Your Questions

Bernard, thanks for the great Arthur trilogy, I'm into book 2 now. it was recommended by a friend as a suggestion to fill the void after Lord of The Rings for the 'n'th time. They do this very well. I just wanted to suggest that you or your lawyers look at the recent Arthur movie as I think they may have 'borrowed' some of your ideas although the arthur story is not a single source I just wondered where they came up with the black warrior?!? Thanks again. Iain Black

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have read all the the Sharpe books as well as Rebel and Copperhead, I just am curious is the sword Colonel Lassan carries in Copperhead the same as Sharpe uses to hack his way through Spain? It was a great touch to see Lassan in Starbuck! Joshua Frost

Mr. Cornwell, Some historical novelist writers, when creating a character and time frame , choose to take their character through history chronological .When you started writing about Richard Sharpe in 1980, you started him in Spain and in later books took him back into India and then again back to Spain. Was this by design or when the Sharpe books grew popular, did you then start to fill in his army life. Also do you feel, as a writer, that this method of jumping in and out of different time periods with Sharpe is more challegning or just your style. I have always enjoy reading historical novels with military based chaeacters. Are you familiar with the American West series by the late Terry c. Johnston and his character Seanmus Donegan? Lastly, what historical novelist inspired you to become a writer and have you read any of C. Holland books. She is the only writer I've read who "kills' off her heroes in her books. Thank you. Jeff Juri

Mr. Cornwell, First of all, please, forgive my poor english. My name is Guilherme Valente and I am Brazillian who is absolutely fascinated by your triology about Arthur. Stories about that mysterious hero of Britain have always interested me, however, I didn't have a strong idea about Arthur before reading your books. They changed my mind. Though, I just can't understand why until today your books about Arthour haven't became movies. Mr. Cornwell, I'd also like to ask you if you have already read any book by a Brazillian writer or if you know something about the history of my country. Thank you, Guilherme Valente

I have just finished reading Sharpe's Tiger and in view of what Hakeskill did in betraying Lawford and Sharpe why on earth is he allowed to return to the ranks afterwards? As a former military officer, I would have brought charges against him had I been Lawford. This is especially pertinent given what happens later....all of it could have been prevented. Rosalee Adams

Dear Bernard, In regard to the next Sharpe book which will be set around Barrossa will Sharpe finally find out about Pumphery's murder of Astrid? That plot is still kind of left hanging. Also in regards to deciding whether to get Sharpe to Albuera please please get Sharpe there. It was the most vicious battle in the peninsular war and much more evenly balanced battle than say Buscao which seemed rather one sided. It was a real fight and would be a tragedy if Sharpe does not get there. Also do you know of any books specifically on the 95ths role in the war of 1812? While they did brilliantly against the French I always wondered how they fared against other riflemen. And the US unlike the french had riflemen????? btw I disagree with you on one point when you remarked about the French unlike toast being poor soldiers. I also think any British soldier who fought and lost at battles like Stienkirk/Nerjwindenn (Very bad spelling)/Fontenoy/Ticondroga or even at Burgos in 1812 (Under Wellington) or even the near run things like Malpaquet or Albuera/Waterloo would not say that either. All the best p.s Personnally I hope Sharpes at the up hill convent attack. He has nabbed enough Eagles in his time arleady. Geraint

Hi again Mr. Cornwell. Here's another "What if?" question: If Sharpe had lived during the English Civil War, would he have been a Royalist or a Roundhead? What branch of service would he have served in, musketeer, pikeman, dragoon, or artillery? Would he have been able to rise through the ranks back then as he did? Could he have had the same type of relationship with Cromwell or Prince Rupert as he had with Wellington? Alan Kempner

I read a book called '1812 a novel' by David Nevin and was quite overcome with bewilderment as I read about the Battle of Platsburg (New York) on 11 Sept 1814 on Lake Champlain and the town of Platsburg. This battle was very important to both American and British interests as the British were trying to seperate New England from the rest of America, as Britain enjoyed a lot of friendship from that part of the States, and America knew it MUST stop this Invasion here or lose either New England if not the War. The preparation and execution of this Battle are what I find so fascinating, not giving away the particulars of this Battle, to anyone interested in it, I will say that it was very hard fought on both sides and ended up pivoting on the result of the two Navies fighting it out in Platsburg Bay where the British Navy finally starting to silence more American guns than British guns being silenced, the American Captain (the Lt. who led American Marines across Lybian desert to defeat Barbary Pirates in Tripoli), pulled a trick on the British Navy stealing victory from a sure defeat. I was wondering if you may want to write a book on this battle using say Captain Fredrickson as a main character, as I recall he left Sharpes' company the summer of 1814? If you read up on this battle, I believe you will agree it deserves retelling, as I only vaguely remember my American History books in school mentioning that America won the battle. I imagine you get a lot of readers asking you to write about A LOT of battles, but this one is so differnt as it has a surprise ending to it. Once again,..thank you for your time and I really do appreciate EVERY one of your books. Sincerely Yours Jim Cork

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I've noticed in the books I've read:A crowning Mercy, Arthur books, Stonehenge, The Grail guest books: there is always a male character who is very appealing (I really loved Toby in A Crowning Mercy the best) but all the main male characters in these books had something about them that a woman would love. Would you consider adding more love and lust to future books for those of us who really enjoy your writing style and historical detail but would love to know more about the romantic side to these characters? JH

I am sure someone as already asked you this but I can not seem to find the answer on your website. Aproximately how many books will you be writing about Uhtred? Thank you, Michael Jones