Honor Harrington: Does the order matter?

[the Jester]

So I've read the first two Honor Harrington books and really enjoyed them. My local used book store has a bunch of the other ones, but not the third and often not in sequence. My question is, how much does it matter if I read them (somewhat) out of order? I suppose I risk major spoilers; how much would doing this reduce my enjoyment of the books? (The two that I've read were each enjoyable as standalone books.)

 

[Vertigo]

Parson has recently answered this question in an off-topic aside in post 28 on this thread http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/536384-which-is-webers-best-2.html

However in brief I would strongly reccommend reading these in order. They are not just set in the same world but are also following a very strong story arc that spans the whole series. It's not just spoilers you will run into but you will also frequently find yourself lacking understanding of what is going on particularly on the political background.

 

[Bick]

Yes that was Parson's helpful reply to my question on book order. As it happens, I have just received Basilisk Station in the mail and have started to read. Its very good - well written and engaging. I've only just started but I will provide an update after I finish it.
Thanks for the advice.