Your Questions

Q

Bernard, I cannot claim to have read all of your books but I have read 75/80%. The Sharpe series and all of the trilogies are truly brilliant but my favourites are the single novels such as Gallows Thief, Stormchild and in particular A Crowning Mercy and Fallen Angels. The two 'Lazen' books are two of the best books I have ever ridden. I wondered where you put them in your own personal list? Are they up there with your favourites? I know you are currently working on the 'Alfred' series at the moment but do you plan to write any more thrillers or 'single' novels in the future or do you see all your future plans in three parters or more. One last question - you receive a lot of praise, compliments and good wishes via this site. Do you read them with pride or has there been that many that you have grown immune to it all by now. Thankyou, Barry Evans, Kirk Sandall, England

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

I don't know - they're sort of midlist with me, I think, not that I think about it much.

I'm not sure about any more thrillers, though it might happen, but I am planning some more single novels - all of them historical.

I read them with utter trepidation, hoping they're true, but fearing that, as Wellington said when he stopped some men cheering him, that cheers can so easily turn to jeers.

Q

RE: The Archer's Tale -During the battle of La Rouche Derrien, history records Charles de Blois was captured there. Q. You have him a few weeks later in Rennes, raping 'Jeanette' & not captured in La Rouche Derrien... Did I not read it right & miss something? I only ask because in the 'historical notes' section this was not mentioned & I am unforgivingly curious. Thanks, Louise

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

There were two battles at La Roche Derrien! He was captured in the second one - not the one in Harlequin/The Archer's Tale.

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

Submitted August 26, 2005

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

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

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

Q

Bernard, I understand you are going on a book signing tour in October for the release of The Pale Horseman, please could you advise me of the dates and venues for the tour? Also will you be willing to sign other copies of your older books at these dates? All the very best from someone who enjoys all your books and waits eagerly for the next rendition. Regards, Russell Keeble

Submitted August 25, 2005

A

I will be on tour - and you can now find the complete itinerary on the Diary page of this website. I am happy to sign copies of other books, but I do ask that you wait at the end of the line if you have more than just a few books. Also, policy differs at different shops, so it's always best to check with the particular bookshop before bringing in a load of books.

Q

Dear Bernard In regard to your Stabuck novels will he ever go up against Grant in the Overland campaign ??? And after reading Chancelorsville by Stephen Sears and his take on Joe Hooker's role. I wondered what you thought. Was he ill served by poor subordinates or Did Hooker snatch defeat from the jaws of victory??? btw can I recommend Glory Enough for All by Eric Wittemberg about the battle of Trevalian Station where hereto the invicilble Phil Sheridan who had killed Jeb Stuart and beat the Southern Cavalry several times met his match in Wade Hampton. A truly epic fight whose consqeuences argubly lengthed the war longer than it would have been. regards Geraint

Submitted August 23, 2005

A

I hope Starbuck survives that long . . . and I have to confess I haven't read Sears on Chancerlorsville, which I should, because he's a brilliant historian - I'd trust his verdict!

Q

Bernard, I loved "Scoundrel"! I enjoy all your books! My question: Is there or will there be a sequel to that book. The ending seems to set the reader up for a sequel. Thanks in advance, Thomas

Submitted August 23, 2005

A

Glad to know you enjoyed the book Thomas. No sequel is in the plans at the moment.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell After re-reading the entire Sharpe series yet again, I was wondering what ever happened to the long suffering Major Forrest of the South Essex? I cant seem to find any mention of his death/absence/departure or will this be covered in the future? Many thanks and keep up the good work. P.S I saw in an interview somwhere that you havent read Sharpes Eagle since it was published. The story still rattles along nicely and the book is one of my favourites! Hugh

Submitted August 23, 2005

A

I think it will be covered in the future . . .

Q

Dear Sir I have just this moment read on yahoo movies that another Sharpe is going to be filmed. Is this true and if so which book is it or is it a story specially made for TV? many thanks, Simon, a avid fan

Submitted August 23, 2005

A

Yes, it does seem to be true. Right now word is that filming will take place in India beginning this fall. The film, to be called 'Sharpe's Challenge', is an
original screenplay written for this project.

Q

Dear Bernard, You are in my thoughts again as I have embarked upon a third reading of the full series, well actually I started at Trafalgar this time because of the bicentenary and ...sort of decided to continue on to the bitter end! I have two questions. I won't bother to ask the setting of the next Sharpe novel. I did before and was given an unequivocal right about and quite right too! However I would like to know why you do not consider the Rolica & Vimiero campaign as suitable subject matter for a Sharpe novel? I wondered about this setting before and you said it definitely wasn't under consideration but a wonder why? It seems to me that the dawn of the peninsular war is the only period of that conflict so far not covered in the series. We know that Sharpe was there because he alludes to it at least once. It would fit snugly between Prey and Rifles and the bumblings of Sir Harry Burrard & Sir Hew Dalrymple (ah those wonderful names!) and the appalling convention of Cintra seem to have come straight from the pages of a novel. You would evicerate these two gentlemen and quite rightly so and the general situation seems to me to be crying out for a good Sharpe story. Anyway your comments would be appreciated by a humble fan. My second question relates to the forthcoming film, Sharpe's Challenge. I understand it isn't based on a book and is set in India. May I ask if it will feature as a book in the long term, and does it concern Richard Sharpe, post Waterloo? Pray tell me what you know! I am simply dying to see a Sharpe film which features big CGI assisted battle scenes and I have my finges crossed that the new production will feature this sort of thing although I have a nasty feeling it won't... I suppose it's all at early stages and you won't know but it doesn't hurt to ask does it! Your humble servant Rob Comber

Submitted August 23, 2005

A

I think it's an extremely suitable campaign for a Sharpe novel! It's just that I don't want to go back yet again - it's awkward enough slotting a second series over the first without doing it a third time - but never say never. It might happen . . . .