Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard, when Alfred the Great went to Rome he thought he'd had a CORONATION. But if he had a blessing instead a CONFIRMATION would he know the differance? Do you think the Vatican would have recorded this gift of the HOLY SPIRIT! Yours hopefully Raymond. P.S.Maybe wise to tread carefully when talking about ANGELS.One may come out of heaven and "PECK" you on the nose!
Raymond Condon

Submitted March 6, 2006

A

Alfred wouldn't probably have known what he underwent in Rome - in all proability it was a meaningless ceremony that made him an honorary consul - but it was useful politically because he could claim the Pope had proclaimed him as the futuire king of Wessex - it was all spin-doctoring and politics!

Q

Hi Bernard Love all of your books especially the advertures of Sharpe. I have one very quick question to ask if I may. I have just read in a English tabloid (not sure how truthful the source is) that Sharpes wife dies in the latest TV series "Sharpes challenge" - very disappointed to hear this as I had visions of Richard retired in France with his wife farming, if this rumour is true - I'm wondering did you have any say this plot development or not. Many thanks for all your great books. Phil

Submitted March 6, 2006

A

I've heard the same. But the point is this - the TV series can say what they like about Sharpe, but the gospel is written by Bernard Cornwell, no one else, so don't worry about it! She lives!

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, Hello again and welcome to Australasia.In Mark Adkins Sharpe Companion,Sharpe's battles at Rolica and Vimeiro give the impression of an interesting read. So my question is this; If you don't want to go back in time again, and on the basis that the afore-mentioned battles may not have enough material for a full novel, have you thought of a Sharpe book of short stories to cover such events?I enjoyed Sharpe's Ransom, Skirmish and Christmas and would certainly enjoy a novel of such stories.I am currently employed in NZ by the company who distributes your Warlord series and am hopeful of meeting you while you are down here.Thanks.Tomas Slaine.

Submitted March 6, 2006

A

Yes, I have considered it.

Q

Bernard, I know you'll never answer this question straight away, because you probably haven't even decided yet, but I need to ask anyway- does Starbuck survive the Civil War? I realize this might be a little premature to think about because there is still so much of the war left for you to write. But I ask only because, given his background, a northerner fighting for the south, he would be a fascinating character to follow around during "The Reconstruction". Have you given any thought to his post-war fate? May I also recommend you to a good novel set in this era titled "Gabriel's Story' by David Anthony Durham. I also want to compliment you on the fact that Sharpe's continuity isn't perfect- I noticed some readers giving you flack over it lately- but I think the little inconsistencies make Sharpe feel like he is cut from the same rough cloth as other classic literary heros-like a Sherlock Holmes or a Don Quixote-an "illusion of depth" is achieved and the reader is left to wonder about the missing or unexplored episodes of the character's history. I wouldn't have it anyother way! Thanks again for all your wonderful books. R.Kulb

Submitted March 6, 2006

A

I think he survives - in fact I'm sure he does - but in what shape I don't know yet

Q

Mr. Cornwell:

I have only recently "discovered" your books and am enjoying them immensely.

The name of your latest hero, Uhtred, seems suspiciously close to the name of your biological father ... were you recognizing him when you chose this name? Wayne

Submitted March 6, 2006

A

It's the name of my father's family in that era - so yes, I was thinking of that (my) family, and we know we had an ancestor in the ninth century called Uhtred, and we know the family were the owners of Bebbanburg (now Bamburgh Castle) - so yes, all deliberate.

Q

Just a thought here,on a recent antique programme on UK tv the presenter was talking about formal dinners held by the Duke of Wellington known as the the "Waterloo Banquets"... do you think that Sharpe might have received an invite to one of them? David Voy.

Submitted March 4, 2006

A

I'm sure he did! The banquets (given at Apsley House) were on the anniversary each year - only senior officers who were present at Waterloo were invited, but I think Sharpe would have qualified.

Q

I am far too impatient to wade through the FAQ and other missives, but not so impatient as to wait for your response. "In your own time" to quote Rimmer to Kryten in "Red Dwarf". I'm fascinated by your novels, of course, but am wondering whether you feel an affinity to your characters. I'm not suggesting any ethereal connection, such as reincarnation, but I'm quite curious about your interest in your homeland's history. I appreciate your efforts to pour light into the dark recesses of history's corners. I just wonder wherefrom your inspiration wells? Thankyou for helping me discover a passion for English history (though only a lowly born American) and the vagaries of chance that have created our current world. By the by, any thoughts regarding 1066? Thankyou, Philip L. Watness

Submitted March 4, 2006

A

Affinity? I'm hugely fond of them, sometimes exasperated by them, but they live in a separate compartment of my brain from reality! If that makes sense. The inspiration? Simply a love of history, I think. It's what I read, and what I enjoy. Alas, I've no plans to write about 1066 - at least not at present - too many other things on my mind.

Q

Just found out that ITV is making a new series and I can't wait till it flies over to the Netherlands :) My question is, after reading Sharpe's Fortress. Is Sharpe ever going to get revenge on Morris (Sharpe's Captain in the 33rd)? Couldn't you get Morris into the Spainish campaign and Sharpe ends up with him? Brendan Ringenoldus

Submitted March 4, 2006

A

I don't know where they'll meet again - though I'm sure they will, but it's in my mind, so it should happen.

Q

Bernard, just a quick question- Have you ever thought about writing a story on Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot? It is said that he enjoyed "considerable fame among soldiers", and served under Colonel Bostock at the Battle of Nieuport in 1600. I think you would probably have an interesting take on the story-given the distain your characters have for corrupt lawyers, politicians, tax collectors and religious zealots. Have you ever considered it? What's your opinion on the Fawkes legend in general? R. Kulb

Submitted March 4, 2006

A

I don't honestly have an opinion because I don't know that much about Fawkes or his fellow-plotters. And I'm not sure I'm interested enough to write a story about them - but who knows, maybe that will change.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, are you thinking of doing any more stand alone books, if so do know what thay maybe about? Thanks for the wonderful books. Good luck and good health. Alex

Submitted March 4, 2006

A

I know, but I'm superstitious about telling other people what they're about, so forgive me if I keep quiet - but yes, I do plan more stand alone books.