Bulletin Board

My Dear Bernard Cornwell, I would like to Congratulation you for your amazing books!You write in a irresistible and charming way, and for sure, I would love to sit and talk to you, as you look like a amazing person, you´ve got a fan, best wishes, Raíssa

Some mumble-gosh years ago (1981?) I discovered my first Sharpe book in a second-hand bookstore, where it had been remaindered. Unbelievable now, but 'tis true. It was, by memory, "Sharpe's Company'. And very fortuitous, too: because Sharpe and Harper have kept me company ever since. I have every book you've published, and every member of my family has read them all. "Buy your own, you bounders!" I cry. "Mr. Cornwell must eat, in order to have the strength to write more!" But they prefer that I should part with my hard-earned dollars, thereby ensuring we both starve. They are cruel and heartless beasts, with hearts of stone. Thanks for writing, Mr Cornwell. You spin a great yarn. I often wonder where you're about to go with your next book, or series. Meeting Sharpe and Harper again is always a pleasure, Thomas of Hookton and I communed long into the night, Uhtred is an honoured guest, and always at my table is Arthur and Derfel, providing me with great satisfaction at the way that poltroon Lancelot was dealt to. Why is it that everyone else treats that swine as some sort of romantic gilded lily? I liked the brief meeting with the son of Sharpe in the Starbuck stories - and I know full well that the lad, or his progeny, will never sail to New Zealand. Why? because the British were outfought, out-thunk, and out-strategised by the Maori during our bitter 19th century wars. Once again, gentle sir; thanks. And what are you doing reading this pap when you could be writing? With great regards, and the very best of wishes... Allan.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished reading the Sharpe Series and felt that a heartfelt thank you was in order. I came across the Sharpe novels five years ago and after reading Sharpe's Tiger, I searched high and low until I had the entire collection. I have been trying to read the series slowly and kept myself to reading one book every couple months(wasn't always successful), because I didn't want them to end. During that time, I kept myself busy by reading all of your other books and have to say the you have never let me down. In today's world, that is saying a lot. Again, I would like to say thank you and you have made a fan for life. What an ending. "For good and forever, he was going home." Freaking Fantastic!!! P.S. I have read the Arthur Books twice and have listened to them read on audio by David Case at least 4 times. To all your other fans, you haven't truly experienced the Arthur trilogy until you've heard it read by the great David Case.
Tony Voss

Dear Mr. Bernard, I once was a kid that resorted to video games such as world of warcraft to fulfill my day. I failed in school, got f's and c's. I said books were stupid, and I hated them so much. Then as I was looking for a book I needed for a class, I stumbled upon the saxon series and now I read everyday. I want to learn so much now, I read constantly. Your series and your writings have changed my life. Thank you sir. Derek

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I have just finished reading The Last Kingdom, and let me say - Awesome Work! I am a Navy SEAL who has, as you well know, been gainfully employed for the last 6 years. I had to just write and tell you how much the warriors in your book are alike the warriors today. And the part where Uhtred spoke of a humble warrior - was awesome, I loved how he said show me a humble warrior and I will show you a dead one. It is so true, and it is nice to see someone dive into a character's spirit that far - you can rest assure that your books are being passed around by me and all of the men I work with, and I will continue on the Saxon Stories. I have never written to an author before, but I have never read a book like this. Thanks again, from today's Pagan Warriors. Brad

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I'm another reader who loves your Sharpe series. I started in 1986 when I read a review in Hong Kong and have been faithful since, reading and re-reading all. Only now tho' have I looked online and seen your website. Suggestion (or wish, actually): Inconveniences (for you) aside, it'd be really great if your site's Image Gallery could be expanded to include more of Mr. Sharpe's battle sites. Some are built over, as described in your Historical Notes, but e.g. I found a couple photos of Fuentes d'Onoro [ http://www.grimshaworigin.org/WebPages/JohnGardForeign.htm#PeninsularWar . Thank you for your fine books, Doug Holaday Wilton, CT

Sir, I recently read the Edward Rutherfurd books The Dublin Saga and Sarum and was looking for other historical fiction when I came upon the Saxon Series. I have finished the first two and have started The Lords of the North. I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed them and look forward to travelling thru all the other series as well. Keep up the great work. Tod Reed

Regarding the below questions and answers Q: Hi Bernard. I am fascinated with the Sharpe books. I have always had a keen eye with history, and Sharpe has widened the horizons. I love the way that, in mainly revenge and Waterloo, we see the true character of Jane Gibbons, and how her character really acts in other company than Sharpe's/ I have just finished Waterloo, without reading fury, christmas, skirmish or Ransom sadly. But I will pounce on them soon. I have a few questions about Sharpe. Firstly, as many a reader has seen, the films sometimes veer away form the books. What happens to Harris in Waterloo? In the film he dies trying to save Hagman, who in turn dies, but in the book we only hear of Hagman getting shot in the lung. Also, where did Cooper and Perkins go? I just didn't hear of them after. And this goes into a historical extent, what is the difference between a brigade and demi brigade? Calvet was supposed to have commanded a brigade, but demi-brigade couldn't be half a brigade. And lastly, General Calvet seems very nice and cheerful towards Sharpe in the films, whereas, in Sharpe's Revenge, his mouth seems to be as dirty as a barrel full of wattle and dorb. He doesn't seem very friendly. And also, did Tom Garrard, Sharpe's friend from the 33rd, rise up from the ranks. I think we saw him as a Lieutenant in the Cazadores battalion, he was a private in the 33rd, so, is he a "jolly jumper". Your books are great. Regards, Andrew Walter

A: Harris was actually invented by the film people and I slipped him into some of the novels written after the TV films were made - so he hadn't been thought of when I wrote Sharpe's Waterloo. In the film he dies at Waterloo, so I suspect that's his fate! Was Cooper killed or merely wounded? Sorry, I don't remember at the moment. I think Perkins is alive. It's a terrible error in that book, sheer carelessness, all my fault, and I hoped I would die without anyone discovering it, and now you have, and I'm crushed. A demi-brigade was a full sized brigade, but composed of half experienced troops and half raw recruits. Got that off my chest. I'm honestly not responsible for the depiction of characters in the films (though I think most are done splendidly), so I'll stick by my description of Calvet in the book. And yes, Tom Garrard is a jolly jumper.

Cooper was wounded in the series and recovered to do a one off "story of" type tv show. Perkins was killed in the tv series by the Irish Guardsman O'Rourke in Sharpe's Battle. Tom Gerrard was a Sergeant who opted for a commission in the Portuguese army under the British reorganisation. Think he met his end in the novel Sharpe's Battle which was quite different from the film. Nigel James

read the Pale Horseman & Lords of the North. I forgot that I was in the damn 21st century. You are a master of a ancient & honorable craft, a storyteller. If you know a storyteller who could send me to ancient Scotland please encourage him.
Nick Scott

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have greatly enjoyed your Sharpe stories, as have so many. Today I was researching our family name, Dyas, and across the startling story below. Can you tell me if the story of Ensign Joseph Dyas was in any way an inspiration for some of Richard Sharpe's story? Thanks, and best wishes! Inga Holmquist

Joseph Dyas was an Ensign (later Captain) in the British 51st (2nd South Yorkshire, West Riding ) Light Infantry, with whom he served throughout the Peninsula and at Waterloo. At Badajoz on 6th April 1811, one of the bloodiest actions of the Peninsula campaign, Ensign Dyas twice volunteered to be part of the 'Forlorn Hope', storming into the breach of San Cristobel Fort. On the second occasion he led the party after its commander, Major McGreachy, and all the other officers were killed. He was offered immediate promotion by Wellington into another regiment, but Dyas declined to leave the 51st and subsequently served with them throughout the Peninsula and at Waterloo, reaching the rank of Captain. 'The Stormers' - refers to the gallantry of the 'Forlorn Hope' led by Ensign Dyas and originally it was the custom to toast 'Ensign Dyas' throughout the Peninsula Army. In later years, however, the practice has been restricted to the KOYLI to toast 'Ensign Dyas and the Stormers' in silence. From: http://51stlightinfantry.co.uk/ensigndyas.html