Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I've collected quite a few of your stories and have just reread for probably the fifth time the Grail Quest series. I'm an avid reader of history, and have enjoyed your books because of that. Currently I'm reading the Black Prince and his Age by John Harvey. In the book, he states that Sir William Douglas was at King John II's side during and before the battle of Poiters September 19, 1356. Is this the same William Douglas whose nephew is portrayed in your grail series as Robbie Douglas? Just curious as to the connection. thanks, Cory

Submitted June 22, 2004

A

A different William Douglas - the one who was at Poitiers murdered the one in my books - for real - they were related, so this yet another close and loving family.

Q

Mr Cornwell,
I've followed the exploits of Sharpe (and now the Grail quest) since the early days and would like to thank you profusely for your work and your art - I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of them including the latest (Sharpe's Escape) which I've just finished. My question is that the French tactic of forming "battering ram" columns seems to have little success (they always seem to be bled to death by the British lines); is this accurate? Or were the columns just not as effective against the British infantry in comparison with other armies?
Thank you for your time. Andrew Barlow

Submitted June 22, 2004

A

It was much more effective against other armies, mainly because the only troops to practice with live ammunition were the British (weird, but true), and so the British were able to generate far more defensive firepower - a fact that enabled them to form a line two ranks deep instead of three, thus increasing their enfilading power. Also, as Napoleon noted, the column technique only worked well when the defenders had been shredded by artillery, but Wellington's tactic of posting his defensive lines on reverse slopes meant that the French were usually denied this advantage. They kept trying though, mainly because the column could be successful and was the easiest tactic to use with conscript troops who had not (could not) spent years in training.

Q

Mr Cornwell. Your Sharpe books are amazing but I think there're spoiled by the tv series, not the fault of the actors but I dont feel the same rush as I do when I read them. Also Gallows Thief is amazing book, when will they make that into a film! I was wondering if you've done anything or thought of doing anything about the Irish Rebellion of 1798? thanks and good luck.

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

I've thought about it, but probably won't go there. Too many raw wounds waiting to be scratched.

Q

Dear Bernard, Will the U.S. release of 'Last Kingdom' be simultaneous with the U.K. date of October? Or will it be released later? We can't get any information from HarperCollins. Charles Romeo

Short and Sweet When will The Last Kingdom be released in the US? Wallace Sims

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

Yes, the book will be released in the US. It is scheduled to be published in early January, 2005, but I believe it may be in the bookshops before Christmas. You should be able to pre-order it as well (through Amazon.com), although I don't think it can be pre-ordered just yet. As soon as we hear, we'll post the link to Amazon on this website.

Q

Dear Bernard, I have read several of your books and am now becoming engrossed in the Sharpe films. Did Sean Bean fit your own image of what Sharpe looked and behaved like? Paul Reid

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

Not entirely, but I never expected the actor to be a doppelganger! My Sharpe has black hair, which Sean patently doesn't, but I think he was an inspired choice and makes a terrific Sharpe!

Q

Hi Bernard, I'm a total fan (as is my son Oliver now)and I boast that I have read everything that you have published, although now having read your website I see that "Skirmish","Christmas" and the new "The Last Kingdom" are soon to be on my shopping list at Amazon.I have just returned fron a golfing holiday in Spain with my family where I read "Escape" and I am about to read "A Crowning Mercy". Why then in your "By the same author" list do you not show "Redcoat" or the "Thrillers" ? You are agreat man and these are great novels, shout it from the rooftops ! Thanks for many, many hours of enjoyment. Yours very sincerely, JOHN.

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

They're all listed in most of them, but perhaps not all of them. The decision is the publishers, not mine, but I'll have a word! Thanks!

Q

Just finished Sharpe's Escape in 2 days, a record even for me, but very enjoyable. Have you ever considered writing about the English Civil war? I live in one of the last cities to surrender to the roundheads and would love to see it get a bit more recognition! Alex

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I've just finished Heretic and would like to congratulate you on another wonderful book. I was wondering if you had any plans to cover any other periods, for example the English Civil War or the Jacobite era? Jim Young

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

I've considered it, have done some research, think about it, but lord knows where I'll find the time to do it. One day, maybe?

Q

Bernard: Thanks for patiently commenting on or answering my past questions. While reading the Sharpe Books (The Grail Quest & Starbucke Chronicles, also) I've begun to wonder if you could smell these people about a mile away. I realize that hygiene is not the formost consideration when reading an historical action novel, but they must have stunk to high heaven!! You comment on the French horse's saddle sores and the tell-tale stench. Could you comment on thousands of unwashed bodies and what it would do to those of us with modern hygiene sensiblities? Guy E. Orr

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

To those of us with modern sensibilities? It would appall us! We wouldn't have been able to endure the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia for ten minutes, let alone the company of a battalion of troops! But I guess they were used to it - but I've read somewhere that you could smell a ship of the line a mile upwind!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm a little upset at the moment with France having just beat England 2-1 with two late goals in the Football European Championships. I am not sure if you are interested in football but this championship is being held in Portugal and I am going to be travelling to Coimbra this week to see England vs Switzerland. Having just finished 'Sharpe's Escape' I think this visit is quite timely, and am wondering if the city of Coimbra is a worth while visit; is the university still there for example. Love your books and thank you for the enjoyment I have taken from them.. Gareth

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

Couibra is well worth a visit - it's a beautiful city and, yes, the University is still there and has some lovely buildings - the cathedrals and the Cloister of Silence etc are all restored and it's quite difficult, while you're there, to realise just how horrifically it was treated by the French. Like Beckham and co.

Q

Just wish to expand my knowledge. In a battalion, what were the purposes (if there was one) of the other 8 companies, bar the light company and the Grenadiers? I've only read up to Escape and you haven't described them. Greatly obliged to you. James Trethowan

Submitted June 16, 2004

A

Their main purpose was to kill the enemy with massed volley fire - they're the guts and heart of the battalion, the troops trained to quick-firing volleys. The Light Company were specialist skirmishers, and the Grenadiers were ostensibly for assault work, but a battalion's real purpose was to put up a huge volume of fire and that's what those centre companies are doing.