Your Questions

Hi Bernard, a couple of years ago I saw the Sharpe series on Dutch tv. I always enjoyed watching them, but wasn't familiar with your other works until a friend of mine recommended me The Last Kingdom. The both of us are huge George Martin fan, especially his A Song of Ice and Fire Series. So this friend found your book in the "what I'm reading"section on George's site. He described it there as books in which the battle scenes are vividly and detailled described, and that just happens to be the thing we like. So, two weeks ago I ordered The Last Kingdom and The Winter King, in these 2 weeks you have become my favorite writer (besides George of course). Reading one of your books feels like being emerged in history. A part of history that has already attracted me since my early childhood. So what I actually wanted to say is: keep up the good work and I"m looking forward to The Pale Horseman. P.s. I was thinking about writing a paper about the transition from paganism to early Christianity in Northern Europe. Maybe you have some suggestions on further reading on this subject? Cheers, Dennis

Dear Mr Cornwell - I loved The Last Kingdom and cannot wait until the Pale Horseman is published. I will definetely be at one of your London book signings, a real shame you are not doing a talk at either of them. I particularly liked the parts of the book set in the north east of England - I often visit Lindisfarne as my family are from up there. I just had a couple of questions. 1) was the Bamburgh Castle of the 9th century a substantial building or was it very small in comparison to todays huge building? 2) a really small point but in the book it said that Uhtred gallops along the sea to Bamburgh Castle after the sacking of Lindisfarne and the sea was crashing on his right hand side. Would it not be on his left left hand side? This may be a typo or did he set off from elsewhere? 3) Will you ever be going to Lindisfarne for more book research? All the best, Nick

I have read several books in your "Sharpe" series and just finished "The Last Kingdom" which I enjoyed very much. After reading your disclaimer on this web-site I'm disappointed that you are not going to provide me an agent and publisher. I suppose I can also forget about a birthday present. Naturally, I am looking for all three. A number of agents have stated that historical fiction is difficult to sell. Has this been your experience? I have been attempting to find marketing data on recently published historical fiction. Un fortunately historical fiction is not a literary class like mystery, science fiction or romance. Any suggestions of where to even look? I'm looking forward to the sequel to The Last Kingdom. Ward Harris

I'm a massive fan and have read almost all your books. I went to Normandy recently and it struck me that you could write a brilliant book about the Battle of Hastings/the year 1066. Its got everything! Its very well known about (though few specific details so you could get away with a few 'tweaks'), got TWO battles, and has some great historic figures that you could bring to life.(Harald Hardrada comes to mind). Plus you could write from the English, Dane or Norman perspective. (or all of them!) Please consider it as a possible future idea. Max Samson P.S. I promise I won't sue you if you use it, but please reply because if you don't I might.
Max Samsom

I have just started to read the Sharpe series of books and started with Sharpe's Rifles, as it was the first book in the TV series. I would like to continue reading the series but am confused as to what order I should read them in? I can't decide as to whether I should go back in time to read the books in the order they were written, or read them in the chronological order? Apologies if this has already been answered before! Thanks and keep up the good work! Simon

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

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

I enjoy your books very much, especially the Sharpe series. How would you describe the type of sword that Sharpe is given by the wounded officer in Sharpe's Rifles? I recently started watching the video series and I haven't seen another weapon like that one. Thanks again for the great stories. Leon Schnabel

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I met you shortly after you published Rebel (in Boca Raton, FL). I've read and listened to (via Audible.com and my iPod) the Starbuck Chronicles. I'm disappointed that the Chronicles end with the Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg if you're a Rebel). When, if ever, are the adventures of Nate Starbuck to continue? Respectfully, JEJ

Dear Mr Cornwell Am 71 years old - would love to see the next book in the Starbuck Chronicles. There are many of us looking for another book - we have waited so long. Kenneth Crawford

In doing my genealogy I have found I have a strong interest in the Civil War. Your Starbuck Chronicles were wonderful. I like your style of writing and the historical facts you weave into the story. The 4th book was published on 1996. Will there be more in the series? Thanks for your response. Jan Bechtel

Hello. Is there any chance of Starbuck making a comeback? Neil Brockie

I was just reading through the FAQ page and heard that a new film was going to be made. I was just wondering will Sean Bean still play Sharpe? Paul Hartley