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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. Geraldine Barton Avatar
    Geraldine Barton

    I have read all the Moorland novels right from the beginning and am just about to
    purchase The Winding Road. They are very well written with the most brilliant research. To anyone with a love of history they are a fantastic read and I am very upset that the publishers feel the way they do and are discontinuing the series. I had hoped that we would get right up to the modern day.Please don’t stop them.

    Reply
  2. Jenny Avatar
    Jenny

    I have just found this site by accident. I literally have just finished ‘ The Winding Road’ & wondered when the next book was due out. Over many years I have gradually read the whole series ( plus Bill Slider ones) & find them fascinated reading with the history so well researched. I can not believe this is the end. Very short-sighted of the publisher. Give them a makeover & possible try for a TV series of perhaps a couple of the books. Look at the interest in Downton Abbey. We need Julian Fellowes on our side.

    Reply
  3. Nitasha Avatar
    Nitasha

    I read my first CHE as a teenager back in India many years ago. Sadly ,at that point of time I read only Historical Novels of the Romance Novel type. Thus I did not appreciate the reality of the Morland Dynasty books. Now that I am older & wiser (hopefully) , I have come to appreciate these books like a new friend! It’s so much like reading about the Social History of the United Kingdom ! It’s news to me that England does not bother to teach her children History properly! On what basis do they decide that the Tudors were fun , but the Plantagenets were not?????

    Reply
  4. Bridget Avatar
    Bridget

    I’m on book 32 and love them. I’m at a loss as what to read next. Any ideas?

    Reply
  5. marie.fellows@gmail.com Avatar
    marie.fellows@gmail.com

    Marie Fellows
    I Have read everyone of These books and cant wait each year for the paperback to come out. I shall be so sad when they come to an end. I have always been a fan of fiction based on fact. So many authors rely on Myth. Not so with Cynthia. If there is a myth she says so, i.e ” local gossip” or something like that. My eyes have been opened, things I knew nothing about that went on behind the scenes in so many of the big events in our history. All written beautufully. I have to confess I find it difficult to go bck to some of may old favourites now I have been inroduced to such good penmanship and fascinating insight to our heritage and of the world come to that.
    Gosh, if I had the money I sell your books.
    Remember me? I was going to sit in my garden under the olive trees in Corfu and start them all over again in peace and tranquility.
    PUBLISHERS DONT LET US DOWN!

    Reply
  6. Susan Weakley Avatar
    Susan Weakley

    I read 23 of the Morland books and thoroughly enjoyed them.I was then very ill and did not read for about 10 years. When I was able to read again my children gave me a Kindle. It is now a great pleasure to be able to read and I have started the series again. I hope to finish the series although it is taking me a long time and is getting expensive. I was so sorry to discover that that the books will no longer be published. Let’s hope some publisher will realise how popular they are.

    Reply
  7. Shirley Avatar
    Shirley

    I have bought and read all the book from number one and have just ordered number 34. I will be very sorry if the publishers do not let CHE bring the set up to presant date as I had originally heard she was going to do. When in school I had no interest in history at all but these books have taught me far more than I ever learnt when at shool. Please don’t stop them – I can gaurantee I will buy as many as are written when they come out, for as long as I am able to read.

    Reply
  8. Jane Simpson Avatar
    Jane Simpson

    I have read every single one of the Morland Dynasty books and have bought the beautiful paperback edition for my own library and another copy for my mother who is 95 and devours them almost as rapidly as I do. I hope this publisher wakes up to what a marvelous series this is and puts some effort into promoting it. The only place I can find them now is on Amazon. I go to Barnes and Noble hoping to find them but do not. I agree, another publisher would probably do a better job marketing this fantastic historical fiction series. PLEASE do not stop this publication.

    Reply
  9. Joy Kerr Avatar
    Joy Kerr

    Living in Melbourne Australia we are a little behind you but I have been reading these novels since the first one and I am now reading the second last one and I hope and pray some other publisher takes them up as I will continue to read them always

    Reply
  10. hildamilly @hot mail .co.uk Avatar
    hildamilly @hot mail .co.uk

    Ihave read all 34 books since the 1970s .there are unfinished bits that need telling,like what about the black pearls, hidden in the chapel? I want to read how they cope with WW2 and whether the pearls save the family fortunes. I hope they do change their minds.I have also read all of Jean Plaidy,s books when I was a teenager and this got me interested in history. All the morland books have connections with every period in history, from The War Of the Roses, the black death and onwards to WW1. What a terrible shame if Morland has to end .There was some talk of talk of the American publishers mightto do something withthe internet.That would be nice

    Reply
  11. Renee elliott Avatar
    Renee elliott

    A post script is to know if Thomas did escape from Russia with the mystery girl. Was she anstasia or Olga? Nothing hqas been said only that he dissappeared and has not been since. Was he shot with the Royal Family?

    Reply
  12. Renee elliott Avatar
    Renee elliott

    Please do not give up this wonderful saga. The research that has been done is phenomenal. Can they be put onto Kindle.My son is buying me one. I am on the last Long and Winding Road and I am shivering with anticipation for the next episode. I know what happens to 2 of them now but want a follow up to find out about the next generation. The pleasure I get from reading this series is exceptional.

    Reply
  13. Ian Parsons Avatar
    Ian Parsons

    Please don’t stop writing more books in the series of the ‘Moreland Dynasty’
    I have all the prints up to 34 and am about to get the next in the series.

    Reply
  14. veravee.wooburn@gmail.com Avatar
    veravee.wooburn@gmail.com

    The moorland Dynasty has been great.I have got them all ,so sorry they are going to end.They have given me many happy hours reading.

    Reply
  15. Ruth from Radcliffe Avatar
    Ruth from Radcliffe

    Stunned to hear that the books will stop after number 34, I have totally and utterly enjoyed every printed word of all of the Morland Dynasty. The publishers should re-think these books are addictive and anyone who picks one up can’t wait to read the next one. I love English history novels and the time line of this series is amazing and details are so well written. (I often check and read the actual account of the historicl events as well) which broadens my knowledge.

    Reply
  16. myra corfield Avatar
    myra corfield

    Mrs Corfield said:-
    I have read every book some of them twice i have enjoyed them so much, my sister and I and our mother has read them and enjoyed them as much as me, to quote my mother who has never been known to read novels of any sort said one day “these books are terrible, I asked why, she said once I pick them up I cant put them down and I never get any work done” But seriously these booke should be advertised more extensively than they are. You have got ask and keep asking for them in the shops to get them on the shelves even, thats not right or fair on such a good author, and for the publisher to say they afre not selling well is largely their fault judging by the number of people writing to complain. Either the should pull there finger out or the author think about changing her publisher. When I met her she said she wanted to take the series to present day please let her do just that.

    Reply
  17. debbie Avatar
    debbie

    hi my name is debbie im on book 33 iv just ordered book 34 and 35 is not out till next year so i persume 36 wont be out till 2014 would that bring her up to date or should there be a few more to do that i would be very sorry to see them go altogether iv laughed and cryed over the family and what a wonderfull way to learn history come on give us avid readers a break keep publishing please please please

    Reply
  18. silvia tuson Avatar
    silvia tuson

    i have followed the morland from book 1 and eagerly await for the next installment i hope that cythia can find an other publisher,ands hopefully the morland dynasty will continue.

    Reply
  19. Maggy Avatar
    Maggy

    i cant believe it! I only lookesd at the site to find publishing date of morlands 35! Its left us up in the air! I too think the books didnt have good publicity1

    Reply
  20. Sooz Avatar
    Sooz

    I well remember that my husband and I were waiting avidly for her next book but for myself I find the middle ages history far more interesting than the more recent history.
    Could this be the reason for the lack of enthusiasm.
    I just cannot get excited about modern day history/

    Reply
  21. Excella Whayman Avatar
    Excella Whayman

    Publisher should think of all the people that have been following this series of books and not just their pockets. I have all 34 books and always wait for the next even though it takes a year, which is understandable because of the reseach the author has to do for the factual side and the thought put in the keep the Morland family interesting. I am very dissapointed to learn that the Morland Dynasty will not be finished, as I have been reading them from the very begining, which has been for 34 years.

    Reply
  22. Marion Dick Avatar
    Marion Dick

    Thoroughly agree that The Dynasty series is one of Great Britain’s greatest reading. I have only just read about these books not being continued, have read all 34. I have learned so much about my ancestors, history and Britain etc from the Morland series, going through every emotion – joy, pleasure, fear, sadness, despair, crying, etc. I learned about Cynthia Harrod-Eagles through word of mouth and agree wholeheartedly that the publisher is at fault in not doing their job sufficiently. I do hope that something has been done about this huge error by now.

    Reply
  23. Fran Lambie Avatar
    Fran Lambie

    My sister introduced me to Cynthia Harrod Eagles and the Morland Dynasty some years ago and I am now reading them for the second time around. You can always find something new in the books even if you have already read them before. Please don’t stop at The Winding Road, I am sure there must be more stories regarding Polly and her family still to come.

    Reply
  24. Janet Griggs Avatar
    Janet Griggs

    I am disappointed to hear Dynasty is coming to an end . I have read every Morland book and eagerly await the new title each year. Surely it is short sighted of the publisher to bring the series to a premature end. I really do want to read more.

    Reply
  25. Sara Richardson Avatar
    Sara Richardson

    I have only just picked this info up whilst looking to see what the next book in the series is, and can’t believe it. I have just read The Dancing Years (no 33). These are the only books that I have ever bothered to keep the whole series on my shelves and go mad if they are borrowed and not returned. They are wonderful and I always thought the idea was that they would come right up to the present day.
    I hope by now a different decision has been made by the publisher and that ther are many more to come.

    Reply
  26. M. Meadowcroft Avatar
    M. Meadowcroft

    I do hope the Morland Dynasty is not coming to an end. I am ready to read Book 35 and am going to put it on my Christmas wish list. I think Cynthia should be allowed to continue the series up to the present day, as was her intention.

    Reply
  27. M. Meadowcroft Avatar
    M. Meadowcroft

    Ido hope the Morland Dynasty is not going to end with Book 35. I have read them all and am just about ready to put Book 35 on my Christmas want list. I think Cynthia shoud be allowed to continue with her original aim of writing them right up to the present day.

    Reply
  28. WES MONTGOMERY Avatar
    WES MONTGOMERY

    I’m a member of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ Facebook site, where I received the understanding that Book # 35 in the Morland Dynasty Series is complete and only awaits publication, which should be sometime late next year. What’s more, CHE indicated that from a recent trip to Paris, she developed some story ideas that she may include in Book # 36. (Book # 36 is not yet a certainty. More pressure needs to be put on the publisher to give CHE the green light for it.)
    In the meantime, I’m keenly looking forward to reading the Mass Market Paperback edition of “THE DANCING YEARS” shortly before Christmas.

    Reply
  29. Judy Kuhn Avatar
    Judy Kuhn

    I would dearly love the series to go to TV. I have read them all 3 times and will probably read them again. They are wonderful books and I am sad they will stop at No. 34.

    Reply
  30. Ronni Norris Avatar
    Ronni Norris

    I’ve been reading The Morland books for years – albeit via a library – but I’m very disconcerted to hear that The Winding Road may be the last. I’m still waiting for the discovery of the black pearl! Let’s hope the publishers have a re-think! Having read all of them all (including No.34) all I can say is if the library waiting list is anything to go by then it is evident how popular they are. Perhaps I’ll have to start putting them on my Christmas list so that I can start from the very beginning.

    Reply
  31. Catherine C Avatar
    Catherine C

    I’m on my second reading of the Morland Dynasty and they are just so good, I have recommended them to many friends. I’ve now moved to Australia and it’s so difficult to find the books here as others have already testified so I have resorted to buying them as e-books for my Kindle. I should warn others who choose to go down this route however, that some of the e-book versions are very poorly edited to the point where it spoils one’s enjoyment. Complaints to Amazon are met with complete indifference. I do so hope that the publishers have second thoughts and more to the point, make a proper job of promoting those already written.

    Reply
  32. F Hpopmans Avatar
    F Hpopmans

    Kia Ora
    I have read all the books. Please to not stop.
    I agree find another Publisher.
    From New ZEALAND READER
    Fergie Hopmans

    Reply
  33. Joyce Donoghue Avatar
    Joyce Donoghue

    I am really upset to think the wonderful Morland Dynasty is not going to proceed as originally envisaged by coming right up to the present in Ms Harrod Eagles’ chosen pace and with the same attention to the development of the characters set in the events of their time. The final 90 years should allow of several books – WW2 alone deserves at least as much coverage as WW1 and the subsequent 70 years likewise.
    I have read this series since the first book came out and have recommended it to many people – including my grown-up gandchildren whose knowledge of English history is so sketchy! I am always surprised that others have not heard of the Morland series – come on publishers and give it the publicity that is its due.

    Reply
  34. Patswisha Avatar
    Patswisha

    I am like every one else, devastated to even think of the Morland dynasty coming to a close. I have read every book from the beginning and wait every year for the next edition. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is the person who has fired my interest in History when all I did in my History class at school was doodle. As well my father was in the first world war and her books have given me an insight as to what it was like for him, and my ancestors too, as I am now addicted to family history as well. The same thing happened to Kate Tremayne with her Loveday series. Just dropped. Such a tragedy and so painful as we know the story has not yet finished and there is so much more to come. We can not bear this being left in limbo. Let us all hope that the publishers will take notice and not let such a valuable asset fall through their fingers.

    Reply
  35. Kathleen Avatar
    Kathleen

    The Dynasty series is wonderful but very hard to find. Canadian book stores I have been in don’t stock them. Even my local public library doesn’t have this series, though they do have some of the Bill Slider mysteries.
    I will certainly purchase what I haven’t read on Amazon and hope the publishers reverse their decision so the series can be brought up to the current time.

    Reply
  36. carolyn forrester Avatar
    carolyn forrester

    I have read all her Morland dynasty novels in sequence currently reading The Dancing Years, and am very disappointed that the next one I read will be the last. Surely another publisher can be found to allow what has been to me a very informative and exciting series to be continued.

    Reply
  37. jean essex Avatar
    jean essex

    Just in middle of no.33 please do not axe thrm as I will have nothing to look forward to.

    Reply
  38. ann@cocal.co.uk Avatar
    ann@cocal.co.uk

    each year at this time I go onto Cynthia harrod eagles site to find out the title of her latest Morland dynasty book usually out in November so have only just discovered that book 34 is the last in the series?Most of the comments are dated 2010 so I guess all our heartfelt pleas to continue with the series have been ingnored by publishers, what a shame as another comment mentioned we were told Morland dynasty would be continued up to present day which would have included WW 2 would have made for some very good stories.Great great shame every year I looked forward to a new novel and always bought it.Thanks to Cynthia for a marvelous series very well researched and written

    Reply
  39. Gill Bevan Avatar
    Gill Bevan

    I have just finished reading book number 34 this is the second time I have completed reading this series there is so much more to be written and read publishers do your job!!!!!!! also a great historical read as well as about Morland family

    Reply
  40. janet elder Avatar
    janet elder

    i have enjoyed the morland saga from the start. much as i like jean plaidy i much prefer cynthia harrod eagles. PLEASE DO NOT STOP THE SERIES. i want to find out what happens to all the family

    Reply
  41. Gill Lee Avatar
    Gill Lee

    I so agree about learning about English history and how it affected everyone living through the times that one only learned as a series of dates! I can,t understand why she isn’t better known. I have said so often how wonderful and captivating these books are and nobody has ever heard of her!
    Gill Lee

    Reply
  42. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    I find it very upsetting to think there will be an end to this wonderful series of books. They have been such a great history lesson for me. What is wrong with The Publishers? Perhaps they don’t realise we don’t all want to read about murder, drugs, bad language and sex.

    Reply
  43. audrey.dent@talktalk.net Avatar
    audrey.dent@talktalk.net

    I, like many others eagerly await the next Morland Dynasty book as they are published. What are the present publishers about?
    I agree that they are not sufficiently publicised. I belong to a book group the members of which had never heard of this author. They do now and are like me avid readers.My husband reads all the Bill Slider books as well as The Morland Dynasty. It is always a fight when we buy the latest as to who reads it first!!

    Reply
  44. Jonathan Gage Avatar
    Jonathan Gage

    A fascinating and original series. Never read anything like it. A wonderful perspective on English history and so readable. A remarkable achievement, it just has to go on!

    Reply
  45. Anne Sparkes Avatar
    Anne Sparkes

    Please,please, PLEASE don’t stop at no.34. I can’t afford to buy new ones, and having recently rediscovered the Morland Dynasty I am like an addict drooling for more. As a previous comment said, re-branding worked for Georgette Heyer, she just needs more publicity.

    Reply
  46. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    I have been enjoying this series tremendoulsy, and I have been buying all the books new because our public library does not carry them. I hope the publisher changes its mind, because I will certainly be buying any new books.

    Reply
  47. june lewis cornwall Avatar
    june lewis cornwall

    it will be such a shame if there’s not to be any more dynasty books,i have read them all and am on 33 and enjoyed every one of them can’t wait to read the next such a talented lady to bring all this family through the ages for us to follow and to lose ourselves in their lives and loves not to have any more would be a sin!

    Reply
  48. Thelma Howchin Avatar
    Thelma Howchin

    I am now on Book 34 and agree with the comments being made. These books are so well written and researched and they should be better advertised by the publisher for their historical content as well as being such excellent reading. They are books you could read again and again. If only I had enough shelf space to accommodate all of them.

    Reply
  49. Philippa Martin Avatar
    Philippa Martin

    I agree with all these comments. I read up to about book 20 at the beginning of the last decade and have just picked up the remainder. Having just read the Dancing Years I am astounded that the publisher is stopping them. Brilliant books and wonderfully researched

    Reply
  50. Grace Lister Avatar
    Grace Lister

    I am astonished and dismayed to hear the Dynasty books are coming to an end. I have been reading the Dynasty series since the first book appeared and have come to rely on a new book in the series every two or three years. I know of many other devoted readers of this series who, like me, will be sorely disappointed not to have the stories going up to the present day. Surely the books can be kept going by issuing them in a paper back format right from the start. Perhaps there is no profit in this but it would surely bring in more readers of this series who would then go back to the shops to find the previous issues.

    Reply

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