending in mind until her ungrateful publishers stopped her in her tracks.
    My mother bought the books when I was around 5 years old and Im now 35 and we as well as my sister in law and mother in law are all very sad to hear the series has ended just because of the shortsighted publishers. For goodness sake!

    Reply
  10. Gladys Taylor Avatar
    Gladys Taylor

    The Dynasty should go on…….and on and on. I have read and own every single one and recommend them to all. I have been buying them for over 30 years and will miss the characters so much. They feel like family!Lets hope a different publisher will take her on and appreciate the Mind Blowing auther she is!

    Reply
  11. Pauline Scott Avatar
    Pauline Scott

    I agree with everybody that says it is a shame that the Morland Dynasty is to come to an end. I have read them all from the beginning and laughed and cried with all the members of the families. I have great difficulty putting the book down once I have started reading it. Surely there is another publisher who can see how popular it is, when I order them from the library there is always a long waiting list for the new book.

    Reply
  12. Patricia Doyle Avatar
    Patricia Doyle

    I have been reading the Dynasty series since it started in the 1970’s and have also been keeping a family tree of all the characters mentioned in all of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles books. I did read somewhere that some readers would like to have had a family tree from the beginning. I would be so disappointed if the series comes to an end as the tree will not be completed but when it is I’m hoping to have the tree signed by the authoress herself.
    Patricia Doyle

    Reply
  13. Shelly Avatar
    Shelly

    Bad, bad, bad on the part of the publisher. I admit borrowing from the library but I always buy them in paperback as soon as they arrive in Australia. Short-sighted and a extremely stupid act by ‘Sphere’. Re-market the series, especially here. The people I have introduced to the series CAN’T buy them here, not even second-hand. I see Philippa Gregory EVERYWHERE but never Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. And believe me, I know which lady I prefer!

    Reply
  14. Jen Williams Avatar
    Jen Williams

    I discovered these books in my library and read the last half dozen or so – now I am tracking down and reading them from the beginning. They are a great way to understand history as well as a really good family saga. It would be so sad not to continue the series!

    Reply
  15. Heather Dux Avatar
    Heather Dux

    I have read Book 34, The Winding Road. I have to say I was disappointed for the first time by the Moreland Dynasty book. It seemed too rushed, felt like the last book and ends needed to be tidied up and we still don’t know why the black pearls were not found. I hope I’m wrong in thinking this is the last book but with all characters taken care of, it seems I am doomed never to find out who will find the pearls. Hedda

    Reply
  16. Rose Franks Avatar
    Rose Franks

    I have read every one – Absolutely wonderful –
    Maybe another publisher would take the series on, there is potential to bring it up to the 21st century
    However, I have just finished the winding road (book 34) and it does appear to tie up all the story lines, so I think it really is farewell.

    Reply
  17. Han in the UK Avatar
    Han in the UK

    read them all and love them -so well written and compulsive detail (I live in Yorkshire…) My own feeling is that CHE will write anyway – so she probs needs a new publisher who will appreciate and market her properly -her skill will do the rest!

    Reply
  18. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    What’s happened since 2010-Will we see another book to follow The Dancing Years?I am so sorry not to be able to enjoy future years of the dynasty.

    Reply
  19. Pauline Owen Avatar
    Pauline Owen

    I have just finished book No. 34 and was as thrilled with that as I was when I finished No. 1. I have learnt so much more about history than I ever did in school. The suffrogets… since reading that era I have vowed that I will never, not vote again.Yes you have to wait 12 months inbetween each book if you have read them from when she started writing them but she does have to have time to write each of them with all the research that she does. They are just wonderful books and I’m proud to say I have each and every one of them on my book shelves. Please don’t stop publishing them.

    Reply
  20. Rosi Avatar
    Rosi

    I have almost finished #34 and am loving it. I have them all and have great hopes of rereading them one day and hope that other family members will become addicted too.
    They are a wonderful way to create interest in history and what a great way to get there. I feel as if I am part of the family after all these years, it is comforting to read a new volume and think, ah, I’m back visiting again.
    There have to be more, they were supposed to go on until WWII and I’m almost ready for #35 even though it isn’t ready yet.
    They should be used in school as an extra in history ..to get students interested in a time period. I would have liked history in school if we had had some reading like this as an introduction. There aren’t any other books that i know if that would fit the bill.

    Reply
  21. Alan Taylor Avatar
    Alan Taylor

    Think it would be madness to allow this series to end. It is rare today to find an author talented enough not to need explicit sex or so-called “modern” language to attract readers. Moreland Dyynasty must be kept alive 1

    Reply
  22. Jeanette Pallett Avatar
    Jeanette Pallett

    Every year I eagerly await the arrival of the next Dynasty book in the series in my Christmas stocking and by Boxing day will have read the most detailed, enthralling (my family will testify I am absorbed in the lives and loves of the Morlands to the exclusion of everything apart from refreshment), meticulously researched and accurate historical novel. I am devastated to learn that the series is due to end with Dynasty 34. The descriptions and detail of the last few books regarding the first world war were amazing and I could feel, see and hear the battles as they raged through the trenches. This amount of knowledge linked to a genius for observation and connecting the lives of so many different characters with complex personalities should not be allowed to finish in such an abrupt manner. Please Little, Brown& Co reconsider your decision which I feel will be an ‘own goal’.

    Reply
  23. Brenda Crisp Avatar
    Brenda Crisp

    One of the reasons for people not purchasing the books is that they are very difficult to find in both my local library and in bookshops. I usually have to order both when I use the library(I have now given up trying) but I also have to order them in my local bookshop. The publishers should advertise them more.

    Reply
  24. Eileen Dawson Avatar
    Eileen Dawson

    Not publishing any more? Disgraceful!!! I think the problem with sales is that not enough publicity is given to new publications. Complacency on the part of the publishers? Please, please all join together to fight this decision.

    Reply
  25. Julie Harold Avatar
    Julie Harold

    The detail in these books is wonderful. They put history in context. They should be publicised – they are some of the best historical novels I have ever read. Very shortsighted of the publishers.
    My regret is that there are just big gaps in time in the early part of the series – it would be great if she could go back in fill in some of the gaps (book 3 2/3 maybe ?!).
    I am in the throes of the first world war now – and it has really brought home what family members went through. I have known for years they were on the Somme (or whereever) but the reality of that never really sunk in before.

    Reply
  26. carol hall Avatar
    carol hall

    I started with Book 1, 5 years ago. I was lucky enough to find the whole series ( I thought) up to book 22 in a second hand book shop. I know this does not help the author. I have now finished Book 20. I did not know that anything above Book 22 was available. Please do not stop publishing this amazing series. I must now search for 23 to 34. I have passed on my copies to family members. Cynthia Harrold-Eagles has a stunning gift for imparting historical facts while drawing in the reader to believe that it is personal family history they are reading. I hope ‘My Morlands’will not fade away because some publisher has decided that the millenium-plus reader is only interested in light-hearted content.

    Reply
  27. rfodcole12 Avatar
    rfodcole12

    I must say the latest news about not finishing the Moreland dynasty books is rather short sighted. Think about the pleasure it gives in the waiting for the next book. Sorry but this is a very short sighted attitude. If the author does go down with this attitude then all her hard word is to no avail. Who really read the Forsythe Saga, not the masses as the Moreland books. Yet later years, it became a best seller and a top TV programme sold world-wide later. I really hope Ms Cynthia Harrod Eagles does write the last two but if not able to publish them now then do so at a later day with another publishing company. My sister and I have read every copy (starting back in the early 1980s)and still have many of the books. My late Mother adored the series also.
    Madeleine S Valley

    Reply
  28. Brenda Mitchell Avatar
    Brenda Mitchell

    I too have been reading the Dynasty series since the inception and have now started to re-read them, having all but the last (Dancing Years) in my possession. It has been a superb series, I have learned more history from these books than ever I learned at school (I am 80 years of age now) and have often thought that some should be taken for exam study. I do hope that Ms. Harrod-Eagles will be able to go on writing and having her books printed, the books about WW1 were especially riveting, I feel I know the Morland family as if they were my own relatives. Good luck to the author. Brenda Mitchell.

    Reply
  29. Heather Dux Avatar
    Heather Dux

    I have bought every Moreland Dynasty Book since they were first published until about 2002 when my finances were no longer so strong. Since then I’ve got them through our local Library and am now about to order The Winding Road. I have also wondered if I’d live long enough to get to the end. I want to know who finds the black pearls. I think book 34 my take us to the beginning of WW11 which I thought was the original finishing time. They should be reprinted abd publicised as the historical content is easy to absorb and more interesting that dreary school books. Heather – Australia

    Reply
  30. Bill Doll Avatar
    Bill Doll

    Agreed, to lose the rest of the Morland series would be very sad for us. We have bought all of them…adding as new ones come out (my order just went in to Amazon) We read them as they arrive, of course ut, in addition, we started re-reading them at bed-time…are up to 1836, as we speak. They are a tw0-fer. I’d be willing to sign up to buy the series at the new book market price today…auto charge my credit card. This is a capitalist economy; perhaps others would…and convince the publisher?………Bill

    Reply
  31. Carole Avatar
    Carole

    I have read the Morland Dynasty from the beginning, it isn’t only a good story, but it also teaches one history. The Titanic was really gripping and as I had a family ancestor on that ill fated ship, it was very moving to read about it and feel the loss that families must have felt. Please don’t give up these wonderful books, they are a national treasure.

    Reply
  32. Fiona Scott Avatar
    Fiona Scott

    I have really enjoyed the series and would be very unhappy if the publisher did not carry on producing these books. The way the author has intermixed actual historical events and history with this fictional Morland family I think that makes it such an interesting read. It would be such a shame if this series came to an end and would make a plea to the publishing company to keep this series going.

    Reply
  33. Sharon Scott Avatar
    Sharon Scott

    I think that the publisher is very short sided, yes I borrow the books from the library, but if Barnes and Noble hae them on the shelf I would huy them. After all she has finished the first world war, how many more books are we talking about? I like the Bill Slider mysteries also.
    Sharon Scott

    Reply
  34. Joyce Wilkinson Avatar
    Joyce Wilkinson

    I have just finished #31 in the Morland Dynasty Series. I have loved every one of them, and eagerly await the next which I have to order through my library interloan system. Right now I am lost without one. As I understood they were to go right up to present day, I am devastated to think I have only 3 more to read. They are so warmly written about the human condition, and at the same time teach one so much about English history.
    In reading about the 1st World War, I am saddened that my father is no longer with us, as he was with the ASC in France during that war. I would so much have loved to be able to talk about Amiens, which is where he was, and all that he did, and the places he knew from the book.
    I am 79 years old, and believe this series is the best I have ever read.
    Please keep it coming. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has enriched my life these last several months immensely!

    Reply
  35. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    I just discovered this series and am reading The Measure of Days and am thoroughly enjoying it. I now want to read every book in the series and have The Founding on order. doesn’t the publisher understand that, once someone discovers the series, he/she will want to buy and read all the others. Short sighted indeed!

    Reply
  36. janice jeffrey Avatar
    janice jeffrey

    I have read all the Morland books.I have just finnished The Dancing Years.I am upset there is not a next one.There is so much more to be written.Can the new books go to a wew publisher.Please.Janice.

    Reply
  37. Spencer Cousins Avatar
    Spencer Cousins

    I have read the Series from Book 1.Always waiting for the next. Great writing. Let’s hope a new publisher will take them on.

    Reply
  38. janice jeffrey Avatar
    janice jeffrey

    Re the Morland family.
    I have read every book,finished The Dancing Years last night.i am sad there are no more books in this series.There is so much still to be written.And i would love to know what has happened and going to happen in the future.
    Lets hope it can continue.

    Reply
  39. Linda Gillard Avatar
    Linda Gillard

    I haven’t read every one of these broken-hearted comments so someone might have pointed this out already, in which case my apologies, but I wanted to point out that the whole Dynasty series was apparently published in e-book format in August 2011. If I were CHE I would bring out the remaining books in e-book format, independently. Not much comfort, I know, to those collecting the print books, but at least the series would be completed.

    Reply
  40. Brian Holt Avatar
    Brian Holt

    My partner and I are a couple of Poms living in Australia and we have collected and read the Morland Dynasty Series from book one to book thirty two. To now find that we have only two more editions to come is soul destroying, we have become so involved with the characters in the series that it feels as though we are losing a family. Recently on Australia T.V there was a mini series namely Downtown Abbey, it was in the period prior to the first world war. The reviews were fantastic, which proves that the viewing public greatly appreciate such drama.A Morland Dynasty TV series would be very successful and educational for younger viewers.

    Reply
  41. Jaki Avatar
    Jaki

    I have been reading this series since I picked up the first one for light holiday reading 30 years ago (is it really so long since I bought it?!!).
    I always eagerly await the next one to be published and can’t imagine not following the family up to the current times, should the Morland story no longer be published.
    I echo everything else that has been said about the short sightedness of her publishers and hope that we’ll continue to be able to read about the Morland family until Ms Harrod Eagles decides for herself, that the story is told.

    Reply
  42. Elaine Simpson-Long Avatar
    Elaine Simpson-Long

    Kenneth – what a lovely present for your wife and so glad she was thrilled.

    Reply
  43. kenneth eastwood Avatar
    kenneth eastwood

    My wife was thrilled to bits when Igave her the books
    Regards Ken

    Reply
  44. kenneth eastwood Avatar
    kenneth eastwood

    My Wife just loves these books,I have just bought the first 10 of the
    Morland Dynasty for her Birthday cost a bit but never mind. The first 10 she
    miss placed a number of years ago, so i thought make a good Birthday prezzie

    Reply
  45. Morland Fan Avatar
    Morland Fan

    I have also enjoyed all the Dynasty books and believe that they have a great value not only to entertain, but also to teach English history and help understand the evolution of society. I read somewhere that Cynthia Harrod-Eagles has been commissioned to write these books for schools, however, I am wondering why the BBC is not producing movies based on the Morland Dynasty. I am pretty sure that this would convince the publishers that more books must follow.

    Reply
  46. joan Avatar
    joan

    how awful to finish the series before its ended, i was looking forward to seeing it taken into the 21st century,to follow the journey of the yorkshire and london family. theres a lot more adventures to come for the author

    Reply
  47. mary bilham Avatar
    mary bilham

    please please keep publishing The Moorland Dynasty books i get a new one each Christmas much looked forward each year .Mary Bilham,

    Reply
  48. Margaret Roberts Avatar
    Margaret Roberts

    I have from Book 1 and eagerly await my new book every year. I will greatly miss the family should the series be stopped. It is such a wonderful way to learn about history as well.

    Reply
  49. WES MONTGOMERY Avatar
    WES MONTGOMERY

    I’m now reading Book # 31 (THE FOREIGN FIELD”) of the series and as a way of prolonging my pleasure in reading from the Morland Series, I’m going slow. I want to stay with the series as long as I can.
    A year ago, I wrote a letter to CHE’s publisher in the UK, requesting that they continue the series as originally intended (i.e. up to the early post-World War II years). Sadly, it was all to no avail.
    Nowadays, interest in historical novels and in the Second World War are at unprecedented highs. We here in the States love ‘The Morland Series’ and want to see it continued.

    Reply
  50. Pat Underdown Avatar
    Pat Underdown

    Please don’t stop publishing ‘The Moorland’series.
    I wasn’t very interested in history at school,even though it was all around me in the forties.These stories have been a revelation and just when it is all going to get more interesting for many of us .It would be very sad if the publishers stopped Cynthia from finishing her epics after such a thorough historical Saga.

    Reply

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