Your Questions

Q

Big fan of Sharpe - the books and the shows. Now I'm hooked on the Saxon Stories. Wondering why there is a three month delay in releasing "Lords of the North Country" in North America. I realize there may be different cover art, different printing house, etc. but I wonder why the releases can't be coordinated. Of course, in the end I will order from the UK directly, at added expense ;-)
Bruce

I know this has to do with the publishing biz, but you live in the US and a good number of your fans do as well. So why cannot we get the same release dates for your novels? that is just plain mean. We, as your fans, regard your works as a solider would reguard his post from home. And to let one set have it first when you live with the other set, dear Sir, I must protest. Jonathan Haring post script- I will, of matter of course, still buy all of your books. You,Sir, Rock. Jon Haring

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

There were a few books - about a year or so ago - that did come out in the US at the same time as the UK publications. For various reasons that's not always possible, but I do think the US publisher will try to make it happen again - not this year, but with future books.

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Big admirer of yours from Brazil. I have just finished reading The Pale Horseman, which I enjoyed even more than The Last Kingdom, and being an avid reader on the vikings, I was curious on your approach of that exact term "vikings" used so frequently amongst themselves, frequently used by Uhtred etc. I know there is some controversy as to the origin of the name and if the vikings did indeed call themselves that, so I would love to read your take on that topic. Thanks!
Pablo Castelar

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

There's a deal of controversy about the exact meaning of Vikings - one school believes it describes folk from a particular area. My own view, which many scholars seem to agree with, is that it's a job description rather than a racial or geographic label - a Viking was someone who went viking - i.e. a raider. As for the origin - I'd look it up if I wasn't so far from home - but will you settle for the observations that no one knows for sure, and that the consensus is that it describes an activity?

Q

Finished Sharpe's Trafalgar, noticed that it is the first Sharpe book I have read that did not repeat the story's title at the end (I've read four). I was very pleased with the story! In all of your books that I have read (Grail series, Uhtred, Sharpe, Warrior), the main character is usually a scrapper. I am curious: were (or are) you a scrapper as well? Or are you happier describing pigheaded fighters than being one? I still love them all! I wonder what would happen if Sharpe, Uhtred and Thomas walked into the same room. Two series would end, I'm fairly sure. Keep up the fine work! Stuart

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

I have a feeling that if Sharpe, Uhtred and Thomas walked into a room they'd turn on me, three series would end, and they'd live happily ever after. Me? I suppose, in my youth, I was over belligerent (as against the sweet natured being I am now), but I was never really good at it. Which is why my characters are so very good at it!

Q

I recently read on a website that there is a new Sharpe book in production, with release due in August/October of this year. It was titled Sharpe's Fury. Please cement my hope that this true and there is a new book coming out soon!
Stevie

Dear Bernard, In regards to your new Sharpe book set around the battle of Barossa may I ask when it will be out and if you will be touring at the time? Also if you can say what the title will be and if you will be posting a teaser chapter like several of your other books. And may I ask since its a bit out of Sharpe's way what tempted you to get Sharpe to it???

and with the main real life battles that Sharpe gets too when the french always attack in column and would always lose against the line is it hard to make it dramatic due to the predictability of it (Albuera the exception to the rule in terms of closeness of a fight) ????

BTW Have you ever thought of bringing back Dulong from Sharpe's Havoc to fight Sharpe at Albuera or Burgos to give him either a close fight or give Sharpe a kicking (Wellington got a beating at Burgos too and they do parallel each other) since it seemed rather unfair giving Sharpe that victory at Oporto over a real life Sharpe type with out Dulong giving some back!

On a tangent in regards to your Starbuck series you mentioned the interest and complexities of Starbuck on the losing side that fought for Slavery. Yet is it not a bit safe keeping Starbuck under Lee who was very noble and great and fighting MClellan who was a usless stick in the mud. Ever thought of sending him west getting him under the more ambigious but brilliant ex slaver Forrest or an ex Brit army coporal like Pat Cleburne and fighting the more tougher Union generals like Grant/Sherman/Roscerans and Thomas and Norths hard bitten western armies. Starbuck likes to claim he is the best so let him fight the best and prove it. Anyway regards, Geraint P.S I can recommend if you have not read them Stephen Sears book on Chancerollsvile and The First Crusade by Thomas Asbridge both are excellent books.

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

I THINK the title will be Sharpe's Fury, but I'm not sure. It ought to be published in October, 2006, in the UK, but that depends on me finishing it, and presently I'm swanning around the Far East instead of working (tut). I rpobably won't be doing a book tour, because I think I've done too many lately. Yes, we will post a teaser chapter when it's done. Why Barossa? I never had any intention of sending Sharpe there - it wasn't fought in Wellington's campaign area, and Sharpe has no business being there at all - but three years ago we were invited to a wedding at Jerez de la Frontera and I realised to my delight that we weren't so far rom Barossa so that meant I could explore yet another battlefield - and I became so enthusiastic about it after that visit that poor Sharpe was doomed to go there.

I don't find it particularly difficult - because all the battles differ so much - the basic tactic might be the same, but there are so many differences in terrain and in what's at stake. Albuhera is different in lots of ways - but so was Badajoz.

I've thought about it - so it will probably happen - not in the next book though.

My instinct is to keep Starbuck in the Eastern theatre - but these things do have a habit of going their own way, so I'm not rigid about it. But I suspect, for better or, more likely, worse, Starbuck will stay in Virginia.

I've read the first - and it's brilliannt, quite brilliant. Sears is simply a terrific writer! I haven't read the second, but I will - so thank you for that

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, In Excalibur, when Derfel visits Aelle to persuade him not attack Arthur, Derfel must fight Cerdic's champion (his name escapes me... Liotha?) His weapon and style, as described, seem to denote fencing as with a rapier, as opposed to other the more heavy sword combat you've so eloquently painted for us. Is there historical evidence (or any basis for speculation) of this evolved form of sword play as far back as this, or is this a fanciful anachronism on your part? Best regards, Wayne

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

Absolutely fanciful! And probably an anachronism as well! On the other hand I don't think it's entirely impossible that a man could develop a sophisticated style of sword play - I doubt these people were as crude as we sometimes think and their lives depended on their skill. I do have some resources on early sword fighting, but alas, I'm thousands of miles from home so cannot do any research now - but I think, if I remember rightly, I just wanted Derfel to face a fearsome opponent so let my imagination rip.

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I write you again with some questions and comments. First of all I really hope you appreciate this message and as I already said in previous messages, I think your books are brilliant in any aspect and you're my favourite Author. I love all your books, but my favourites are the Warlord stories. I hate to ask you this, but I can't wait more...Do you now if and when the Pale Horseman will be publish in Portugal? If he is not I will read him in English. Is Hookton a real place? I mean, did the village ever exist? The ruins are still there? In what part of England does that stay today?

I don't know if you ever think of this but I think the character of Harlequin(Guy Vexille)is amazing,and I have some curiosity...who is for you this character? I mean, he is sinister and mysterious but he is cruel and we can see he has an objective, and he will make anything necessary to achieve that objective, But what is his objective? He wants the grail to bring good to the world, but does he deserve it? In Hookton he saw the grail but doesn't take any importance to him, and he said Thomas would join him, but his plans for Thomas were really that? He believes in his heretic faith and that his fighting for the grail, but in the Harlequin book he say to Sir Simon that his objective is to capture The Black prince and make money.What do you think of this? Sorry if the message is to great, but I hope you find them interesting, and I wish you a good stay in Australia, and thanks for all your books, best regards, Pedro Oliveira, Portugal.

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

I don't know when The Pale Horseman will be published in Portugal, but hopefully it will be soon!

Is Hookton a real place? It's invented - so no, there's no sign of it, but if you walk the Dorset Coast Path you can find places where it might have existed!

I suspect Vexille wants to restore his own power and his family's position, and to take revenge on those he sees responsible for the Vexille's misfortunes. So he has a bunch of objectives rather than one aim . . .

Q

Good morning I have just finished reading ' Rebel ', and was amazed to come across a character who shares my Christian name, the first time I have come across this in real life or in fiction in nearly 60 years. He is Dr. Morley Burroughs - a dentist -who was tarred and feathered within the first few pages for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Knowing the accuracy with which you set your scenes and name your other characters, I was intrigued as to where this name came from. I believe Richard Sharpe was named after the famous fly-half of our youth, and I just hope that this character was not a lawyer who had upset you in the past! I always assumed I was named after my parents love of madrigals - Thomas Morley 1557-1603 -but may be I have been wrong all along! Morley Norris - Solicitor Calverton Nottinghamshire

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

I honestly don't have a clue where the name came from - maybe from the index of a book? Lots of them do, but don't worry, he wasn't a lawyer from my past! It's possible I took the Christian name from Morley Safer, the 60 Minutes correspondent on CBS Television in America, but I suspect it came from the index of a book - the quickest source. A good name, though!

Q

Mr Cornwell In Sharpes enemy he takes command of a Fusilier battalion and I was wondering what if any difference there was between a red coat battalion and a Fusilier battalion?

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

In effect - none at all - just a name.

Q

I'm a avid fan of yours.I would like to ask a question about sharpe and starbuck books? would consider writing a book about sharpe son Lassen? Marcus Wye

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

Maybe one day? I do want to write something about Sharpe's family, so it'll probably happen.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell Thank you very much for providing me with hours and hours of reading enjoyment. I have read many of your books including your most recent Saxon series,although I find Utred an exciting character, my favorite character is Derfel from the Arthur books. My question is...What are the chances of Uhtred fighting alongside a descendant of the great Lord Derfel Cardarn? A great warrior would breed a great warrior don't ya think. Best Regards, Diana (Atlanta, GA)

Submitted March 17, 2006

A

It's posible, I suppose. The stories will move to Wales (in time) so it's more than possible!