Your Questions

I continue to enjoy all of your books especially the Sharpe series. One of your readers asked about Americans who served in the Napoleonic wars. I just learned from Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton that one of his sons served under Lord Wellington. He then returned to the United States and onto another career. In many ways Sharpe would have liked Alexander Hamilton who also came from illegitimate birth, was a brave soldier, rose in the ranks through competence, had his share of scandals, and created resentment as he rose in rank. Sharpe however, would have survived a duel with Aaron Burr and not have wasted his shot. Howard Zlotnick

Hello again, Mr. Cornwell. You are perhaps aware of the literary genre of "alternate history?" This is where an author chooses a significant historical event and asks "how would history have changed if this one event happened differently?" The author then writes a ficticious history of the subsequent events. Newt Gengrich has just completed a trilogy on the second half of the American Civil War and how it would have turned out differently if Lee had won at Gettysburg. I think you would be great at an alternate history novel. You should ask "What would have happened if Napoleon had succeeded in invading England in 1805?" Could the English have stopped the Grande Armee on their home turf? Please think about this one. Maybe some day? Alan Kempner

Dear Bernard Thank you for Sharpe series. I journalist friend gave me "Rifles"in May, and I've managed to read through most of the books. I found the India books, in particular, a rich period read. Pennisula campaign aside, curious why you never took Sharpe through Southern Spain or North Africa? I was hoping the area's Islamic and Jewish past might produce a couple more Sharpe books. Perhaps another Cornwell series around the 900 AD.? Best DW

I just finished the three Derfel books and I just loved them, my boyfriend even named his new kitten Derfel. I was just wondering, all through the three books the different Pagan Gods, Goddess, Rituals and sometimes Lamets - I want to know more about all the pagan things, and I'm just wondering were there any websites that were really good that you went to, or any books you read that were really informational? I just want to learn more, thank you Sarah

I have just finished The Bloody Ground..last in the Starbuck Chronicles. Is this really the last book? So much was left unanswered. I have recently visited Gettysburg. Your series made my visit so much richer... almost sacred. Thank you for that. :-) Also, you did not sound unfriendly in your contact information here. These issues should be common sense..unfortunately, they are not. You are wise to state the issues up front to save yourself much time. I shall not take up any more of your time. Thank you. I enjoyed Starbuck Chronicles very much. Amy

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have just finished reading the Starbuck Chronicles and while I understand that these were probably not as popular as the Sharpe novels, I would like to know if you are going to finish the series. It is very unfair to leave Starbuck with so many more battles to fight. David McColl

I've read many of your books. Most recently Scoundrel. Not your best. What was your best work was the Starbuck Chronicles. So if the most frequently asked question is "when will we see more of Nathan Starbuck" what seem's to be the problem Mr. Cornwell? The hell with Sharpe! We've had enough of him. Dennis Kelly

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished the Warlord Chronicles so now I have read all of your books (that have come out). I was wondering when you are going to write another of the Starbuck books? Sam Peele

The Trafalgar 200 year anniversary has made me re-read Sharpes Trafalgar, and I think it is the best book you have ever written. Will you ever take Sharpe back to the sea or create a new sailor in Nelson's fleet? I hope so. James Trethowan

Hi, I'd just like to say that your one of my favorite authors and the Sharpe series keeps the fire of patriotism burning inside me. I don't suppose you could let me know if you're working on a Sharpe title as we speak? It's seems like eternity since the last one. Warmest regards Adrian (Peterborough, UK)

Mr. Cornwell, I came across Sharpe while in Cornwall with the US Navy. It was love at first read! (Of course, Wednesday ITV helped - or confused...) Paging through the archives, it seems that Rolica may be up in the air. OH NO, please, please, please follow through. Sharpe is more than just the battles for me. (Girls need character development, not just sweat and blood.) In Prey, Sharpe and Harper brushed by each other. There are hints that Hagman and Cooper were with him longer (Rifles and Waterloo).... I NEED MORE. What was Sharpe's intro to Green jackets like? How did he get from one battalion to the other? What is it that the characters remember from Rolica that they keep so quiet even amongst themselves? See - there is plenty to write about. I look forward to the next instalments. Now that I have found out Patrick Lassan continues on, I'll have to start in on Starbuck. Last question - any chance Killick (Siege) will show up anywhere? Kristin Rickard

Dear Bernard Cornwell, I have just finished reading Gallows Thief and an excellent read it is too!. A small question for you, in the book you mention a couple of times that a Rifle officer helps out Rider when Rider is reflecting on his past missions/battles. Would the Rifle officer be Sharpe?, or just any old Rifle officer?. Many thanks for the excellent read. Regards, Gary Barrowcliffe

Good Afternoon Mr Cornwell I have just finished reading the Sharpe and Grail quest series, both I equally enjoy, but must confess Dick Sharpe is a mean SOB. I was wondering if you had ever thought of a Naval character or series to write about? I know there as author's like C.S Forresters and Patrick O'brians books about but they aren't writing anymore. I am sure there would be a following for series like that. Many Thanks Marcus

Greetings Mr. Cornwell: I have read all the Sharpe's and have the DVD collection, will we ever be able to view-buy the Sharpes War 4 part collection here in the US? I hope you will consider having them Closed Captioned for those of us, Hearing Impaired. I am almost finished with "Winter King" and look forward to the other two of the Triolgy. Regards, Don Wishnow Philadelphia Pa.