Your Questions

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

Dear Mr Cornwell, Sharpe is an addiction in this family across three generations - my father put me on to them, and my 11 year old son is a big fan of the films, and will graduate to the novels soon. I also liked the Grail quest series a lot, and thought the 18th century thief taker novel especially fine as well. My son wonders whether, as you seek new adventures and horizons for Sharpe and Harper, you had considered sending them to the US to take part in the Battle of New Orleans? The Rifles were there, and if you haven't visited the site at Chamarette (sp?), you certainly should. A particularly interesting action, and it would be interesting to see how Sharpe dealt with a defeat to British arms (which I suppose Copenhagen was in one sense, but not in another). I know authors hate comparisons (I'm an historian), but have you read Allan Mallinson's stuff? I think his first Hervey novel, with Waterloo as the centre piece, was particularly good, not least because the light cavalry in an unusual perspective from which to view the battle. Thanks for your time. (Dr) Jeffrey Grey Professor of History Australian Defence Force Academy

My husband and I listen to your audio books (we have also read most of your wonderful books). PLEASE! David Case the best ; but who is the phlegmy voice on one or two of the other Sharpe novels? Can't abide the voice. Unable to listen to the tape! Do you have a say so? J. F. Holmes

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

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

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

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

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Since my friends live in Wapping, I go there often, and I was surprised (and pleased!) to see that Brewhouse Lane is a real place, as are the other streets mentioned in 'Prey' I think that Sharpe would be somewhat surprised to see Wapping today! My question is, did you simply use an A to Z for the names, or did you visit Wapping as well? There are some really old pubs which existed when Sharpe was meant to have lived there, and for me it gives 'Prey' extra colour and atmosphere. I am glad that there is to be more Sharpe written. Is there any chance of a full-length film? Yours, Robin Armstrong

Thanks for many hours of self indulgence when I should have been engaged in DIY or some other mindless task. I have a question. Is Sir Guillaume's moated castle and Sharpe's idylic French mill/farm one and the same? Gary Waywell

Mr. Cornwell, I am humbled by the fact that you acknowledged my e-mail to you, some months ago, by putting it in your website. I am in the midst of new energy, I have been reading most of your other books besides the Sharpe novels. The Arther trilogy, Stonehenge, Gallows Thief, and my favorite the Grail Quest series. Some years ago, I saw you on the history channel doing a commentative of the Sharpe movies. You struck me as a hell of a nice guy with no heightened ego from his talent and fame. That pleases me. I have spent alot of money on you over the years, I would hate to hear that you were actually an unpleasent person. The gentleman who conducted an interview of you on that show I felt was very disrespectful to you. It was like he didn't know what to say to you so he just started talking out his bum. I hope that experience has not embittered you in any way to doing further televised interviews if such an occasion should arise in the future. With all that said, I have a few questions to ask you if I may. Will you be doing any book tours that might possibly take you to Kentucky or the adjacent states? I would love to meet you personally and have you sign a few hardbacks for me. Is the Grail Quest series going to be long running? I love the adventures of Thomas of Hookton, and I feel a personal connection to him. Will you be writing any books with the vikings, the celts, scottish highlanders or the Roman army in Britain as the main focal point? I believe that's all I've right now, I'm aware that I have written so much already, I will understand if you choose not to put all of it on your site. Until next time, thank you for time sir. Peace and love. Barry W. Harshfield Jr.