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……….

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

  1. Pam Richens Avatar
    Pam Richens

    I was very shocked to hear that there are to be no more books on The Morland Series by Cynthia Harrod Eagles. I have read every one of the 35 books printed, and have been waiting for two years for the next one!
    I was not aware there would be no more. I think it is ver shortsighted on the publishers side.
    Cybthia Harrod Eagles is a marvellous writer and her historical facts bring all her books to life. I have enjoyed every book in the morland series and loved every one of them. A very dissapointed reader!!!!

    Reply
  2. S Avatar
    S

    I have become addicted to these books and am now at a loose end having just finished The Phoenix, number 35. She is such a good writer, keeps me enthralled the whole time, and I have learned so much more of the history of Britain. I check the validity as I go along so as I don’t confuse fact with artistic licence.
    She is a wonderful writer, and I live the stories with the family. Please continue.

    Reply
  3. Vivien Pecotich Avatar
    Vivien Pecotich

    come on publishers , be fair. I have been reading this wonderful series since 1979 and I bought all of the books new.
    I want to see how it all ends not be left wondering. This is not the decent thing for you to do .

    Reply
  4. Sharyn B Avatar
    Sharyn B

    I love The Morland Dynasty books. I’m halfway through #33 and with only 2 more to go, I’ll miss the family. I’ve read all but 3, and they weren’t available. Please continue with them, even if you have to find another publisher.

    Reply
  5. Elspeth Avatar
    Elspeth

    I am reading the Morland Dynasty series for the third time and never weary of these enthralling books. At 75 I hope I still have many more years in which to enjoy them and that more will be published. Surely there is a publisher out there who can see their worth.

    Reply
  6. Alison wilkie Avatar
    Alison wilkie

    The best series of books I have ever read.
    I’m up to 34 and read her Russian trilogy as well.
    I passed them by for years as they looked a bit old fashioned and stuffy on the shelves, but the it’s book reeled me in.

    Reply
  7. Rosemary Bayley Avatar
    Rosemary Bayley

    I cannot believe what I have read – no more Morland Dynasty!
    Like many, I possess every book from number 1 to number 35. I have been searching for number 36, and now see why I could not find it.
    Please, more titles Cynthia!

    Reply
  8. ewillson.1@bigpond.com Avatar
    ewillson.1@bigpond.com

    I have read all the Dynasty books and can’t believe there won’t be any more I have laugh and cried with the Morlands please publish the Effie Willson

    Reply
  9. pam usherwood Avatar
    pam usherwood

    Please, please keep the Morland Dynasty coming, I have read all of them. Bought and I used to go to the library, no more I am afraid,
    so I would need to buy a copy

    Reply
  10. bj.pab@xtra.co.nz Avatar
    bj.pab@xtra.co.nz

    I have been reading this series for 23yrs as they have come out. I have finished no. 35 & I can’t believe this is the end. I saw somewhere on the internet that she was going to sell the next one through the Internet. I hope so. Anne

    Reply
  11. E Blower Avatar
    E Blower

    I bought about half of the series from my friend’s charity shop. Book 1 was there, 2 missing, 3 and 4 I had and so it went on. I have no tv so books are my main source of entertainment and I have just finished The Dancing Years, the last book in my collection, and I have to say that I will most certainly be buying the last books in the series. I would like to fill in the gaps to have the entire collection which may be difficult if the publishers continue with their frankly ludicrous idea of dropping CHE!
    I agree with so much of what has been posted above. The business opportunities said publishers are missing is enormous! They went to sell more copies, then do the marketing! Earn your crust ladies!

    Reply
  12. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    As an avid Morland Dynasty reader, I’m BEGGING for the series to continue! I think stopping would be extremely short-sighted of the publisher. I buy each new book as it’s released and would continue to do so. I keep all of these books and have them displayed in my home. I love, love, love this series and am heart-broken that it might not continue. I’m invested in these families and can’t stand the thought of not finding out what happens to them.
    PLEASE listen to the readers and don’t kill this series!!!

    Reply
  13. Carol Thomas Avatar
    Carol Thomas

    I too love these books. Cynthia’s knowledge of history is amazing. Given the time frame of the last book the series had to be coming to a close, please give us the last few books to finish off the saga. I have yet to read one of CHS books that I have not thoroughly enjoyed and been reluctant to put down before the end. Keep up the good work Cynthia.

    Reply
  14. angela Bentley Avatar
    angela Bentley

    I’ve read up to No. 35 and have anxiously been awaiting No. 36. Is it really true that The Morland Dynasty books won’t have any more? When I started reading The Foundling many years ago, I have managed to get every book through my local library but the last two volumes I have bought and was hoping to buy No 36. What a tradegy when I think about how much history I have learnt over the years. I have always been interested in historical events. I felt I had an almost in-depth knowledge (sadly lacking because the participants of that dreadful war didn’t talk about it) after reading Cynthia Harrodsburg Eagles books. It made me realise why no one wanted to talk about it. Please please Cynthia go to another publisher so you can continue The Morland Dynasty and keep your promise that you were going to go up to the present day.

    Reply
  15. june Avatar
    june

    thers are quite a few people in my circle of friends who are devastated about the news. Hope the publishers can be persuaded to change their minds or perhsps another publisher can take her on

    Reply
  16. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    I also have just finished book 35 & cannot believe there isn’t to be any more. All these years of reading these books & also putting money into the publishers pockets they decide that people don’t want them any more. Let’s hope they come to their senses. Am waiting for number 36!!!!!!!!!

    Reply
  17. Jennifer H. Harkness Avatar
    Jennifer H. Harkness

    I have read the Morland Dynasty up to book 31 and have been fascinated by all of them. They have brought history to life with amazing details. A historical novel should be before the author’s lifetime so I wonder if they stop around when Cynthia was born. However, this is no excuse for not continuing a magnificent work. I would love the series to continue if Cynthia wants to do so. The series would make a great TV series,too, and surely be a success.

    Reply
  18. Sue mcdonald Avatar
    Sue mcdonald

    I have read the whole series up to no 35 and am eagerly awaiting the next one.I buy most of my books secondhand but this whole series I have bought new each time.They are timeless reads and the historic facts entwined in the ficional family are absolutely fantastic.I have reread them also and love these books and think the series is fabulous.Living in Australia I buy them online from the uk and do not begrudge the money they cost

    Reply
  19. Jennifer H. Harkness Avatar
    Jennifer H. Harkness

    I have read up to the First World War and intend to continue until the end. I love CHE’s books, they are easy to read, have lots of historical information presented in a way which brings history to life. I would recommend them for teenagers to learn history. I firmly support any move to continue. I have bought the books on kindle, they take up less space and are cheaper. I would buy a book if it had illustrations. My son, Miguel Regodon, is an illustrator and would do some magnificent illustrations if hired to do so.

    Reply
  20. Joyce Wilkinson Avatar
    Joyce Wilkinson

    I still can’t believe there are to be no more Morland Dynasty series! I have read every one, right through to the Phoenix, and have loved every one of them. I couldn’t wait to get the next one.
    I agree that one finds that not too many people had heard of them, but once they read # 1, they are “hooked.” I look forward to reading her new series, starting with Good-bye Picadilly, but will miss all the characters that I grew so fond of. Somebody, please do something.
    Joyce Wilkinson,
    Picton, Ontario,Canada

    Reply
  21. Joyce Avatar
    Joyce

    I have read all 34 books in the series. I first started to get them out ot the library but the last few years have requested them as presents for either birthday or Christmas. Shall be very dissapointed if no more were to be published. Hope the publishers reconsider.

    Reply
  22. Bill Avatar
    Bill

    I also have read and reread these great books. I love them and my kids laugh at me for what they call romantic history books, ha ha. I have one to go 35 the Phoenix . I will take my time with it though.
    Hopefully more will come, I’ve been reading them for over ten years.

    Reply
  23. Van Avatar
    Van

    These books are magical and so full of history as well as lovely stories going through the ages. Please please please do think again about publishing more of Cynthia Harrod Eagles books and let her carry on with the Morland Dynasty. I know all my friends that are now reading the Morland Dynasty books are just loving them. So well written compared to some of the rubbish that is published today. As another person commented how come Phillippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy and other authors that write historical novels are still be published??? Maybe look for another publisher. Like so many of the above I’ve learnt a lot about our history that I never did at school and I’m in my 60’s. Please rethink and start advertising her books – I know people will love them.

    Reply
  24. Moyreen Whittaker Avatar
    Moyreen Whittaker

    I have just discovered this site and I am horrified to think that the Morland series may come to an end . I was expecting the new book to be published this month. I have learnt so many new historical facts from her books apart from enjoying the wonderful family story. Moyreen Whittaker

    Reply
  25. Mrs. D. Hardy Avatar
    Mrs. D. Hardy

    As number 35 hits the shelves in paperback (I can’t afford hardback) I wonder what the situation is now? I have read all of the ‘Morland Dynasty’ series; in fact I have read them all 3 times and have a whole bookshelf dedicated to her work! They were all purchased new but I have let my mother-in-law and several friends borrow the first one on the insistence that, should they enjoy them (which every one of them has), they should buy the rest for themselves. I wasn’t being mean (really) but was thinking of CHE’s royalties for her hard work. CHE is a wonderful secondary – and easily accessible – source of historical learning. Having ‘stumbled’ across CHE’s books while looking for something else, (her publishers have made very little effort to put her works ‘out there’) I have enjoyed every one of them. I think her publishers are being very myopic. Good luck CHE. I hope you find another publisher to take on your work and give them the benefit and honour of having you on their lists.

    Reply
  26. Jane Avatar
    Jane

    I have purchased all 34 books and was just checking the website to see when the next was due to be published. I have read the whole series 4 times and never get tired of them. I live in Australia and cannot get them over here very easily and always after the rest of the world has them, so have to order from UK on line. Perhaps if the publishers were better at their job, more books would sell.

    Reply
  27. Ann Seal Avatar
    Ann Seal

    I felt utterly bereft when i finished reading The Phoenix I have lived with the Moorland Family for so many years, they have become part of my life. It was bad enough having to wait a year for each new edition, so now eternity.Thank you, Cynthia, you are irreplaceable. Ann Seal Hayling Island.

    Reply
  28. Joyce Avatar
    Joyce

    I have just finished book 35 The Phoenix and would be most dissapointed if the series did not continue. I an in my eighties but still look forward to getting the next book as I have followed the series from book one. Please please continue.

    Reply
  29. Vera Friend Avatar
    Vera Friend

    I absolutely love this series and am also sad at the thought of them ending. Apart from the stories themselves, I have learned so much history from them and the way people lived in various periods of history. Apart from the Morland family who are landowners and business people there is a host of other characters living more humble lives.
    I reread the books regularly and enjoy them every time – and learn, or relearn, something new each time.
    I do hope the publishers can be persuaded to continue commissioning new books in the series. We all now want to know what will happen in WWII.
    I have introduced a number of family and friends to these books and they all love them too.

    Reply
  30. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    Teresa, I must disagree with you. The only reason that there are fewer comments, is because once one book is finished, its a mad dash out to get the next one! And then one is too busy reading the last few pages of the new book to make sure that the favourite characters have made it through unscathed. About to start book 30, have spent the best part of 8 months living with the Morlands, and cant imagine my nights without them!!

    Reply
  31. Jan Bailey Avatar
    Jan Bailey

    I could not agree more about the very poor decision of publishers to end The Morland Series. These books are superbly written and I have now discovered the Slider Series and also enjoy them. The Morland series would be superb as a tv show, just to end it is so shortsighted.

    Reply
  32. Anita Radford Avatar
    Anita Radford

    Oh Gosh!! I also understood that this series was going on into the 1950s This has really upset the applecart for me – I’ve bought every book brand new up to Number 22 so far and will be so upset if I can’t get the rest of them.. I’ve been fascinated by the many characters that have come and gone within the family (including their friends and neighbours). These books have helped feed my never ending appetite for History in a good way: it’s very easy to look into how life was lived via all the various characters and descriptions that Cynthia has given us. It’s very easy also to picture the various towns, cities and countries that the characters travel to, visit for short or long periods, work in etc. It is very difficult to put one of her books down once you’ve started it…. Hope the Publishers soon realise just how popular this series really has been to a lot of people

    Reply
  33. Elaine Avatar
    Elaine

    What has happened is that the publishers did not cancel straight away, probably because of the weight of reader opinion. However, they are not in hiatus. I contacted Cynthia Harrod-Eagles recently and she told me that the publishers have asked her to write a new series, set in World War 1, as a lot of other publishers are doing in this centenary year of hte start of the Great War. Apparently, if it does well she may be able to persuade them to carry on with the Morland Saga. They clearly have no appreciation of their author.

    Reply
  34. Joan broughton Avatar
    Joan broughton

    I to am astounded that the Moreland dynasty books are to axed , however I notice that all the comments are from 2010, it is now 2014 , and I have just ordered no 35 , am I out of date with what is happening ?
    Have the publishers changed their minds ?

    Reply
  35. kenhives@gmail.com Avatar
    kenhives@gmail.com

    I see that most of the comments are from women and I have to say that if a woman had not introduced these books to me I would not have read them. What an absolute treasure I would have missed. The Morland Dynasty are a lot more than, forgive me… girlie books. The publishers have missed a massive target audience…..namely men!!!!

    Reply
  36. Pat Campbell Avatar
    Pat Campbell

    I “found ” The Founding a couple of years ago and was immediately “hooked ” into Cynthia Harrod-Eagles series on the Morland Dynasty. When I bought the original, it was well promoted by Chapters here in Canada.
    The paper back was a large format which made it stand out as up to date.Promotion goes a long way– and this historical series deserves such recognition!!!

    Reply
  37. Hilary Archer Avatar
    Hilary Archer

    I have read all the series so far and am currently awaiting the latest novel.They have been a joy to read and I was disappointed to learn that they are to come to an end. The author is to be congratulated on her attention to detail and historical accuracy. The story of Moreland Place,the family,the servants,the horses and of course the dogs,of which the author writes with the affection of experience, deserves to be told in its entirety.

    Reply
  38. Christine Scott Avatar
    Christine Scott

    Have only read one but his has made me more interested, that’s why I googled the author. I think they should be televised

    Reply
  39. Joan Huybens Avatar
    Joan Huybens

    I do agree with you whole-heartedly re the teaching of history in schools these days. We were taught right through from early primary classes about cave men, Druids, Vikings, Saxons, Danes all the royal dynasties, explorers, Crimea, Boer and Britain’s involvement in India, Canada, America, Australia etc. If students are not being taught everything from the beginning, they are seriously missing wonderful parts of their heritage. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading CHE’s books and she has given me a ‘refresher’ in the history of my ‘homeland’ although I have now lived in Australia for 59 years. I have just finished No.35 – The Pheonix and do hope she will bring us up to after WWII. I look forward to No. 36 if there is to be one.

    Reply
  40. June Avatar
    June

    I first started reading the Morland Dynasty series to allow me to escape from dealing with my mother’s terminal illness, 24 years later I am half way through reading The Phoenix number 35 in the series. I was looking to purchasing book 36 and came across these comments after not being able to find details of the next book to be published. In recent years I have waited in anticipation for the next book to be published, mentally willing the author to finish her latest book so that I can read what happens next. Sounds pathetic I know but this series has been a lifeline to me and I have become addicted. I feel the publishers have been shortsighted and hope that if or when they read these comments they can see how popular the series is. I look forward to more positive comments and hope that the author Cynthia Harrod Eagles does not feel dejected by her publishers disloyalty.

    Reply
  41. Ken Stevenson Avatar
    Ken Stevenson

    I am 82 and have read all the Moorland Dynasty books. What got my late wife and me interested is that we lived at the time in Blossom Street, York and were married at Holy Trinity Church, Micklegate. Also our first child was Christened there. I may live long enough to reach the end.
    Ken S.

    Reply
  42. Laurie Beylik Avatar
    Laurie Beylik

    My mom and I have eagerly looked forward to each new Dynasty book, since discovering them more than 25 years ago on a visit to London. We are from California and every year my mom would order the new book and have it shipped from England.I repurchased the entire series for my Kindle, as I travel and have arthritis in my hands, so the hardbacks are difficult for me. I contacted CHE several years ago to inquire when the entire series would be available for eBook in the U.S.. Then pre-ordered the series.
    I know I’m late to this blog but only just discovered it, thank you, to all those that put pressure to continue this series. Keep it up.

    Reply
  43. jandm.wallis@talktalk.net Avatar
    jandm.wallis@talktalk.net

    so, here I am. 4 years later , and an avid fan! only on book no 9 but an absolute addict. Have been on Amazon and have in my possession up to book no 34. And I want more. . How can this end? Where can I can learn that a member of the Morland family was there at the beginning of Handels Messiah, and help compose it? Who can prove it was not so? We are there! I believe every word…..Failed History in my ‘O’ levels.(SHOWING MY AGE HERE!)’Cos I had never read Morland Dynasty! Oh! I so wish I had heard of them before my 70th year! Love’em to bits! more I say! do you hear me? you wonderful author. and you wonderful publishers! MORE!

    Reply
  44. Carol thomas Avatar
    Carol thomas

    I absolutely love these books. I have just finished the Phoenix and I can’t believe there will be no more. Please at least wrap up the series with at least. one more book. Cynthia is such a talented lady, her knowledge of history is amazing. Why haven’t the publishers promoted the books more aggressively, I can’t believe they are not available in Australia.

    Reply
  45. WES MONTGOMERY Avatar
    WES MONTGOMERY

    As an American fan of the “Morland Dynasty Series”, I sincerely hope the publisher will reverse its decision and allow the series to continue at least to the early post-World War II years (e.g., up to the Suez Crisis of 1956). Frankly, it makes NO SENSE to discontinue or suspend the series as interest today in World War II era novels has never been higher. (Next September 3rd will mark the 75th anniversary of Britain and France’s declaration of war on Nazi Germany.)

    Reply
  46. Spinkle Avatar
    Spinkle

    Started the Dynasty many years ago and am horrified at such an error of judgement on the part of the Publishers.
    So short sighted I have recommended this series to anyone that reads that I meet it would be a crying shame if it became unavailable.

    Reply
  47. Suzanne Avatar
    Suzanne

    Checked out a 1982 CD from my local library today (Equale Brass ‘Bacchanales’) with liner notes by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. I enjoyed her writing so much that I googled her. I had no idea she was such a beloved author and I look forward to reading what so many others have already discovered.

    Reply
  48. Joyce Moloney Avatar
    Joyce Moloney

    I have loved the Morland Dynasty books and feel very sad to think the publisher is to stop publishing any more. The wonderful way the history and family are intertwined is superb.

    Reply
  49. ritabouverie@yahoo.co.uk Avatar
    ritabouverie@yahoo.co.uk

    Dear all
    I have contacted Cynthia Harrod-Eagles on her own website recently and asked her if there would be more audio books coming out on The Morland Dynasty so beautifully narrated by Terry Wale …I am on book 19!!! just sadly finished in fact. I was told to contact the publishers which own the rights and sadly they now inform me that they no longer possess them either and could not tell me more than that or what the future holds for future recordings if any. This is very sad news indeed so I will now revert to reading the series but will miss more than words can express Terry Wale’s beautiful voice and his ability in bringing the characters to life. Thank you for all the pleasure this fantastic series has brought me. Totally agree Cynthia Harrod-Eagles should be relaunched soonest and with vigour. I discovered this series on ITunes. I really hope book 21 and all the rest will be brought alive at one stage good luck kind regards Rita A G Bouverie

    Reply
  50. Glennys Rowe Avatar
    Glennys Rowe

    After reading all of The Moorland Dynasty Books and finding much pleasure from them and gleaning history down the ages I am most
    disappointed that they are not able to be published at this stage. Maybe another Publisher will do so, us avid readers of
    series certainly hope so.

    Reply

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