Your Questions

Q

Hi Mr Cornwell, my name is Marcos, I´m 28 yrs old and I´m from Brazil. I have to say that your books are an amazing experience to me. The Arthur Trilogy is pure perfection... I tried to read other books about Arthur after the trilogy (as Alan Massie´s) and I just can´t finish them cause I miss Derfel or think they´re too shallow compared to your books. Congratulations, I always loved Arthur legends and you made the most amazing books about it. I have some silly questions about this trilogy: 1. About Nimue... what do you think that happened to her after the last battle ? I can´t imagine other ending for her than trying to find Excalibur in the ocean for the rest of her days. She dies trying and got back to Manawydan. But how about the creator. 2. Why you decided to create a Lancelot so different for the ordinary version ? It was a huge surprised to me when I read it. Any particular option for this or you decided to put Derfel in his "hero" place. 3. Have you seen "King Arthur" movie ? Did you like it ? Let´s face it... that Bors from the movie is a obviously copy of your Culhwch. 4. Have you ever considered taking the Arthur trilogy to the big screen ? Any fave actor for playing Derfel ? 5. Your books are a huge success in Brazil. Do you have any plans to visit us someday ? 6. In Artur trilogy, the christianity was starting to spread it´s tentacles in Britain. But it didn´t started earlier, when Roman Empire took the island ? Mr Cornwell, thanks for your books... they were a very special moment in my life. I have a 1 yr old daughter, and this books will definitely be the first ones she will read. All the best for you.

A

1. I've never really wondered what happened to Nimue. A nice question, but alas, not one I can answer!

2. I never particularly liked Lancelot - thought he was a bit of a bore...

3. Sorry, haven't seen the movie.

4. I'd love to see the books make it to the big screen, but I'm afraid it's too expensive and probably won't happen. I'll leave the casting to the experts if it does!

5. No plans for a visit to Brazil right now, but I do have a Brazilian sister-in-law and hopefully I'll get there one day.

6. Christianity did indeed come to Britain with the Romans, as did Mithraism and other religions, and when the Romans left Christianity stayed behind, but the incoming Saxons were pagans - and they drove the Christian Britons to the margins of the country. Undoubtedly some Britons were also pagans, so Christianity had a struggle after the Romans left.


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell.I am reading your magnificent, entertaining Sharpe books. I first got hooked on Sharpe through the tv series and I am a great fan. I am currently reading the last few chapters of the third book, Sharpe`s Fortress. While shopping in WH Smiths for the next book, I found that the other Sharpe books are in the US version. I would like to keep the UK version so to your knowledge have the publishers changed the cover? is there a difference in the book at all? Secondly, I have read that you have included other Sharpe stories that fit between the chronological order in the book. Are these books a follow on to the next book, or are they cleverly "slotted" in so are not needed to be read to follow the story line? Thirdly, (sorry to go on!) you say that you dont have any spare copies of Sharpe`s Company or Sharpe`s Sword. Are they hard to come by or is there another reason? Thank you for having the time to read my questions, and I look forward to your reply. I wish you well, yours Sean Hyder

A

The UK publisher changed the covers to the Sharpe series with the release of Sharpe's Escape and the US covers always differ from the UK covers - but the books are the same inside. The books could certainly be read in any order you choose, but I usually do recommend people new to the series might like to read them in chronological order (click on the link for the Sharpe books to find a complete list of the books in the correct chronological order). First edition hardback copies of some of the early Sharpe books (such as Sharpe's Sword) can be hard to find as relatively few were printed (probably because the publishers didn't think they would sell).


Q

Hello again Mr Cornwell. Having been an avid follower of Sharpe since finding Eagle in 1996 I have more recently taken to reading factual histories of the same era. The history degree that I studied for rarely allowed me to enjoy military events so it is now fantastic to read the gory details. I previousely asked your advice on writing a factual book of the Napoleonic era, I very much appreciate your response, but I did wonder if you had an opinion on why Wellington has never really made it onto the silver screen? Surely the great man's life would make for a fantastic film, although perhaps the British version rather than Hollywood. Matt Patrick .Belfast.

A

Probably too expensive, and too limited in its appeal - wouldn't go over well in France, would it? I suspect the expense is the main reason. He does appear in Waterloo, of course, and we'll probably have to be content with that.


Q

Love so many of your books. Enjoy learning something new (miliyary tactics) in such an exciting atmosphere. Am going to London soon (9/24/05) and plan to see the Tippo's tiger. Is the Eagle in London, too? Claire Neumann

A

There are several eagles - I think (I'm not 100% sure) that the one in London is in the National Army Museum in Chelsea - which is well worth a visit even if it's eagle-free!


Q

Are you any relation to the author David John Moore Cornwell, better known by his pen name of John Le Carre? What do you think of his books? Jonathan

A

Not that I know of . . . nor of Patricia Cornwell, nor of John Cornwell. Lots of Cornwell writers . . . I suppose it's possible we're all distantly related, but if so, I don't know how. And I am a huge admirer of John le Carre.


Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell. First of all I would like to say I am a huge fan of your. You are a marvelous story teller, I am particularly fond of you books on Arthur. They are great books. Well Mr. Cornwell I was wondering if you had thought of trying to get "The Winter King" and company made into major motion pictures? My father and I believe, with the right director and some decent actors, they could be hugely successful films. I have actually been going through the list of characters and matching actors that may fit that nitch. Well Mr. Cornwell...I was just wondering if you had thought of doing this or if was a possability in the future? Keegan Butters

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I've read most of the frequently asked questions on your web site. I noticed a couple that broached the subject of your Authur trilogy being made into a movie. Your answers were very brief and negative on the subject. I've read many of your books and am particulary impressed with the Authur books. In my opinion, they are the best Authur stories that I've ever read or heard of. I cannot begin to describe to you how good I thought they were. After I read them I began thinking about JRR Tolkein and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Peter Jackson took Tolkein's trilogy and turned it into a cinematic master piece. I think that he could do this with your Authur trilogy. Have you really considered this? I hope you will. Scott Young

A

I'd be happy to consider it. The question is, will Mr. Jackson....?


Q

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

A

I do hope to get back to Starbuck one day, but it won't be this year (and probably not next).


Q

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

A

Yes!


Q

Was there ever really such an occurrence as Wellington being rescued in India? I know that he defeated the Indians with 7000 men and 40 cannon, but I'd never heard of him being saved. Of course he probably wouldn't have wanted it to become public, if it was an actual event.
Morgan Dunn

A

The rescue was made up - but not the event which precipitated it - which was Wellesley (as he then was) being unhorsed in the enemy lines at Assaye. It was probably the closest he came to death in all his long military career - and he never spoke about it as far as we know, so we don't really know what happened.


Q

Have you ever considered writing a novel on the nineteen century four way conflict? It was between the USA , Russian Empire, Mexican and British Empire over Alaska, British Columbia, California, Oregon and the Puget Sound Region. It was secretive, bloody and mentioned by Jack London in "The Sea Wolves". Fritz Ruben

A

I've never considered it. Sorry. Sounds too complicated for me, but who knows? Never say never.