Amazon.com description: Product Description: [Read by Frederick Davidson]

The prequel to the series, describing Sharpe's experiences in India.

When a senior British officer is captured by the Tippoo of Mysore's forces, Sharpe is offered a chance to attempt a rescue, which in turn offers an escape from the tyrannical Sergeant Obadiah Hakeswill. But in fleeing Hakeswill, Sharpe enters the exotic and dangerous world of the Tippoo.

In 1799, the British Army is fighting its way through India in an attempt to push the ruthless Tippoo of Mysore from his throne and drive his French allies out. Posing as a deserter, the young and illiterate private Richard Sharpe must penetrate into the Tippoo's city and make contact with a Scottish spy being held prisoner there. Success will mean winning his sergeant stripes; failure, being turned over to the Tippoo's brutal executioners - or his man-eating tigers.

Along the way, Sharpe keeps an eye out for beautiful prostitutes, any stray loot he can get his hands on, and the chance to learn his ABCs. But when the furious British assault on the city begins, Sharpe must fight with the fierceness and agility of a tiger himself to foil the Tippoo's well-set trap - and to keep from being killed by his own side.

An adventure that will require all of his wits just to stay alive, let alone save the British army from catastrophe. Soldier, hero, rogue - Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.