he becomes very close. The series is highly detailed with regard to the daily operations of a cavalry regiment, campaigning and at barracks. Matthew Hervey's social life also demonstrates for the reader many of the customs and proprieties of English society in the early to mid 1800s. Also of note, unlike many books of either fiction or non-fiction, equestrian details related to tack, training, riding and equestrian health are specific and frequent. Much like the Patrick O'Brian character Stephen Maturin's medical practice, the various troop veterinary surgeons of the 6th Light Dragoons are often consulted and they give the reader some interesting insight into the evolution of veterinary practice. Matthew Hervey's familiarity with the subject contributes greatly to the sensation of being transported to the life of a cavalryman. Works Fiction In UK hardback publication order, the Hervey novels are: A Close Run Thing (1999): Cornet Hervey's adventures before and during the Battle of Waterloo. The Nizam's Daughters (2000): Hervey in India, defending the fictional princely state of Chintal (published in the US as Honourable Company). A Regimental Affair (2001): problems in the regiment in England and Canada. A Call to Arms (2002): back in India, an independent excursion on the borders of Burma. The Sabre's Edge (2003): set in the First Burmese War in 1824, and the siege of Bharatpur in 1826. Rumours of War (2004): Hervey in Portugal in 1826, with flashbacks to the Peninsular War before the battle of Corunna in 1809. An Act of Courage (2005): Hervey imprisoned at Badajoz at Christmas 1826, with further flashbacks to the Battle of Talavera in 1809 and the Siege of Badajoz in 1812. Company of Spears (2006): Hervey in the Cape Colony in 1827 fighting the Zulus, immediately before the death of Shaka and the accession of Dingane. Man of War (2007): in 1827, Matthew Hervey is in England; unusually seeing no action. Meanwhile, in a parallel story line, his old friend Peto takes part in the Battle of Navarino. Warrior (2008): 1828 – Hervey is tasked with escorting an embassy to Shaka, King of the Zulus, whose motives are under suspicion. On His Majesty's Service (2011): Hervey is sent as an observer to the Russian army during their war with the Ottoman Empire in 1829. Words of Command (2015): 1830 and Hervey is in Belgium during a time of unrest. The Passage to India (2018): 1831 - Both