Your Questions

Q

We are US Air Force stationed at RAF Lakenheath. I started reading the Sharpe books from the library on base (they had 3). Since then I have managed to collect all of them through Tesco and Ebay. I love the Sharpe series like so many others. However, I was really disappointed when Sharpe and Fredrickson split up over a woman (which I know happens to guys often in real life)--but still disappointed (maybe because I am a girl and have a romantic side). I was also disappointed that Fredrickson ended up in Canada instead of Waterloo--I know it might have been awkward but if Fredrickson had managed to find a new woman--maybe he could then find a way to forgive Sharpe--I hope in the future--Sharpe and Fredrickson can find a way to be hard and fast friends again--I think Fredirickson deserves a good woman (maybe an Indian since he's in Canada). How do you feel about their split?
Janice Lewis

Submitted March 19, 2007

A

That was rough, I agree, but I never intended it to happen! Honest! I introduced Lucille for Frederickson, and Sharpe just fell for her. That can happen when you're writing a book - the characters start doing what they want instead of what I want - and I went with it. I feel sorry for Sweet William, but there is yet time to write a reconciliation.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, In Sharpe's Enemy you describe a delicious Christmas feast prepared by a captured French Cook. I recall reading your recommendation of a wonderful French Cookbook that was an inspiration for your fictitious meal. I tried to find the name of that book and its author/chef but I could not. Would you please repeat the information? Thank You kindly - "Hungry in Marietta"

Submitted March 19, 2007

A

I used Elizabeth David's French Provincial Cooking. Still do . . . . it's a terrific cookbook and, being Elizabeth David, a good read at the same time.

Q

Bernard. I note in your latest replies that you have researched MacBeth. Have you read Nigel Tranter's book on him? For your readers interested in Scottish history, I strongly recommend Tranter who has covered Scottish history from the time of Kenneth (I think he was the first) right through mediaeval times and beyond. The books carry the notation that Tranter's books are the only way many Scots have actually learned their own history.

Separately, what's next on your list? You've told some of us it's too early to say. Is that because you don't know or it's too early to tell us? Chris

Submitted March 19, 2007

A

I read Tranter a long time ago - but don't recall Macbeth, so perhaps I missed that one. Interestingly, Macbeth seems to have been a reasonably good guy (well, not outrageously bad), and certainly not the blood-soaked horror that Shakespeare depicted - but Shakespeare had a very corrupted source for his history and, anyway, Can Do No Wrong.

Next is the fourth book of the Saxon stories, with the working title of Sword Song (although that could change prior to publication). Beyond that....it's too early to say.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I am a big fan of yours and I guess while I wait for the 4th book of the saxon stories I will start on the Sharpe's series. My quick question to you is: was Iseult wrong in her predictions and will Uthred end up with a "black hair" lady? I thought that he would end up with Alfred's daughter (so Iseult's predictions would be fulfilled). Best regards and thanks for the greatest books ever. Vin

Submitted March 16, 2007

A

Guess you'll have to wait and see....

Q

Mr. Cromwell, I have just finished "Lords of the North." I should have known you had another book on the way. Is this series going to be similar in length as the "Sharpe Series?" I can only hope so. Thanks you very much. John Eaton

Submitted March 16, 2007

A

No, not quite that many books.

Q

Do you have any plans for public speaking engagements while in Albany for the Historical Novel Society meeting this June? Denis P. Meadows

Submitted March 16, 2007

A

Only at the conference. For the conference schedule, go to the Diary page of this website and click on the link to the Historical Novel Society website.

Q

Dear Sir, some years ago at the Swindon literary festival (must have been 2001 as Sharpes Prey was just out in hardback) you said you hoped one day to write more Starbuck novels, as it says from the same year on your website. As its now 11 years since The Bloody Ground was published is it now time for those of us hoping for another novel in the series to accept it probably won happen? Regards T Dyson

HI. I really do enjoy coming back to read another of your books, whenever I can get hold of one. They are a really great read. I don't know of another author who can keep me as engrossed as you do. Looking at your bibliography on the "Fantastic" site, I see 2 books listed from the early '90's" "The Hidden Hand" & "The Snarl of the Beast". When I search for them on the "ABE BOOK SEARCH" site, I can't find them, when I can find most of the others you have written. Can you point me in a direction where I may find them for sale, please? Also, do you plan to finish the American Civil War? I think there were perhaps 1 or 2 more battles after those in "Bloody Ground". Thank you very much for the entertainment you have been providing for the last 20 years. May you never feel the need to retire. It would be a great loss to the reading public. Best wishes, Ian L.

Bernard - Thank you for your books. I've read them all, including the Sharpe series twice. Just finished Fury and The Lords of the North. I enjoy both Sharpe and Uthred. How about another "Grail Quest" book? Also, Is the Starbuck Chronicles finished? I read one of the reader's comment in which he suggested giving Sharpe a rest, and not writing another one. Please, don't do that. Sharpe Must march again! Regards, John

Having read every book, apart from The Thrillers because I prefer historical fiction, the Arthur books and the Saxon Stories being favorites. I would like to know if any further Starbuck Chronicles, or Grail Quest books are in the pipeline? Ian G Inglis

Hi, never done this before so please bear with me.. I am an avid reader of all your Sharpe's novels and have read them all several times. I also enjoyed the Starbuck Chronicles and was wondering whether you are planning on writing anymore books with Nate Starbuck??? Thank you for the stories and thanks for taking the time to read this...R Collis

Submitted March 16, 2007

A

The Grail Quest series is finished, but I still hope to get back to Starbuck someday.

I have never published a book with the title The Hidden Hand or The Snarl of the Beast.

Q

Hallo, I have read all your books so far, except the Saxon series of which I have 1 - 3 in Hardback and am eagerly waiting the last so that I can read them all in one go. Will I have to wait long? Unlike you, I do have first editions of many of your brilliant novels, including a signed FE of Sharpe's Tiger. Do you have any plans to carry on Where The Grail Quest stopped and tackle such battles as Agincourt? If I only had half of your talent I thought it might be interesting to tackle a series of novels about a european warrior trained as a Samurai who somehow finds himself involved in the battles of Europe. All the best, Jonathan Card

Submitted March 16, 2007

A

I've always wanted to write a novel on Agincourt - and have done most of the research - so it sounds like a good possibility!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I hope today finds you well. I am of course a big fan of your writing and own most of your books. I mostly enjoyed the Arthurian trilogy and am anxiously awaiting the next Uhtred book later this year. I'm not going to waste your time asking you when your going to write your next book about this or that. I am wondering though what other subjects you are interested in pursuing in your writing career? Thanks for filling my library with such great historical fiction writing and keep up the great work! regards, Jim

Submitted March 16, 2007

A

I have lots in mind, but whether I'll get to them all or not remains to be seen!

Q

mr Cornwell I have read and enjoyed Sharpe and Starbuck and I was wondering who you would back in a fight, one of Sharpe's redcoats/riflemen or one of Starbuck's rebles? Also which gun was more accurate, the baker rifle, or whatever gun Starbuck used (cannot find name)? I would dearly like to know your opinion. Joe

Submitted March 14, 2007

A

I wouldn't back either! Probably equally nasty in a fight, so it wouild really depend on the leadership, and in a notional fight between say, Wellington and Robert E. Lee, well, who could choose? I suspect Starbuck's weapons have the edge. Technology has moved on half a century and the Minie bullet is a great advance on the Baker rifle's ball, but the weapons of the American Civil War varied hugely in their effectiveness and reliability. Think of the Springfield 'Trapdoor' rifle, which was a horrid thing, but which the Union insisted on supplying. If Sharpe had the newer Enfield rifle he would have fought on equal terms.