Bulletin Board

Q

I'll keep this succinct for your benefit. I've truly enjoyed the "Image Gallery" addition to the site, and wonder if there are plans for other books to be added. If not, would you be willing to accept pictures submitted from fans? James Moore

Submitted February 27, 2004

A

We'd certainly like to see them! I guess the problem will be space, but if you have any really good pictures of Sharpe's battlefields, why not?

Q

I'm a great fan of the Grail Quest and Sharpe series but I have to say that you have done a minor mistake in the Grail Quest books. Regarding Mordechai the doctor and the sample of urine he took I just want to say (being jewish myself) that he wouldn't do that, especially in those days when he'd be very religious. Other than that your books are very good and I look forward to more of your books. Anthony

Submitted February 27, 2004

A

Maybe he wasn't very religious? I'm sure you're right, but it seemed a pity not to include what was, after all, the prime diagnostic method!

Q

Dear Bernard I was at Waterloo in May and have just got round to thinking of some possible Sharpe titles! Too late for Escape but I hope there will be quite a few more : Sharpe's Aim, Sharpe's Foe, Sharpe's Turmoil, Sharpe's Trial, Sharpe's Rage, Sharpe's Conquest, Sharpe's Ambition, Sharpe's Duel, Sharpe's Attack, Sharpe's Duty, Sharpe's Burden, Sharpe's Order. Hope to see you at St Albans in April, to sign Sharpe's Escape. Karen Brown

Submitted February 27, 2004

Q

I enjoy the Sharpe series. I thought that you were most clever in putting Shape in South America at time when a lot of history happened. Just the sort of skullduggery that Lord Pumphrey would be right in the middle of. I swear that Sharpe could land on a deserted island and find a convent of nuns to look after him. But then none of the women in Sharpe's life stay around very long, do they? Pity you killed off Astrid though. I'll be buying Sharpe's Escape, when it comes out. Richard Oakley

Submitted February 27, 2004

A

I thought Astrid's death was a pity, too, but that's the fate of women who are in the second Sharpe series - they weren't mentioned in the first books so they can't stick around. Tough on them.

Q

G'day Bernard, first up I really enjoy your books. The purpose of this message is to send you the way of a great Aussie novelist who has specialized in stories about Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War. The author's name is Gary McKay (he was a Platoon Commander in Vietnam and was awared the MC). Some of his excellent books include "In good Company", "All guts, no glory" , "Delta 4" and "Sleeping with your ears open". I really belive you would find his books very readable - and no I do not know him personally!!! Would also love for you to write some novels set during the Roman times...maybe set in Gaul or during the Punic Wars. Anyway, all the best and don't ever stop writing! ps I think "The forgotten soldier" is one of the best books I have ever read. pss with the stunning advances in special effects (showcased in "The Return of the King") it would be great for someone to reshoot the Sharpe stories (and indeed put on film the Arthur books), for now the technology is there to do visual justice to your stories!!! James

Submitted February 27, 2004

A

Thank you! I shall definitely try Gary McKay. As for Gaul or the Punic Wars? I have the feeling that the Roman period has a lot of very good novelists working on it right now and one more may be one too many - so I'll avoid it for the moment.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm a big fan of your Sharpe Books. I'm still reading them, but so far are really impressed. You express your ideas in a very different but very! very! good way. It's very noticable your hard work in the making of the series. Well I don't want to put you in discomfort with a very long letter. Thanks again for your dedication and hard work! Nathan Nichols

Submitted February 26, 2004

Q

I first met Richard Sharpe in the TV series. Sean Bean is the perfect 'Chosen one'. Richard Sharpe is who I'd have liked to be in another life. Although he does get shot up a bit. Paul Tryon

Submitted February 26, 2004

Q

I also disagree with Isabel, the point of you writing that type of novel is brilliant. If you were an unknown author, that book would of made the booker list. You capture a London in 1817 which was very good indeed. Keep up the good work. William Carter

Submitted February 26, 2004

Q

Dear Sir, I have just completed reading an old story of yours called "A Crowning Mercy" which I enjoyed, but I am curious to know why it does not appear in any of your book lists. I am slowly reading your Sharpe collection in the correct chronological order and I am now waiting for Sharpe's Escape. May I congratulate you on a brilliant series and ask what you thought of the Television adaptations. Once again many thanks for all of the pleasure your books have given me. Regards Peter Hudson

Submitted February 24, 2004

A

A Crowning Mercy is not on any Bernard Cornwell book lists because it was written under the name Susannah Kells. I'm glad to know you are enjoying the Sharpe books. I was, of course, thrilled to see the books made into films and on the whole quite pleased with the results.

Q

Me again. Noticed in your reading club The Iron Duke by Richard Holmes. Thought your readers might like to know he has another written with Hugh Bicheno, . Redcoats and Rebels. To accompany his equally great BBC television series. Professor Holmes also did War Walks books and TV series (BBC again) and that included a very good chapter about Waterloo. Regards Nigel James

Submitted February 24, 2004

A

Thanks for the recommendation. This book has been listed on the Reading Club page for awhile now - you will find it on page 4 (posting date 3 July 2003).