Your Questions

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell. I'd say I am a recent reader of your novels. I began with the Warlord series, followed by the first two books in the Grail series and recently completed Redcoat. I don't see a lot of feedback regarding this story and was curious to learn about your thoughts about the novel. Where did the idea originate? Why the Bristish point of view? Interesting idea. Where does this novel rank in your writing style, skill and maturation? Well, now I'm onto Starbuck. Sincerely, Adam Wesoloski Pulaski, WI

Submitted February 8, 2004

A

I was asked to write a story for a Hollywood producer who had an idea to make a movie of the revolution from the British point of view. I did my bit, and I'm still waiting. As to your last question? I honestly don't know. Don't think about things like that.

Q

Dear Bernard, I am currently reading Sharpe's Prey & I wanted to tell you that I am absolutely loving the relationship Sharpe has with Sir Arthur Wellesley. Every encounter they have (e.g.. Sharpe saving his life in Sharpe's Prey) my heart races. I can't wait to see what Sharpe & Wellesley get up to in Waterloo! Just a few questions. 1) Do you have a favorite lead character from your novels? (e.g., Sharpe, Thomas, Derfel, etc) 2)Do you have a favorite side character (e.g. Arthur Wellesley, King Arthur, Merlin,)? Thanks for answering all your fans questions, you're a top bloke! Regards Michael Sydney Australia

Submitted February 8, 2004

A

My favourite character? Derfel and Ceinwyn together. Favourite side character? Obadiah Hakeswill.

Q

In the past I have noticed and enjoyed discussions on your site regarding movies based on historical events. I recently viewed ( again) "The Bounty". Which I really enjoyed. I thought the detail authentic, including the pre-1801 flag, but I was puzzled by the use of the "loot" pronunciation when" lieutenant" was spoken, ie as opposed to "left" tenant. I always thought "loot" was the US pronunciation while "left" was UK. Perhaps you could throw some light on this? Rgds Robert Marsh

Submitted February 8, 2004

A

I think you're right and 'leftenant' is Britspeak and 'Lootenant' is US, but was it always thus? I don't know. It comes from the French, of course, lieu meaning place and tenant a holder, so a lootenant is a place holder, which doesn't help much. But the Oxford English Dictionary, as usual, comes to my rescue and says that a Mr Walker, in 1793, gives the pronunciation as Leftenant but he hoped that the correct pronunciation Lootenant will in the end win out. So it looks as if the Brits always said Left, and were wrong, and still are, and so were the folk who made the film.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, This is one of those "Have you ever thought about writing a book about..." questions! How about extending the Napoleonic coverage to the War of 1812? Specifically, the Battle of New Orleans, where the 95th Rifles were engaged. I believe Sharpe was busy elsewhere at the time, so it could be an independent novel like "Redcoat". A good reference book is "The British at the Gates", by Robin Reilly. He's a former British Army officer, living in New Orleans. I've visited the Chalmette Battlefield and found it fascinating. Anyway, please add my voice to the ever-growing demand for more Starbuck novels. Best regards. Ray Lemke

Submitted February 8, 2004

A

It'll go on the list - but no promises!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Though I have seen it mentioned in other questions and comments on this site I haven't found a clear answer. Do you know if a screenplay is being developed for The Warlord Chronicles? Have you been approached concerning a screenplay for the series? Is there a remote chance of the series becoming a movie? Would you like to see them on the big screen? You must here this a lot but it bears repeating, it would make one heck of a movie, a series that would rival The Lord of the Rings!!! Regards Ryan

Do you know if the producers of the new Arthur film have used your Arthur Trilogy as reference for costumes, names and locations? The few stills I've seen of the production look very good. Mark Smullen

Submitted February 8, 2004

A

Would I like to see it? Sure!!! Is there a remote chance? Probably not. The new film is not based on my books.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Thank you very much for posting chapter one of Sharpe's escape. I notice that our Sharpe begins the book in a very bad mood and that got me thinking--I believe he is in a bad mood at the start of almost every book in the series. Has this become a tradition or inside joke for you or is our Sharpe just a very bad tempered bloke? Regards, Joy Parker

Submitted February 8, 2004

A

Horribly tempered, unspeakably awful and desperately in need of psycho-analysis, anger-management therapy and sensitivity training. I'm not going to change him though.

Q

Dear Bernard, Previously in the Diary Page, there was a mention of a U.S. book tour in October. I noticed that this item was removed from the Diary page. Will there be a U.S. tour this year? Charles Romeo

Do you do signings at bookshops in the US?
E. Ross

Submitted February 6, 2004

A

I do signings at US bookshops when on tour, but it does not seem likely that there will be a US tour this year.

Q

I recently started reading your books last year. I've read a half dozen Sharpe books, the Warlord Chronicles and the Grail Quest Series and love them all. I've just got a few questions for you. 1. Why are there different covers for the UK and US editions of your books? 2. Why are there some different titles for the UK and US editions (i.e., Harlequin v. The Archer's Tale, Sharpe's Waterloo v. Waterloo)? P.S. I also think the Warlord Chronicles would make a great movie trilogy. I actually saw a preview for a new movie titled, "King Arthur" and was disappointed to find out it wasn't based on your books. I was a little disappointed when I saw in the previews they were using arrows and catapults, but at least Merlin looks like a druid, unlike the movie, "Excalibur." Hubert Cheung

Submitted February 6, 2004

A

The book covers are decided by the publishers as are the book titles. (Click on the Grail Quest book page for more detail about the Harlequin/The Archer's Tale name change.)

Q

Bernard: I'm a big fan and have read all your works. A while back one of your fans asked if you planned on doing anymore maritime works in the spirit of "Sharpe's Trafalger". You replied no because others do it better. I've read all the C.S. Forrester and Patrick O'Brien's works. Are there any other authors with books similar to the Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin series? Thanks for your time and all you do. Bill Thorpe

Submitted February 6, 2004

A

There are indeed. Alexander Kent, Dudley Pope and Dewey Lambden all spring to mind.

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I have been in touch with you before but felt I had to thank you (and Mrs.Cornwell may I add!) for the wonderful book A Crowning Mercy. I have read many of your books and enjoyed them very much. I found this book very refreshing and found it very hard not to sneak off to the loo at work every two hours when the boss wasn't looking to try and finish another chapter. One thing I would like to ask you is how familiar you are with Dorset? I've lived in Wimborne Minster all my life and it seems that Dorset pops up in many of your novels. What about a novel about Jack the Ripper? One of the three main suspects being buried in Wimborne Minster grounds, or the nearby village of Horton where the Duke of Monmouth was caught hiding in a ditch by Militiamen with the seal of England? Or Knowlton Church and earthworks, by far the creepiest place I know. In the meantime many thanks again for so many hours of enjoyment that your books have given me. (Please don't bin Thomas of Hookton!) Regards David A Wimborne, Dorset

Submitted February 6, 2004

A

When I die and go to heaven I'll find myself living in Dorset. It just happens to be my favourite place, and somewhere I've always wanted to live - I did once live next door in Devon. I guess it ain't going to happen now, but whenever I get the chance I go and indulge the dream. Somehow I've missed Knowlton, so I'll go there. I think Dorset is the best kept secret in England, so I'll say no more.