Your Questions

I have just finished reading 'Fallen Angels', and loved it - I raced through it, hoping that Campion could trust Gitan, and needing to confirm the identity of Lucifer! I must admit that I initially bought it because of the French Revolution setting, as another of my favourite books is 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' - were you influenced at all by Orczy's stories? The heroine of your tale, Campion, reminds me of Marguerite Blakeney - beautiful, brave, and slightly naive! Gitan, the anti-hero in black, came across as a composite of Sir Percy and Chauvelin, with his selfless bravery, magnetism, and mysterious past. All of this was a bonus, as I only sought a different perspective (perhaps darker) of France in the 1790s - characters that my rather devoted imagination could link with Orczy's creations just added to the story for me! Heroines like Campion, worshipped and loved by all, beautiful but kind at heart, appeal to me more than the 'modest', plain narrators of writers such as the Brontes, so I was in my element. Had you read 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' before writing 'Fallen Angels', or does it take a fan like myself to spot the similarities with Orczy? Either way, I found your story fascinating, exciting, romantic, evocative - thank you! Sarah Powell

Mr. Cornwell, I'm afraid I couldn't wait until January for The Pale Horseman to be released here in the states, and ordered a copy from Amazon.co.uk. I know you have no say in the release dates for your books, but I was wondering if you know why they tend to be released in January here in the states? I was under the impression that most publishers tried to get new books pushed out for the Christmas gift season. James Moore

I have always enjoyed your books, particularly as the places referred to where I was born & brought up (Essex & the Thames Estuary) & where I now live (Mid Devon). One question though, were you influeneced in your writings by the novels of George Shipway? Richard Knightley

Just hazarding a guess - would Wellington be Sharpe's father? Tim

Just discovered your website and am very impressed at the level of interaction you are able to maintain. As a big fan of all your historical time lines and past member of the sealed knott (pike not musket I'm afraid) I can really feel the passion you have for military life. Keep up the good work. I do wonder what new and different military period you will conquor next, the mighty Roman Empire perhaps? James Stevenson

dear sir, I am a history undergrad at the University of South Carolina and am working on my thesis. I am researching Lord Cochrane's role in the independence movements in Chile and Brazil. I read Sharpe's Devil and was fascinated by Cochrane's attempt to rescue Napoleon from St. Helena. The books I am using allude to the idea of him hatching a rescue, but they do not go into specifics. I was wondering if all this was fiction or is this fact? If it is fact, where can I find materials on this? Looking forward to your next book. Patrick Gillespie

Dear Bernard, I was wondering if you have ever read any of Wilbur Smith's novels, and if so, do you have a favourite? I sense you would enjoy him. Thanks. Paul, County Cork.

Dear Bernard, greatly enjoyed the Grail Quest and now reading the Arthur trilogy. If you could go back in time to any one day where and when would it be? just curious, regards Martin

Mr. Cornwell, I would just like to add my thanks for many hours of great reading and listening of your Sharpe and Starbuck books. I do have one question you probably have gotten quite often. I know Sharpe was with the 33 West Yorkshire Regt. And the South Essex. But have not been able to find out the Regimental number of the South Essex. I have seen the flag on the videoes but can't see the number on the flag. I would be grateful if you could tell me the number of the South Essex. I hope sometime soon you will consider writing more of Starbucks adventures. thanks. David C. Klose

I wondered whether you had read The Great Siege, Matla 1565 by Ernie Bradford. Having been beaten in Rhodes the Knights of St John base themselves in Malta. Which is then attacked in 1565 by the Sultan of Turkey with 40,000 men against six hundred Knights of St John and 9,000 men from Malta. It's a compelling read and a storyline crying out for further development. Mark French