Your Questions

I'm A great fan of yours Mr Cornwell And I can't wait until I read The Death of Kings. (I've got to read The Burning Land first). you are my favorite author and I can only hope that you continue to write fantastic novels. I was looking through your site the other day and you said that you are a descendant of Lords of Bebbanburg? I am very interested in how you found that out. I have tried to research my family history countless times and have got absolutely nowhere. I was hoping you could give me some advice. Tobias

I recently read all of the Patrick O'Brian novels, then started on your "Sharpe" series, and I must say, I have had a great time reading them, and learning so much about the Napoleonic, or "Regency" era of history. I have always been a great student of history, but for some reason that period slipped past me in my studies. Because of the O'Brian novels, I have joined the crew of an actual 137 foot two-masted gaff-rigged schooner, much like the tender of the H.M.S. Surprise, the "Ringle." The ship I serve on is the tall ship, "Bill of Rights" harbored in Oxnard California. Now, as I said, I am an avid student of history, in particular the American Civil War, and having grown up with the actual Chancellorsville battlefield literally in my back yard (just outside of Fredericksburg, Virginia) (no kidding, we had trenches running all through the woods behind the house where I grew up) I have some acquaintance with the weapons and uniforms of that period. I know about percussion rifles like the ones used in the mid 1800's, but because of your wonderful stories, I have become highly interested in the Baker flintlock rifle, and possibly interested in acquiring a quality working reproduction. I found one for sale online, and apparently, according to their website, they made the ones used in the Sharpe movies, and according to them, YOU actually have one of their rifles. I was wondering if yours is one that fires, and if it is one that has the rifled barrel. Apparently that costs extra, and how they can call a smooth bore gun a "rifle" in their advertisement is beyond me, but I digress...Anyway, I am curious if you actually can vouch for the quality of the weapon? Of course I have no idea if you are even "into" these weapons, or have any interest in them beyond their historical value, but I'd be interested in hearing any opinions you might have on them, especially if you do actually occasionally take it out to the range and get your face sooty.

If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles and want to go for a sail, let me know, we can always use an extra hand! Eddy Houchins Los Angeles, CA

Hello from Spain: Thank you very much for the Sharpe books. I began reading them last september and now I only have the last five to read. I had never enjoyed so much the pleasure of reading. Have you ever thought of introducing a Rifleman who is afflicted with nyctalopia (or it is hemeralopia), a person who can see in the dark? Dan Hagman would be happy...and the readers as well. Thank you very much again. Jose M Ribera

Hello Mr Cornwell, just wanted to ask a quick question if you don't mind. Whilst in New Zealand a few weeks ago I met a couple from Bideford Devon in a cafe, I was reading death of kings (which I loved by the way)and we started chatting about Devon as I myself am from Barnstaple. They told me there's a place in Northam called Bloody Corner, there is a stone and a plaque marking the spot where the great viking chief Ubba was killed, just wandering if there was any truth in that? The spot does exist as I googled it soon after chatting to them. Thanks for your time as always Ian

Mr. Cornwell, I have read a large number of your books - including the entire Sharpe series - and loved every one! Your research and story telling make history come alive and I have a difficult time putting your books down. I have always wondered - being the lover of history that you are - if you had ever considered writing either a single book or perhaps a short series of books that take place during the time of Oliver Cromwell and Charles I? There seems to be little written about this time period that "ordinary", non-historians would be able to get into. If I find anything about this important time, most of it is very dry. Just a thought. In the meantime, please keep up the great work!

Larry Villani

Mr. Cornwell, As you know you have a lot of fans here in Brazil, and I think all of we would love to read a book written by you with something about our country. About Cangaço, Emboabas War, Mascates War, Farrapos War or Paraguay War& Please think about it for us. Thank you, Lucas. When will you visit Brazil?

Hi Do you think that field marshal Montgomery was a good general? I have seen people have mixed feelings about him and i was wondering if you had an opinion on him.

Rory

I have read and enjoyed all of your books over the years and wish to thank you for the pleasure given. As a long shot I would like to know if you spent time on Canvey island in your childhood?

Brian Hall

Hello, sir. I have a very odd question for you. I have read your Arthur books many times before, but just recently I looked upon Wikipedia's summary for The Winter King, and found something which made me question how well I'd read it. The passage I am referring to was thus: "Derfel is rewarded for his service to Arthur and is declared a lord, but shortly after learns that Merlin has gone north, leaving Nimue on the Isle of the Dead. With the scar on his hand reminding Derfel of his duty to Nimue, he travels south to rescue her himself. When he arrives at the Isle he is warned by the guards that he is free to enter, but once inside he can never be released. He enters nonetheless and finds Nimue at the southern tip of the isle. She initially attacks him, but he clasps their scarred hands together and Nimue's wits return. As he returns to the entrance, he finds that Galahad and his men have followed him south to ensure that he could leave the isle. In the months following this adventure, Derfel and Nimue become lovers. Nimue considers leaving Merlin and the path of the Gods, but realizes that life with Derfel is an impossible dream. She ends their relationship, only to find out that she is pregnant with Derfel's baby. She refrains from telling Derfel about this, instead claiming that the baby is Merlin's. Arthur meanwhile, is contemplating a final assault on Powys to end the war. To do that, he must ensure that the Sais, led by Aelle who calls himself the Bretwalda (Ruler of Britain), remain at peace, and only money can achieve that. On the advice of Nimue he makes enforced loans from all Christian and pagan shrines, an act which the Christians resent him for. Meeting with Aelle, Arthur negotiates three months of peace for the gold and information on how to capture the Powysian Stronghold of Ratae (Leicester)." Now, from reading the books, I understood most of that passage, and recalled it. However, the sentence claiming that Nimue was pregnant rather floored me, to be honest. I don't recall that ever being alluded to in the books... My question for you, is..was it alluded to, and did I just miss it? Thank you, in advance, for your time, and for the wonderful books you've written.

Lexie

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have been a great Sharpe enthusiast for many years, and watch all the TV episodes over and again, whenever they are screened (regularly on "Yesterday") but until quite recently I'd never read any of the novels. Being a keen student of military history, especially the Waterloo campaign, I read Sharpe's Waterloo and was hooked! I've since been working my way through the whole series of novels, and hope to be up to date in the new year, as I retired earlier this year and have lots of time to read now! I've enjoyed all the ones I've read so far but have particularly enjoyed "Trafalgar" and "Regiment". The books are excellent! I particularly like the attention to detail which gives the books such a keen sense of authenticity. I hope I am a discerning critic, as I have both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in English Literature and am currently President of the Hull Literary Club - which (I think) is now the oldest active literary society in the country, being founded in 1879. When I've finished all the novels I intend to prepare a lecture for the Club. I have also wondered whether any of the novels not yet dramatised might make the transition to screen at some point in the future? If another actor could be found? Perhaps one a little like the character in your splendid books - more ruthless and unscrupulous than the portrayal to date? All good wishes Keith Parsons