Your Questions

I've read all the Sharpe books plus Redcoat plus Gallows Thief. They are absolutely brilliant, and I joined the 60th Rifles Re-enactment group just because I wanted to wear a green jacket and the 95th don't take women in uniform (I think I'm the only female Rifleman in the UK). There must be loads more Sharpe novels waiting to be written (he was at Rolica and Vimeiro as far as I can work out, so there's two more books) and I wondered if you could put Captain Frederickson and his company into another book? I don't think he got as much 'screen time' as the character deserved! Keri Tolhurst

Dear Mr Cornwell, I just finished the amazing Warlord Chronicles on Wednesday and I must congratulate you on this fabulous trilogy. They are now my favourite trilogy.The trilogy has really got me interested in the Dark Age and I now believe that there was a man named Arthur even if he wasn't a King. I was wondering, how many of the characters in the story are actual people and have you made up any of the characters yourself? I can't wait for your book on Alfred, will it contain the murderous viking, King Gustav? Thankyou for the excellent books, Lewis

Hello once again, Mr. Cornwell. Like many of your other readers, I am intrigued by the origins of Hakeswill's enmity against Sharpe. Granted, he hates everybody, but even as early as Ch. 1 of Sharpe's Tiger, it is clear that he has it in for RS in particular. Something must have happened between them in the past to turn Sharpe into Hakeswill's number one target. Do we ever get to find out how it all began? Sincerely, Alan Kempner

Dear Mr Cornwell, It's funny that I only found your site today, considering that I have been a fan of yours for a long time. I'm glad I did, though, if only to see that you like the Warlord Chronicles the best of all your novels. I'm probably a bit unusual amongst your fans in that I've never read any Sharpe; I started with The Winter King back when it first came out in paperback, and was absolutely delighted to find a good writer of Arthuriana! Since I love King Arthur, I will read any old rubbish that has him in it, because no matter how bad the writing, something of the magic of our once and future king manages to survive. Nonetheless, it was wonderful to read such a convincing evocation of Dark Age life. As a postgraduate medieval studies student I find this particularly gratifying! For many years I've been planning an Arthur story - set, like yours, in the same period, but with a very different storyline. Perhaps one day if I ever manage to the thing published you'll pick it up! Thanks for reading, and I may well come see you in York when you're doing a reading in April! By the way, I know that the reading and signing is principally about the new Sharpe book, but would you object if I brought one of your other books along to be signed? I'm not sure if it's bad form. Thanks, Rachel

Have you done any research or reading about Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry? Robert Frommer

Just about to read the final action of the "Enemy of God" and the tension is nail-biting. Not wanting to give the story away, but Lancelot's druids are right cowardly bastards (I went to my Sabre Fencing training pumped up after reading what they'd done!!). The way you change the pace of the book is what keeps the reader captivated - is it a concious effort or is it all about how the story develops in your mind? Marcos

I love all your work and am in the midst of reading all the Sharps books. I know there is a wonderful set of movies to be made of Sharpe! Any chance Peter Jackson might get interested? John Barnett

I just finished reading "The Gallows Thief" and thoroughly enjoyed it ,as I have the rest of your books I've read. I found the character of Rider Sandman engrossing and was wondering if you're considering including him in future works? I also would be very keen in seeing the secondary character of "Hood" the highwayman in his own set of adventures. Just a thought is all. But I must say again I do enjoy your writing and appreciate your use language to convey character and emotion. T. Davies

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I'm a great fan of your work but just discovered Rider Sandman! Any plans for him to continue beyond "Gallows Thief"? Many thanks. Robert Sallin

I just finished reading The Gallows Thief. I loved it. Are you planning any sequels to this Rider Sandman book? If so, when do you think it will be published? I want to be first in line to buy it. Rob Krukowski

My great great grandfather, Henry Le Mesurier, lost an arm as a young subaltern carrying the colours of the 48th Foot at the battle of Salamanca. His older brother, Havilland Le Mesurier, was mentioned in despatches and mortally wounded commanding the 12th Portuguese Infantry at the battle of Sorauren. This summer I plan to visit Portugal and Spain and visit some of the battle fields of the Peninsular war, especially Salamanca and Sorauren, and wonder whether you can recommend a helpful guide book or other sources of useful information. Thank you for your help Charles Croll Ps. I have enjoyed the Sharpe books very much.

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have thoroughly enjoyed your books and am happy to see a new Sharpe book out. I keep wondering if Sharpe was at Rollica and participated in Wellingtons first Portugal campaign. This seems to be an obvious gap that should get Sharpe to Portugal and then under Sir John Moore which was alluded to in Sharpes Rifles. I've recently been to Waterloo and your description and that of Jac Weller certainly brought the battle alive. Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment reading your novels. Lee Ash