Your Questions

Sir I was wondering what your reaction to the field test of tap loading from descriptions found in your books. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvc86ggLUY4. The gentleman who posted this and was part of the group said he couldn’t find any historical evidence the tactic was used. Was there a prescient? Personally I think if not snug against the powder the ball would be wobbly in flight and miss the hair of the Frenchman’s mustache! I also had questions if this could was used with true rifles (1853 Enfield 1861 Springfield etc) if it worked I would assume it made an adoption to Crimea and conversely the droves of British ex-soldiers coming to the United States from (1840-1860) would have brought it with them. Seeing as how we as Civil War reenactors use an offshoot of tapload because we aren’t allowed to use the rammer, it just got me thinking. My thoughts are, if tried with a miniball the cone would lodge in the barrel and you’d go up in smoke. But what are yours. Cheers, Adam Azzalino

Hi Bernard, I am building some Rifle Shoppe Baker Rifles for friends. These are rifled and to shoot in comp. Where can we find a list of the Sharpe characters full initials so these could be engraved onto these rifles if desired? ie does Srgt Patrick Harper have a middle name? Many thanks. Stuart, Auckland NZ

Dear Sir, Do you see Uhtred's axe as the later Viking straight and narrow type, or as the ancient broad and tapering type that goes back to La Tene or Halstadt but was also used by Teutonic and Frankish warriors? How long would it have been? (Oakeshot illustrates them both in his Archeology of (Ancient(?))Weapons)

Jeremy Start

I just finished The Fort and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I still think it's amazing that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow made Paul Revere into what he is today and yet it was his grandfather Peleg, who served with him and evidently, despised Revere. What drew you to this story beyond the fact it was a story that needed to be told? Did you find anything interesting in your research that you didn't include in the book? Thanks.

Andrew Bennett

I love all of your books. I am now halfway through the Sharpe series. I just happened to see there was talk of making a movie about Agincourt. That is one of my favorite books. I was wondering if that is still going to happen? I always get nervous when a favorite book of mine turns into a movie, sometimes it is hard to make the movie half as good as the book.

Bryan Mitchell

Hi Bernard! Is it true that Agincourt is being made into a movie with Michael Hirst writing the screenplay?

Johnna

You concluded Excalibur (and the whole series) in a way that satisfied the reader and let the reader imagine what could happen next. Was that the first ending you wrote? Is it difficult to conclude a series in a way that satisfies you and the readers? G. Bernal

Dear Bernard I've been a big fan of yours for over a decade, getting into Sharpe first, before expanding into other eras of yours. Weirdly, I read "Sharpe's Devil" first! I've read all the Sharpe's except "Regiment" for some reason, I've never got around to that one. Must read it soon, as its probably a cracker. I got into the films at the same time, and obviously Sean Bean was so incredibly potent in that role, that I'm sure that a lot of people picture him in their head when reading the books. I've managed to break that habit, so now picture the "proper" Sharpe, all black hair and permanently pissed off expression! Pardon my French! I have a friend here in Oxford who loves Sean Bean, loves the Sharpe films, but shockingly HADN'T READ ANY OF THE BOOKS! So, I bought her "Enemy" to get stuck into, which she is enjoying. As much as I love Sharpe, I do think these Saxon ones (of which I've read the first four, so far)are your best. I'm a Pagan myself, and am most interested in Norse Mythology and find it staggering that man like yourself, who I know is a total Atheist can create such a convincing belief-system for your characters. A stunning feat of imagination! I have two questions for you. I'm currently re-reading "Sharpe's Siege", a tremendous yarn, but I recall reading that that one was your favourite Sharpe. Is it still, or has a more recent installment supplanted it? Secondly, perhaps the most important question of all; Sharpe, Uhtred, Nick Hook, Thomas of Hookton, Patrick Harper or Steapa, which of these men is the hardest?! (Personally I'd say Steapa (my favourite character, by the way!). He's quite a monster, isn't he? Thank you for literally hundreds of hours of entertainment over the years! There'll be many more, no doubt! All the best Matt in Oxford

Hi Bernard You mentioned that if you used any of the battle suggestions I mentioned, as background for the next Sharpe, it would mean taking him backwards. But surely, after publishing Waterloo, unless he gets involved with something after that battle, he would have to be taken backwards anyway? And I think fans, such as myself, would not mind that, since there are so many actions that could be used for the background, with some brilliant characters? But thanks for taking the time to reply to my questions? Much appreciated.

Hi Bernard I have just been undertaking some research for my next magazine article, when I came across the following, which I thought might interest you. 'In this skirmish Lieutenant Strode also received a severe (mortal) wound. This officer in action always carried a rifle, for the skillful use of which he was celebrated.' (page 54. Albuera by Peter Edwards) You might already be aware of it, of course, but I thought I'd mention it just in case. And I hope the next Sharpe is placed within the Napoleonic period, rather than after, although I know you are not too keen on doing that.

John Walsh Sr.

Please can we have more Sharpe? I have read all the books over and over and have the dvds, music plus a replica baker rifle (so I am a bit sad) Please please can we have more? Ps - The Fort was excellent

Adrian Pinder

I am 14 years old, I love reading, and hope to be an author. My dad and I read your series about Arthur. It is without a doubt one of the best series I have ever read. It is surely the most descriptive. We thoroughly enjoyed discussing the characters and places you described. We are wondering if this series was ever considered, or will be considered, to become a trilogy of epic movies (in a Lord of the Rings fashion.)Ever since finishing the series, we have imagined who could play who! Thanks so much for your time, Gini