Your Questions

Sir, I have been a great fan of yours since I found Sharpe's Gold on a sale table back in 1983. I have marched with Sharpe, Starbuck, Derval, Sir Thomas and the rest repeatedly over the years. Like many others, I am disappointed that your version of the Arthurian tales has not gone to film. In truth, I suspect it would take a Lord of the Rings effort to do it justice. Now, if only I could find Peter Jackson's address... My qustion is this. Can you tell me the origin of the name Seren? Is it Welch? My wife and I thought it was beautiful, and it was the name we gave our 4 year old daughter. Keep up the great work! I devour your books, and always wait impatiently for your next one! Thanks, Chuck Wohlrab

First of all I must say how much i enjoy reading your books, all the ones I have read so far are simply great. I recently completed Sharpe's regiment and was wondering about something you stated in the historical note at the end. You wrote "It is best to keep a politic silence about Foulness. It was not a secret military camp in 1813, it is today." I did a little research and found that today there is a town of about 200 people and an artillery range on the island, and that passes are needed to get on to the island. I also read something where it was mentioned about underground tests taking place there. I was wondering if you could tell me what is so secret about the Foulness artillery range, and why it is so secret. Thankyou very much for your time, and especially your wonderful books. -John Kachelmeyer P.S. My apologies for the length of this email, but I must satisfy my curiosity.

Dear Sir, I noticed a qutoe on several of the Sharpe books: "Consistently exciting ... These are wonderful novels."- Stephen King. As I eagerly await for 21 September I was wondering: are you, too, a Dark Tower junkie? Thanks. Tom

Hi Bernard, I was just reading through your questions and noticed mention of a possible new TV series based around Tiger and Fortress. I think this would be great as these were my favourite books... I know you can't say anything even if you knew... but do you think Sean Bean would be the lead, I really don't think anyone else could play Sharpe. Do you think Sean Bean could pull off playing a younger Sharpe(i personally think he could) and if they decided to replace him, do you think this would be a negative on the show? This would be true of all the characters I think as they were perfect choices, especially Pete Postlethwaite as Obediah. One more thing, any thoughts about re-working these books so that Patrick can be part of this, I think Sharpe without Patrick is like M&M's without the candy coating :-) Also can you say what is in the works for the future? Thanks for the hours of enjoyment Rick Hill

Dear Mr. Cornwell What I first read of your production was the Warlord trilogy, and it captivated me from the very first page. Later I read - and reread - the entire Sharpe series and the Grail Quest and Stonehenge. I must ask you: You stress the fact that Ælle is Angel and in Sharpes`Prey you describe Copenhagen very positive. Do you have a certain fondnes for us Danes ? Preben Christensen

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

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I love your books, especially the Sharpe series. Thank you for providing so many entertaining hours of reading for me. You and Cecelia Holland are my favorite authors. Do you know Cecelia Holland? Have you ever thought about co-authoring a book? Again, thank you. Sincerely, Bob Christenson

Dear Bernard Please let me first congratulate you on winning the award. You undoubtedly deserve it. In regards to Omans work thank you for the reccomendation, sadly only the first two volumes have been reprinted so far and so I will have to wait for the rest. I have a query in regards to the Flanders campaign I heard that there was another one in 1799 with the Russians as well as Wellingtons 1793 campaign. But cannot find any info on it what so ever and I was writing to you to ask if you could help and whether you know of any good books on either of the campaigns?? did we have better luck the second time round????? And in return since other poster mentioned Irish history I can reccomend Padraig Lenhians recent and excellent book on the battle of the Boyne and having the courage to wade into what is admittedly a bit of a minefield?????? Also will you ever wite any more books set during the American revolution from the British perspective which has been sadly lacking in literature from a fictional point of view and have you ever consdiered writing about Simcoe and the campaigns of the Queens Rangers which had a similar reputation as the 95th of later years. Simcoes history of the Partisan Corps while very hard (and expensive) to get is still worth a read. As well as Boatners huge Encyclopedia of the American Revolution and Fortescue's history of the British army in America I can all reccomend. Finally in regards to Sharpe while it was great news that Dulong survived I was wondering if you ever thought of bringing him back say to Burgos or one of the French victories on the East Coast since as you said in Havoc it seemed unfair that he got beaten by Sharpe in a fictional village it seems only fair that the favour is returned. Also in regards to Albuera its kind of strange that the British were the goddams yet Soult was also the Duke of Damnation. Its also hard not to feel kind of sorry for him since his Albuera plan if it had worked it would have undoubtedly been one of the finest victories of the war and would have done except for that astohnishing infantry. It would be a literary crime if Sharpe were to miss that fight. Anyway congrats again on winning the award.
Geraint

Dear Bernard, having read the majority of your historical novels I thought I would give your thrillers a go. As always I was pleasently surprised and thought 'Scoundrel' and 'Sea Lord' were very good reads. Just wondered if John Rossendale will make any more appearances as he inspired the sea-gypsy in me! Also Paul Shanahan would make a great rifleman, what do you think? Many thanks, Danny

Dear Bernard, I am very excited about the Fallen Angels (due out next week) and the Last Kingdom. However, I was hoping that the latter will be out at the beginning of October (when you will be doing book signings) whereas Amazon and Ottakers have the publishing date as the 1st of December - I can't wait that long!!! - could you confirm when it will be out? I hope you will be doing more talks and book signings around the country. Best wishes and success, Berj

Mr Cornwell, Just writing to say that I am currently enjoying the second of the American Civil War Series. For some reason I was a bit wary of reading a series based on the Confederate side of things but I can see why you chose that side - many shades of grey. Just one question really: It says here that the Last Kingdom is to come out in October but on Amazon.co.uk, it says it is out in December 1st. Which is right? Thanks for the excellent reading, Lewis