Your Questions

Q

Hi, so excited to hear that there will be more "Saxon" books as I thought it might be just a trilogy (before I finished "Lords of the North"). That got me thinking, though - I know Arthur's story was completed in his trilogy, but Derfel's story certainly wasn't. How did he end up at the monastery from which he tells his stories of Arthur? Any chance of more from him? John Myhill

Submitted March 14, 2007

A

Well, he probably kept his vow! Which is all I can suggest, because I'm not going to finish his story . . . that tale might be told by Derfel, but it is about Arthur, and with his disappearance the tale loses its interest for me. Sorry about that!

Q

dear Sir, I was wondering why in the peninsula war the British army only consisted of British and German troops, and none from the empire, as happened in the world wars, just thought that it would boost numbers a little. Thank you greatly for your time and I love your books! Chris G

Submitted March 14, 2007

A

Really was not an empire! India remained a battlefield, and any troops deployed there were fully engaged against enemies, and certainly that was true of the East India Company's army. Australia (New South Wales as it was called) was still a penal colony, so needed troops rather then being able to send any. No South Africa. Canada also needed troops to deter American invasions (which were to come in the War of 1812). So there really is no empire from which to draw troops! The Irish might disagree, and certainly Irishmen made up a significant (and very effective) proportion of Wellington's army. The other distinguished 'foreigners', though much fewer in number, were the Loyalist Americans who fought in Britain's army, mostly immediate descendants of Tories who fled the US at independence and mostly settled in Canada. de Lancey, Wellington's quartermaster at Waterloo, was one, as were the famous Baby brothers, and dozens of others.

Q

I have read all your Sharpes Books and just read Redcoat. I was wondering, do you have plan to write more rev war books? Also I was not a big reader till I can across your work. Thank you For the great stories. George Ryder

Submitted March 14, 2007

A

Yes, I'm considering another book set during the time of the American Revolution.

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.

Q

I have been told by many people that your Sharpe book are a great read. I would like to start reading them but would like to know if they are best read in order, if so what is that order? Regards S Garside

hi, I've read everyone of your books, and I wanted to start the Sharpe series but I was wondering if you needed to start with the first one made and work my way up or could I start with anyone I want too? Nate

Submitted March 9, 2007

A

Although I generally do recommend reading the Sharpe books in chronological order (starting with Sharpe's Tiger) you actually could read them in any order you wish, each book tells a complete story. Click on the Sharpe books link to go to the page of Sharpe books listed in chronolgical order. Hope you enjoy them!

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell.I was wondering if the English Civil War has ever appealed to you for a series of novels.Or the Jacobite Rebellion perhaps?I would be interested in your comments.By the way I'm currently reading The Arthur Books and loving every one. Cheers Nick Grant

Submitted March 9, 2007

A

English Civil War? I've considered it, have done some research, think about it, but lord knows where I'll find the time to do it. One day, maybe? Jacobite Rebellion? Another tempting one! But there's so much else to write first!

Q

love all your books...any movie possibilities for Warlord or Saxon novels?? keep em coming! Ken Humphreys

Loved the Archers Tale and I think it should be made into a movie what do you think? Alex Murchison

Submitted March 9, 2007

A

Anything's possible....but no plans for any of the above at the moment.

Q

Dear Bernard: Noticed you'ved changed from saying the next Saxon will Hopefully be out in OCT to it Will be out. We're all very thankful for that but (slavedrivers that we are) what's next? As always, Scott

Submitted March 9, 2007

A

Too early to say....

Q

Any plans for the peasant rebellion? Thomas won't be too old. JC

Submitted March 9, 2007

A

No plans right now.

Q

Hi I am an avid Sharpe reader, having reread them many times,and I am wondering if there are any more Sharpe books planned? How about a book on Harper before he met Sharpe?

Frank Jackson

Sir I have unfortunately just finished Richard's latest escapades in Chile, excellent and thank you. However the last words are disturbing! "so far as I know, they lived happily ever after". Is that it! Are Richard and Patrick to go no more adventuring? Say this is not so! Sincere Regards an avid follower and fan, David Hurst

Submitted March 9, 2007

A

There will be more Sharpe books, but probably not for at least a year or two. No plans for a Harper book at the moment.