Your Questions

Q

Hi - I wanted to feedback a discrepancy I found in 2 of your books. In the book Fortress, chapter 11, Sergeant Hakeswill "was alone with the serpent" so I assume he died. In the book Gold, chapter 19, Teresa asks Sharpe whether he has killed Morris and Sergeant Hakeswill and Sharpe answers "Not yet". Given Gold took place in 1810 and Fortress in 1803, and Hakeswill dies in Fortress in 1803, why did Sharpe tell Teresa that Hakeswill is not dead yet? Thank you. Fulvio PS - I enjoy your books very much!

Submitted September 29, 2011

A

Who says he dies? The snakes wouldn't touch him! He survived. He couldn't be killed (says so in the scriptures). If you were a snake, would you bite him?

Q

Dear Bernard, I'm re-reding the Sharpe series for the umpteenth time and enjoying them as ever.Will we ever see them caught up on the wrong side of the Atlantic in 1812? James

Submitted September 29, 2011

A

For reasons described in Sharpe's Siege, Sharpe never will fight in the USA.

Q

Hello there Mr Cornwell. Big fan of the Sharpe series, and was wondering about his father... Could it be a Highwayman?

Vincent Ascher

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

Sorry, no . . . . but getting slightly (only slightly) warm

Q

Bernard, I am a latecomer to your Warlord chronicles which I really enjoyed, I read them in a remote and wild part of Cornwall which seemed to add to the experience! My question is if a movie or tv series were ever to be be commissioned, who would be your ideal Arthur?, and which is your favourite of any tv or film Arthurs?. Thanks Pat

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

I honestly have no idea, really, none! It's not something I ever think about! There are extremely clever casting directors who do that thinking and as long as they promise not to write books I'll promise not to suggest actors, okay?

Q

Hello Bernard Ive recently ploughed through the "saxon stories" again in preparation for the new one & really cant wait to spend a few days ignoring the 21st century (and my wife..!!!) as I get to grips with it. I have spoken to you before regarding Caerleon and its role in your "Warlord" series & was wondering if you seen the recent discoveries made there. It seems that this little welsh village was at one time possibly the most important military port in Roman Britain. I live 5 mins away from it & never miss the opportunity to take in the history of the place & have enjoyed reading about Derfel's flight from Isca down the river Usk whilst being sat on its banks...Talk about atmospheric..!!!!

I'd also like to ask your opinion on G.R.M Martins "Game of Thrones" & the other books in the series. I have just finished his latest & I have really enjoyed them. I read somewhere that your work was an influence & that was one of the first things I thought on reading his books Finally would you be able to advise me on any good historical fiction on the anglo-welsh wars..?? Thankyou once again for all your work I have had the pleasure of reading it provides a very welcome escape from reality t.v. & overpaid sportsman...!!! Lee Davies Newport GWENT

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

I haven't seen much of the recent discoveries, though they don't surprise me. The existence of the amphitheatre at Caerleon (and the other buildings) are indicators of just how important the place was to the Romans. It's been much too long since I visited, but we always enjoyed our time there - lucky you to live so close!

I'm reading the first book now and much enjoying it! I think it's quite splendid and wonderfully imaginative!

Q

I just finished "Lords of the North" at this late hour of 4:30 a.m. here in the US. Your work always finds a way to pull me in and not let me go. I am curious as to how Ragnar's hand was injured. You mentioned it being cripple as he was fighting Kjartan and I can't remember how that happened nor can I find it in the book. I would also say that I have been looking forward to a movie to be made based on "Agincourt" immediately after reading the novel. I am excited to learn that it is happening. I enjoy your work tremendously and I thank you for what you contribute to history and literature.

Brandon

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

It happened at the Battle of Ethandun in The Pale Horseman.

Q

I've read almost every word (book) you have written...but I hope you're not done. Somebody's got to tell the story of the Marines in Leatherneck Square. 1967-68 are ancient history now and nobody knows.

David Hauntz

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

Much too recent for me, but an opportunity for someone who knows the Marine ethos much better than I do . . I'd certainly like to read the book!

Q

Please would you enlighten my ignorance. Who is Colonel John Wessmiller? You have dedicated The Fort to him and, I quite agree that you are entitled to dedicated your books as you please. I have just finished reading, for the second time, your series about Uhtred, brilliant read! Not perhaps a woman's series but I really enjoy the way you write. I read them in the wrong order, starting with The Burning Land. It was amazing, I was hooked from the first word. Looking forward to receiving the latest in this series, its already on my wish list. Best wishes Marion Balderstone

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

John is a friend who lives in my hometown (or I live in his). He is a much-decorated career soldier who fought in North Africa, Italy and Normandy (he landed on Omaha Beach). Beyond that he's a gentleman, and it's a privilege to call him friend.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell - Love the Sharpe books - I think I have now read them all at least once, and have always been rewarded richly. But I have one question about your sword terminology - concerning the swords used by the Scottish regiments and which you call a Claymore - aren't these weapons basket- hilted broadswords? Isn't the Claymore the two-handed or hand-and-a-half thing used by William Wallace and his like? I would just like to know. Thanks, DB.

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

I think you're correct - technically - which is a way of evading responsibility for a mistake (if it is one). The Claymore is a two-edged broadsword, whereas the basket-hilted broadsword was usually single-edged, but the older word is so frequently used to refer to both that I have a feeling its old meaning has shifted.

Q

I'm just finishing "The Burning Land" and I have read all of the "Warlord Chronicles." In both series' your characters make frequent references to things (usually structures) left over from the Roman occupation of years before. This makes me wonder if you have any plans to tell some stories from that era. Do you?

Richard Bartholomew

Submitted September 20, 2011

A

No, I don't. I'll leave the Romans to others....