Your Questions

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

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

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.

I have enjoyed the Sharpe series since stumbling upon "Sharpe's Rifles" on A&E 12 years ago. My only question is that, would it have killed anyone for Sharpe to be knighted and being made a permanent Lt Col? Saved Wellington, the Eagle at Talavera, being pulled out of retirement to go on missions and basically saving the day constantly. What more does he have to do? Fred Annett

Hi Bernard, I know you keep saying you will not write a Sharpe book later than Devil BUT...I think readers would like to get an insight into Sharpe later in life. The Peer becomes Prime Minister in 1828. Would there not be some skulduggery afoot where The Peer requires an enforcer to do his dirty work? Kind Regards Willie

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

I have really enjoyed The Fort. It has reminded me of Sharps Waterloo, in that the battle has taken centre stage. Do you have any other plans for this type of historical docu-novel?

Chris Hall

Dear Bernard Dunno if you've heard or not but there has been a theft at Hougoumont of the Cross there. Link here http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1355171/Hougoumont-cross-survived-Battle-Waterloo-stolen.html.

I was curious after doing the Fort do you think you think you will ever write about Sir John Moore and his huge career again? he was almost in as many fights as Sharpe yet his was real!

Also you have long talked about wanting to write about Siege of St Sebastian and although you can't get Sharpe there what about Fredrickson he was there (he tells Sharpe about it in Sharpe's Siege) why not do a spin off book with Fredrickson?

Finally I know you have said you are reluctant to go back again but would you ever consider getting Sharpe to meet Davout (battle of Auerstadt) The Iron Marshal arguably Napoleons greatest as well. Yours sincerely, Geraint

P.S I am guessing you've already read them but if not Strange Fatality by James Elliot on the Battle of Stoney Creek and Our Friends Beneath the Sands by Martin Windrow on the French Foreign Legion are both worth a read.

Sir, I just read Agincourt and the first two books of the Saxon series and well your the best! Anyway I am confused on one point, in the Saxon books you mention the "Old People." Are they celts, romans or an earlier proto celticculutre?

Mark Williams