Sharpe's Tiger

India, 1799. Private Richard Sharpe of the 33rd is sentenced to 2,000 lashes for striking Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill, and Colonel Arthur Wellesley halts the flogging at 202. In exchange, Sharpe joins Lieutenant Lawford on a dangerous mission: pose as deserters and get into Seringapatam, Tipu Sultan's city, to reach Colonel McCandless, the British intelligence chief held there. They're tested, end up jailed with McCandless and Hakeswill, and Lawford teaches Sharpe to read. When the British attack, Sharpe escapes, sets off Tipu's hidden mine early and clears the way for the assault. He throws Hakeswill to the tigers, who ignore him, kills Tipu as he flees and quietly keeps the sultan's jewels.

1. ChangeThe fake powder went to TV

   The fake-powder loyalty test, where Sharpe's musket won't fire, ended up in Sharpe's Challenge, along with the Frenchman Gudin.

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2. Behind the scenesThe start, written late

   It's the first book in story order, but Cornwell didn't write it until 1997, 16 years after Sharpe's Eagle.

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3. ReferenceSharpe learns to read

   Locked up together, Lieutenant Lawford teaches Sharpe to read and write. Sharpe also fires a rifled gun for the first time here.

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