Your Questions

I'm a huge fan, and have read almost everything on your website list EXCEPT the Sharpe books (saving them for last... then the tears will begin...) You've probably gotten this before but can't find it anywhere in the questions pages: Do you recommend reading the Sharpe books in the order they were written or in chronological order? I will accede to your advice of course.

Also... any relation between Rider Sandman and Nick Sandman in Wildtrack? Tom Owens

Bernard Good afternoon, I wonder if you even think of visiting Brazil (Rio de Janeiro)? Man, you write well, a friend, criticized his books, then gave her the last kingdom, she is passionate about Uhtred. ABC, Lucas

Have just finished The Fort. As with all of your books I read the Historical Note first. Why did Penobscot ring such a bell with me. It took ten seconds when I realised that the fiancee later husband of Major Margaret "Hotlips" Houlihan MASH 4077 was Leut Col Donald Penobscott (extra "T"- legal reasons? or is Penobscott a known surname) MASH was a Korean War comedy/drama written in the late 80's but everyone knew it was really about the Vietnam War. To quote "we were literally in Korea but figuratively in Vietnam" (The Complete Book of M*A*S*H) As Vietnam was not one of America's finest hours did the writers of which there were many decide to have another dig at American failures ?. At least we can perhaps be assured that Hollywood would not dream of making a film or TV drama about Ft George. They are quite adept at altering history e.g. U531 and The Patriot which so incensed Prof Richard Holmes that he made a programme about the American War of Independence.

Keith Robjent

Dear Mr Cornwell Another Sharpe Brevet question which, you're probably sick of them now. Sharpe's Regimental rank towards the end of the series was Captain and he was an Army Major by account of his brevetting by the Prince Regent. My question is: Why did Sharpe never become a Major in the S. Essex? He achieved his Regimental Captaincy (following his Lt->Capt->Lt Gazetting debacle) in Company by process of dead men's shoes. He could have achieved the rank of Major in the same way, or failing that bought the commission as he was a rich man by this point. Regards Richard

Dear Bernard I've been a long time Sharpe Fan, so firstly I have to heap more congratulations on you. My mark of a good book is whether I can read it again - and I've read the whole Sharpe series 3 tines ! I'm confused on one issue though. Is there not a book which shows Ensign Sharpe's introduction to the rifle and his promotion to Lieutenant ? This would appear to be a missing book in the series between Sharpe's Trafalgar and prey. Warm Regards mark

Thank you for writing great novels. Your imagination is exquisite. The adversity or confrontations that your characters run into seems terrifying. Do you draw from your own personal experience, such as bar fights or school yard brawls? I ask because I relate your characters to my rugby and football team mates, some are ruthless some fear a fight but can still perform well in a match. Do you crave for the chance to go viking, or keep those fantasies in mind for your novels? KK

One of the reasons I enjoyed the Sharpe books was the fact that Sgt. Harper enjoyed birds so much and they were described so appropriately (e.g., proper habitat and actions), and it was so sad when he ceased his birdwatching. Was there any particular reason why this change in character happened?

Doris Falkenheiner

Thanks for the hours of enjoyment, and at such a reasonable cost! in particular your stories based in the "Dark ages" do hold my attention, and Azincourt has been entered on my, very limited, "to read again" list. Can`t say Sharp is my cup of tea, but if I`m honest a cup of tea is also not my cup of tea, if you get my drift. Ray Bryant had Warriors of the Dragon Gold published in 1987 with regular reprints, no point in mentioning the storyline you will either know it or not. If you are familiar with "Warriors of the Dragon Gold" I wonder if you had any information about Ray Bryant himself? He did have a first novel published in 1966 (just managed to find a copy)but nothing else as far as I know. When first reading Warriors of the Dragon Gold in 1987, I expected to find a follow up but no such luck, Internet searches for info. re. Ray Bryant produce a surprising total lack of information which has of course, increased my curiosity. I have contacted the current publisher and The Historical Novel Society but neither could provide illumination. This message to you is a long shot, but if I don`t ask....... and it does seems a shame that the author of such a notable story should go unrecognised. It`s starting to become a bit of a quest, I suppose the voices in my head will arrive sooner or later, now`t as queer as folk, eh! t is as if Ray Bryant without success

Mike Thompson

Hello Mr Cornwell, I confess to being a latecomer to your books.I thoroughly enjoyed the TV Sharpe series, but it's not my period for books. I resisted buying your books as I have so many and you are a prolific writer.However I succumbed to The Pale Horseman and that was it!The Saxon stories have provide me with a lot of pleasure.I love books and for me they provide so much enjoyment for so little outlay. I was very pleased to see that there are at least two more books in the series. I would like to ask one question; the books are apparently well researched, but in The Burning Land reference is made to a winged helmet and I recall there may have been a similar reference in an earlier book.As far as I'm aware vikings never had winged helmets.It has been suggested that cheek pieces opened upwards may have given the impression of wings. I appreciate artistic licence, but for such a small entry it would not seem worthwhile being inaccurate.If I am wrong I should very much like to know your source for this. I always liked those pictures of Vikings in winged helmets, so I would be pleased to be wrong.

I'm a fan of the French Indian War period: would you consider writing a book set in that period with an Indian and a British soldier as the main characters? Thank you and please keep writing. John Cruickshank

I recently discovered your books. Your work is bringing me great joy. Are we going to be able to read more of Rider- the Gallows thief? The historical frame and characters are wonderful. Thank you. James