Your Questions

Q

I just re-read C.S. Foresters "Rifleman Dodd" and I was wondering just how much this book influenced you to write the Sharpe books and will Dodd return in other Sharpe books. I know he made it back to his company. (Captain Forthingham's Company). Jim Bundstein

I've read and enjoyed many of your books, especially the Sharpe series. A question: In "Sharpe's Escape", what happened to Corporal Matthew Dodd at Bussaco? On page 112, "Sharpe reckoned Dodd would rejoin later", but I must have missed his reappearance. Any clarification would be appreciated. My wife and I really enjoyed your visit a couple of years ago to the Vancouver library. I love historical fiction, so thanks for all the great writing! John

Submitted September 7, 2004

A

I think Dodd has probably vanished from Sharpe's life - but I'm glad you made the connection.

Q

Hello Bernard. After reading every Sharpe book, over the course of the last ten years. I was wondering if you had any more plans for Sharpe and Harper, taking place after their trip to South America in Sharpes Devil. Keep up the good work. Carl Bennett

Submitted September 7, 2004

A

Nothing after that, but plenty before it.

Q

DEAR MR. CORNWELL, I AM A BIG FAN OF ALL OF YOUR NOVELS, ESPECIALLY THE WINTER KING SERIES. YOU HAVE SAID THAT A FILM VERSION IS NOT POSSIBLE DUE TO EXPENSE; HOWEVER I WAS WONDERING IF YOU WOULD CONSIDER MAKING AN ANIMATED VERSION OF THE TALES? SINCERELY, GLENN EDMONDS MONROE, NY

Submitted September 7, 2004

A

I suspect that to do it properly would be just as expensive as a non-animated film! It would be nice either way, but Hollywood has such a talent for getting Arthur wrong that it's probably best for it not to happen.

Q

Dear Bernard, I'm an Italian girl so excuse me for my Enghish! I read your Warlord books and I simply loved them!! I expecially like Galahad, so I'd like to ask you (1) if he really exsisted. Surfin'on the net, I read he was a natural son of Lancelot. Son of Lancelot?? (2)Is it true? Anyway, I want to tell you that your books became my legend, the King Arthur's story I love more. I read "Harlequin" an "Vagabond" too. I noticed that Galahad's girl is called Leanor, Thomas' one Eleanor. (3) Is it a special name for you or you just like it? and, at the end, do you expecially like one of the characters of the Warlord's? A big thank for everything, Bernard. hugs from Italy- Anna A.

Submitted September 7, 2004

A

Your English is a lot better than my Italian! Did Galahad exist? I doubt it - I think he is an idealised portrait of a knight and yes, he is often depicted as Lancelot's son, but the stories can be changed, and are changed, and I preferred it otherwise. Eleanor? Leonora? I think I just like the name! And do I have a special affection for any of the characters? Yes, Ceinwyn. Hugs from Cape Cod!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Re: the Sharpe Series. I am no expert but I recall that the Claymore was a two handed broad sword carried over the shoulder by Highlanders. The Basket hilt one handed double edge sword carried in the 18th and early 19th century was called the "Claithbeg" (Claybeg) or something like that. Am I worng? Thank you for all your work. It is positively brilliant and I hope HM the Queen recognizes you for all you have done for Britain. John Lapin

Mr, Cornwell, In your research for the Sharpe series did you have an opportunity to fire a "Brown Bess" musket, either replica or original? Did you also try an early flintlock rifle musket? If you have not, one would never know from reading your books. I was just curious. John Lapin

Submitted September 7, 2004

A

I'm not an expert either . . . but according to the OED the claymore was 'the two edged broadsword of the ancient Scottish Highlanders. Also (inexactly, but very commonly) the basket hilted broadsword introduced in 16th C, which was frequently single edged'. The entry (Vol III, p. 291) then goes on to say 'The Claymore was not, except in extraordinary instances, two-handed.' So it seems to me you can take your choice!

I've fired both a Brown Bess and a Baker Rifle - the offputting thing, of course, being the slight lapse between the flint falling and the discharge - most unusual if you're used to a modern firearm.

Q

Thank you for the Sharpe and Grail books I have enjoyed them, both as a great story and the historical aspects. (Have used you as a reference in mIlitarty classes) My question is about obtaining the UK version of your books. Are they available in Canada? Thank you Keep up the great work. Stan Brown

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

Yes, the UK edition of my books is available in Canada (and can also be ordered from Amazon.ca).

Q

Yeah dude... Congrats on the books, real cool... Shame that they have to dump so much for the TV Series.. I reckon Sean Bean makes a pretty cool Sharpe, eh? You would think the guy would dyed his hair black though, huh... Heh, heh... I wonder how many people even noticed that one? Enough of all that, Here's the deal: Harper's got kids to that girl he picked up in Badajoz right? It's two kids ain't it? What are their names? I think you mentioned it in Sharpe's Fortress, but I don't really recall... Anyway, it's been buggin me... Help a fella out, eh? Later dude, keep writing eh? Titus Kisari

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

I don't remember him having two children, but he certainly had one, who was named Richard Patricio Augustine Harper. I don't think it's mentioned in Sharpe's Fortress - I think maybe it was in Sharpe's Siege? Can't remember for sure.

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I notice on the DIARY page that you are apperaing at 2 venues in London on Tuesday Oct 5th. Will this be part of a larger signing/lecture tour of the UK for 'The Last Kingdom'? If so, any chance you will be in Birmingham this time? I know it's rather selfish of me as you were in Brum for 'Sharpes Escape' last April, but hope you can fit us in! Kind regards Mike Woffinden

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

No, there will not be a large book tour for the UK release of The Last Kingdom.

Q

Hello again, read Sharpe's Trafalgar and mighty good it was too (much better than Paddy O'Brien's stuff which is tedious-good film though!!) I would just like to ask some questions 1 Would you ever consider doing a book (or series) featuring Patrick Lassan in the Crimea? ( on that note, have you ever read Garry Kilworths ecellent "Crossman" books about it) 2 Do you know of any good American Civil War fiction from the Union perpective? ( I'm enjoying Starbuck, but find it hard to sympathise with slave owners and suchlike) 3Will there be more Sharpe books in India? 4 Will Hakeswill ever appear in anpother peninsular book, beetween Company and Enemy? (perhaps in the French army, or-God help his men- an officer in the Portuguese) 5 What do you know on the Portuguese practce of promoting British sergeants and how would a british sergeant get promoted? Where would he go? etc 6 Which Irish regiment had the nickname faugh a ballagh? ( forgive the spelling but I go to a protestant school so I don't speak gaelic) Well thanks for your time and keep up the good work yours, Mickey O'Donohoe

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

A Patrick Lassan book is not in my plans.

Red Badge of Courage?

More Sharpe books in India? Probably not. Hakeswill? We'll have to see

When the Portuguese army placed itself under British command it was decided that, among many other things, it needed a far more professional officer corps, and so British sergeants and officers were offered a promotion if they went into Portuguese service. Simple as that. the advantage was that the Portuguese learned British tactics and worked to British words of command, which made it much easier to integrate them into Wellington's brigades. It was a bold experiment, and might have caused some resentment, but it worked extraordinarily well and, within a year or two, Wellington reckoned his Portuguese battalions were every bit as good as his British.

The Irish regiment? I haven't a clue! Sorry.

Q

Hi Mr.Cornwell I'm a big fan of the sharpe seriers I've read them all and all the Starbuck books and love them although I am a bit apprehensive of the Arthur and grail book. I have two Sharpe related questions for you, 1: What happens to Tom Garrard after he becomes an officer in the Portuegese army? and Will Sharpe ever get his revenge on Capt. Morris? and please write about Starbuck soon, please. Rory Blundell

Greetings - Did I miss something? Sharpe eventually exacted retribution for the flogging on Hakeswill, but what about Captain Morris? Did that drunken bastard ever get his repayment? Bob Beal

Submitted August 31, 2004

A

I think Garrard dies, doesn't he? I know I ought to know, but I can't remember everything I wrote! And Sharpe's revenge on Morris is in the Pending file.