Your Questions

Q

Gidday Mr. Cornwell. I'm a big fan of your Sharpe Books, and can say they are the most I have ever enjoyed reading a novel. I was wondering, in Sharpe's Regiment, when the 2nd battalion from Foulness RSM Harper was teaching the men to sing "the Drummer Boy" I was wondering where I could find the lyrics for this song? Thank you much for your time. Brad

A

I'm pretty certain I made the title up - I do that, I'm afraid.


Q

Just finished reading The Last Kingdom, once again you've provided me with an excellent book, but once again I have to drool while I wait for the next one. When is it due? Stuart Kennedy

A

The second book will be published in the UK in October 2005.


Q

Hello Mr Cornwell. I have written to you once or twice before, but a long time ago now! Since then I have enjoyed many adventures with Sharpe and have recently finished reading your latest gem "The Last Kingdom". I have to say you had me hooked from page one! I have a couple questions if you don't mind? This book has left me with one burning desire... to have my own hand crafted sword! I have shopped around on the net but they all seem to be mass produced. I want my own personal blade just like Uhtred! Do you know of any blacksmith's in England that offer such a service? And also, a slightly unrelated question, I wondered if you have ever been to a battle reenactment of any kind before? (I'd like to see a shield wall!) If so did it help in your endeavours of writing battle scenes? I look forward to your response and as ever to your next book. Many thanks and kind regards. Richard Akers

A

I don't know of a sword-maker, but if you do your search under the title 'pattern-welding' you might find one - 'Pattern Welding' is the modern name for the technique, and I'm 100% certain that someone, somewhere does it, and I suspect Googling it might help. I've only ever seen Napoleonic and America Civil war re-enactors, never a shield wall.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just recently acquired "Fallen Angels" and heard it is a part of a series, is that true? If so, which other books are in the series? (I've been searching, but have been unsucessful.) Do any of the other novels feature Lady Campion and Gitan? I really enjoyed this book, I mean, I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed this book. It was fabulous. Thank you for writing it. And, thank you for taking the time to read my questions and answer them, I really appreciate it. Do you have any plans on extending the book into a series (if you haven't already done so)? I understand that you are likely very busy with other commitments at present, however, I hope the story continues because I thought it was wonderful and I enjoyed it very much. There is only one other book I have found that I've liked as much as yours, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, have you read it? I really enjoy historical fiction, obviously with elements of history, but without too much intense fighting. I also enjoyed the way in which your charicters interacted with one another, they were very believable and intensely human. Please know that my praise is sincere, you did a wonderful job. I also read that you and your wife woked collaboratively on The Fallen Angels, is this true? If it is, please give her my regards - all I can say is, I hope you're having a wonderful day! Thanks again! -Ashley

A

It is not part of a series, although some of the same characters are in A Crowning Mercy. I'm glad to know you enjoyed the book. Thanks for your messages!


Q

Did you ever acknowlege in any book the daughter that Sharpe had...or was this just for television? Mary

A

Sharpe's daughter, Antonia, is in several Sharpe books - I believe she is first mentioned in Sharpe's Company.


Q

I'm pretty upset that The Last Kingdom won't be in the US until January. I always like to put a Cornwell book on my Christmas list and enjoy reading it over the holidays. Any reason why this one didn't come out in October as it did in Britain? Bob Masone

A

A decision by the US publisher. Why? I don't know, but publishers work in mysterious ways their wonders to perform.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I must ashamedly confess that, until this past week, I had never read any of your work. I am a lover of historical novels, mainly of the American Revolution and Civil War, and I had never read anything of the time period in your Grail Quest series. Now I am hooked! I bought and read all 3 books this last week and I must say I am disappointed at what I've been missing. I will start "A Crowning Mercy" tomorrow! I also bought some Sharpe novel to take on my cruise next week. But to get to the point I wanted to ask you if you would mind recommending other works of fiction about the quest for the Holy Grail. Thank You very much for your time and thank you for writing such great books! Sincerely Keith Woods Ohio, The USA

A

I generally don't read other works of historical fiction - but I'm sure you will find some great recommendations on the Reading Club page of this website.


Q

I would really enjoy reading some more of the life of Nicholas Sandman. Enjoyed Killer's Wake but want to find out what happened to Nicholas. Thanks for the enjoyable hours of reading. Regards, Dave

A

I imagine he lived happily ever after - probably still out there, sailing somewhere.


Q

Mr Cornwell, I am a great fan of your work and last year I started writing my first Novel. It's a medievil epic but I had to stop and make some major changes when I read Harlequin and Vagabond because there were some notable similarities. Then I read Heretic and gave up trying to write the damn thing because many of the changes I made (or things I had not needed to change) then suddenly cropped up in Heretic. If I ever finish it and have it published I thought I'd warn you that similarities are purely coincidental. So please don't sue me. Alisdair McGregor PS Is Captain Sandman ever going to appear again, or is Thomas of Hockton going to return as an archer leader (maybe a litte older fighting at Poitiers)? Alisdair McGregor

Love your books. Any news on a new Grail Quest book coming out..... Thanks again!! Oliver Spencer

Hello Bernard. I have really enjoyed your Grail Quest series and was wandering if there were any more to come after Heretic, I really hope there is. Many Thanks and best wishes Love Jo xxx

hello I just wanted to ask when you're going to come out with a new grail quest book??. and to tell you that I just got done with Winter King and it was great!!!. It was so much better than Once and Future King that I'm going out to buy the next one as soon as I can!. thanks again, James

A

No more Grail Quest books - the story is done. Although there might be another book featuring Thomas of Hookton sometime in the future (no promises!). Another adventure for Captain Sandman is also a possibility.


Q

Will Sharpe ever meet Hornblower and have an adventure together? Luis Lantieri

A

It's not likely - it would prove to be a copyright nightmare.