Your Questions

Q

Mr Cornwell, I have recently enjoyed the documentary Sharpe's War on the Military channel and wondered if at any point it is intended for a DVD release?. Thank you. Dan

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

I don't know of any plans for that - sorry!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, Thank you so much for the wonderful novels you continue to supply to us. From Uhtred of Bebbanburg to Richard Sharpe your ability to build characters is second to none, and I for one am most grateful. My question is, if you had the chance to make any one Sharpe novel into a feature film, which one would it be AND who would you cast in the leading roles? Sean Bean was excellent as Richard Sharpe, and until I read the novels (I watched the TV films first) I did not realise how well Pete Postlethwaite portrayed Hakeswill. But given the choice, who would you see as being the perfect Richard Sharpe. Sincerely yours Tony M

Dear Bernard, I have never written to an author before in my life, I am now 45 and have been an avid reader of books since a very early age since my father gave me "the hobbit"to read. I studied history at school and 6th form college and found most of it interesting but some teachers we very dull whilst the odd one was very passionate about whatever period we studied.I never studied anything before the 18th century so your books starting from Stonehenge were a breath of fresh air. I am currently just starting "The Burning land" and am looking forward to the odd hour when I can immerse myself in it. I have also read all the Sharpe books and have one question regarding them. Did you feel the television version lived up to your expectations and i gather that Sean Bean was not the first choice for the part but i feel that he plays the part very well.Keep up the good work and many thanks for the odd bit of escapism you bring Many thanks Adrian Kenwright

I've read all the Sharpe series and the archer series. I just watched the ...movie...Sharpe's Rifles. I know every author wants to see his books on film. But please tell me you didn't actually like that adaptation. I didn't see the Richard Sharpe I came to know in the books at all.

Ronald Hall

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

Oh, I can't see anyone except Sean Bean! he did such a great job (as did Pete Postlethwaite and all the actors). Sean fitted Sharpe like a glove, and truly I can't imagine Sharpe any other way! A feature film? Well, it won't happen so it's a harmless exercise - probably Sharpe's Siege, a book I'm curiously fond of and have no idea why!

Q

I was thinking, as Richard appears to be destined in driving the French crazy perhaps (as there does appear to be a gap in the series) Sharpe ends up at the battle of Maida (1806) purely by accident?

Joshua Selig

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

Hmm, it would mean taking him backwards and I've sworn not to do that again, at least in a book, but there could be a short story, perhaps?

Q

Eagerly awaiting the next 'Saxon' story, as are so many of your fans. A suggestion: a notice on your (wonderful) website, showing the approximate release date of your next Saxon/Sharpe/other book? Cornwell junkies just don't have the patience to wade through the FAQs when we're JONESING for the next adventure!! Many thanks for your splendid work, dear sir!

Bob Rice

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

Well, I think that's the purpose for the 'What's Coming' link? The (next) book gets posted there, along with release date and (usually) an excerpt from the next book once we're close enough to know the approximate publication date. Look for the next Saxon story to be posted there soon (I'm writing the last chapter now).

Q

Bernard, May I respectfully suggest that your next book be dedicated to Pete Postlethwaite, a small mark of respect for a man who bought Obidiah to life. The Sykes and Postlewhaite club?? Andy Houghton

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

It's a very nice idea, maybe the next Sharpe book? The dedication for the next book is settled and I don't want to change it, and the brilliant Pete Postlethwaite would be better remembered if I wrote another book with Hakeswill as a character (which, sadly, is not very probable)

Q

Hi Bernard, I've been reading through your Sharpe books, and have found them thoroughly entertaining (particularly Sharpe's Fortress). I'm currently reading through Sharpe's Prey, however, I'm unsure of how Sharpe gained his rank to Lieutenant? Can you advise me of how he got this promotion? Kind Regards Jack Wells

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

Sharpe gets his promotion to Lieutenant by joining the 95th Rifles who didn't use the rank of Ensign, so the promotion is kind of automatic.

Q

Dear Mr, Cornwell, From the Sharpe films, I remember that you made a distinction between two kinds of officer, the killing kind and the murdering kind. In which of your novels did the quote appear? And was this a commonly drawn distinction among early 19th century soldiers or one you made up for the occasion. The reason I ask is that I am currently working on an article on officer selection and the distinction seems to me to be a very good one. Yours sincerely, Henrik Bering

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

Oh god, did I make that distinction? I really don't remember! And, forgive me, I don't really want to leaf through 21 books to find it. Are you sure it wasn't from one of the TV programmes? It rings a bell, faintly, and I have an idea it was in one of the TV scripts, but perhaps a helpful reader can tell me if I'm wrong?

Q

Love the Grail Quest and the Saxon Chronicles. Have them all. Please write another Saxon on Alfred and Uthred. I have learned more about English, Scottish, French, German, and Italian history from you, Sharon Kay Penman and Ken Follet than in all my years of world history in all the school you go through in the states. Of course there is a different point of view in one or two areas of our mutual history. I do really love your writing. Who were the peculiar people in the bio about you that you escaped from? I was married in 1980 to my wife as well. With sincerest thanks, Ray

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

The Peculiars started in the 1830's and lasted about 130 years before they died out. They only existed in Essex, with three chapels across the Thames Estuary in northern Kent and another half dozen in East London.

Q

Mr.Cornwell, I've read most of your books and especially enjoyed the Grail Quest and Saxon series, "The Burning land" was great and I look forward to the next in the series. I also recently read "The Gallows Thief", just for a change of pace so to speak and enjoyed that very much too. After reading I thought that this book would make a great "period piece" for television. I'd be interested to know if you've ever been asked to do so, knowing that it would surely be shown here in North America on Masterpiece Theatre. Thank you for all your work, long may you continue, Marty

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

No I haven't, but thanks!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I just recently started reading your books and have really enjoyed them. My question is (if you can tell me) what event will the next Uhtred book be based on? Also me and my wife are planning a trip to England in the near future, what area do you recommend to see medieval attractions. Thanks, James

Submitted March 30, 2011

A

It's based on the death of Alfred and the consequences. I'm writing the last chapter and wish I had a title!

Oh - so many! All of Britain has medieval attractions, ranging from the tourist high spots like the Tower of London and Warwick Castle, to marvellous country houses that appear to have slept for centuries. My advice is to choose one area and explore it thoroughly with the help of a good guide book (I like the Michelin guides, but there are lots of good ones). I'd just suggest three areas, but you could more or less put a pin in the map and just go there. The West Country has lots of fine places, from Salisbury Cathedral, the ruins of Corfe Castle, endless houses, parish churches (always worth a visit). I also love the Welsh border - from Ludlow (a wonderful medieval town with a castle), Stokesay Castle, Dore Abbey, Hereford Cathedral. And, of course, the north-east, which has the magnificently brutal Durham Cathedral and all the castles stretching up to the Scottish border (including Bamburgh). There's so much to choose from, but really, rather than try to do all the great famous sites, choose one area and explore it!