Your Questions

Q

Sir, Thank you. Thank you for bringing the pleasure of reading the exploits of Sharpe and his compatriots to life. Thank you for teaching people some of the history of life in the Infantry. But especially, thank you for portraying life and war as they are, warts and all. I have one question...having read most of the Sharpe novels (and intending to purchase ALL of them, en masse) have you devoted a book to the period of time when Sharpe first joined the Rifles, the "train-up" period? As a former NCO in the United States Army Infantry, training was an important part of my life and I'd love to read how it was done by the men who scared Lord Wellington. I look forward to seeing you at any Atlanta-area book signing you might do and urge you to "carry on". Best wishes, Jeffrey Knotts

Submitted September 9, 2005

A

There isn't a book that deals with Sharpe's 'train-up period' - and I'm not inclined to go back in time again to write it - but who knows? Never say never!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell! I have just read the German version of "Scoundrel" and liked it. Very different from your historical novels. I wonder where you got all your information about the world of terrorism. Sounds like a dangerous field! Or did you make it all up? Either way, you did a fine job. But, what I do wonder, was it really you who wrote this book? Because, my edition (ECON Taschenbuch Verlag, 1996, ISBN 3-612-27238-1) calls the writer "Bernh(!!!)hard Cornwell". Curious! :-) How did that happen? As an Englishman I would not think that you were called the German name Bernhard and lost your H somewhere. Or, did you??? Naaaah! Bye, Grisel

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

I wrote it, honest. I have no idea where the 'h' came from - not from me. I assume the German publishers added it out of habit. The information about terrorism? I was a journalist in Belfast during the troubles and picked it all up there.

Q

Firstly, thank you for your wonderful books, my wife Pat and I have read all and treasure them. You will see from my name that my family arrived from France (about 1860) but the name is derived from Regenbald the priest who was chancellor to Edward the confessor. Have you ever come across this name in your research? Thank you again. Brian Regimbeau.

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

A new name to me! But I'm delighted your family went home, even if they took their time!

Q

Hello There, It's horrible, I'm trying to put it out of my mind but there it remains like some blue-mould on a sandwich you're halfway through...page 161 Sharpe's Devil: "Sharpe, seeing his very first sea fight,". Would you forgive me for defacing my copy just so that Sharpe's Trafalgar doesn't seem like a dream or an ad-lib! Also, I was wondering if the spelling of my name (pronounced Alan..despite years of childish "Olwyn" taunting) stood out when you signed my copy of Heretic (thank you muchly for that)? I am born and raised in Northern Ireland but it seems the name is Welsh. Any chance of naming a character for me, go on, I'll be your best friend and promise not to claim any likeness rights! Thank you for taking the time to read this, I have spent years enjoying your work (have read everything except the thrillers and Redcoat and my collection holds 22 first editions of your works) Your grateful fan Allyn Mills

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

The problem about Devil and Trafalgar, of course, is that I wrote the books out of order. It's a lousy way to write a series - but think of it this way, if I took Devil as gospel then there wouldn't have been Sharpe's Trafalgar, so I think the discrepancy is worth it! I'll think about a character called Allyn!

Q

Mr Cornwell Let's suppose Richard Sharpe's triumphant return to England after Waterloo is rewarded with the full rank of Colonel and command of the South Essex. What happens next...... does the scoundrel Sir Henry Simmerson get his just deserts and does the Lady Jane finally get her wonderful and final come-uppance? Does Sharpe, prior to retiring to an idyllic lifestyle in Normandy, put down an Irish rebellion (with the help of Harper) that was masterminded by Simmerson thus saving the Prince Regents life?&&. No? Ok&.can I please know what happened to Simmerson and the Lady Jane after Sharpes Waterloo (loose ends you know&.) Cheers Paul Dixon

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

One day I might - might - get round to all that, but I honestly haven't thought much about it (and won't till I get to write any such book). I'm sure Siimmerson gets his just deserts, but probably in hell.

Q

first I have enjoyed many of your books the Arthur trilogy being my favorites. I was wondering if you know of any novels about the scottish jacobites? Mike

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

None that I can think of . . . . anyone else know any?

Q

I read that somewhere Mr. Cornwell bought a Baker rifle and was wondering where he bought it and if he ever shoots it. I love your books, I have read the grail quest series and have just started to read Sharpe's Battle after reading all the other Sharpe books leading up to it. I will be sad when they are over but I will start a different series. Keep it up, Will Mitchell

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

I wish I did have one! I do have one of the replicas made for the filming, but it's not proofed so can't be shot.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, it is a pleasure to write to you. I'm from Brazil and I'm reading the Vagabond and I have a question. David the Bruce is son of the Robert the 17 Bruce right? And Who is the son of Eduard the longshanks of england? And there is any king of England that is son of William Wallace of Scotland like is told in the movie braveheart? The Wiliam Wallace story is trust? Sorry for my bad English and congratulation for your books are the best. thanks Netto.

Submitted September 7, 2005

A

David the Bruce was the son of the great Robert the Bruce. Edward I ('Longshanks') was succeeded by his son, Edward II, whose mother was Eleanor of Castile. No king of England was the son of William Wallace. Eleanor was long dead before he was around and Edward's next wife, Margaret, did not come to England till long after Wallace had been defeated. The film Braveheart is very bad history, and utterly untrustworthy.

Q

hello Mr Cornwell, I have read all of your Sharpe books as well as some others of yours. I was wondering what the role was of the RSM in a Regiment, and who had more influence with the men, the RSM or the officers? Thankyou for taking time to answer my question. Josh

Submitted September 3, 2005

A

He's the most senior enlisted man - and he's very much a link between the battalion commander and the men in the ranks. He has FAR more influence than any junior officer!

Q

Just a fan letter I'm afraid, nothing world shattering except...I remember reading a novel years ago set in the Peninsular war and I remember really enjoying it. The thing is it featured an episode in which a character used pages from (I think ) a bible as cigarette papers. Something similar happens in a Sharpe book I think...did you read that same novel yourself ? Was the use of such papers a common thing in the army? did I imagine the whole thing? Just keep up the excellent books!
Mark Tomlinson

Submitted September 3, 2005

A

I don't remember reading a novel like that. I'm sure using book pages to make cigars was fairly common, but few other than Sharpe would use a bible.