Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, 3 questions: 1.Is there a topic you particularly would enjoy writing about and have not yet done so? and why.

2. Who would be your favorite military leader of all time and why? I personally am a fan of Robert E. Lee for his efforts against Santa Ana.

3. Have you considered writing about military technology advancements? or possibly a supplemental reading on some of the technologies used or tactics applied throughout your books (such as the Saxon series)? Thank you for your time, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Rich

Submitted January 11, 2011

A

Yes, but I won't say what because someone will do it, and why? Because I haven't had the time yet! But I'm hoping!

I'll stick with Wellington. he might not be the most attractive character, being snobbish, cold and somewhat supercilious, and he certainly did not have Lee's easy touch with men, but he was just so damned efficient and so thorough. He has virtually all the military virtues, so one can forgive him his personal shortcomings.

To be honest, no - I mean either the material emerges in the books or it doesn't (I suppose), and I'm really not a non-fiction writer.

Q

Hi: This is a question that probably requires a dissertation, but I've always wondered. When you look at a map of the world England doesn't look like much. How did this tiny speck of dirt come to control so much of the world? I sort of suspect that the answer will probably be a very British "How, indeed." Love your books. Tom, Port Angeles, WA

Submitted January 11, 2011

A

In two words? Royal Navy. There's a lot else, of course, but historically Britain has always had a small army and a large navy, which makes sense if you're an island. France and Spain might have been much larger, but they had to spend money on armies to defend land frontiers, and once Britain had internal peace (i.e. no frontiers to protect between England, Wales and Scotland) they could spend their defence budget on ships. Then, once you start looking for commercial advantages (the flag follows trade, not the other way round), possession of the world's biggest navy is a vast advantage! In four words? Britain is an island.

Q

Did you know that a Lieutenant Sharpe fought under Canrobert as a liaison between the Voltigeurs and Light rifles who were attached to the Guards regiments on the Crimean Peninsular? Off course he got into all kinds of trouble with his superiors but many times saved the day. Just an idea ;-)

Philip

Submitted January 11, 2011

A

I didn't! And I'm delighted to have discovered (thanks to you!). What a splendid thought

Q

Dear Mr Cornwall, Please allow me to convey a long overdue thank you; thank you for Richard Sharpe, for Harper, Hakeswill and for Uhtred and so much more. For over 20 years you have entertained and enlightened my family and friends and I am deeply appreciative. A small favor....I am trying to recall where I read your account of growing up with The Peculiar People. I am stymied and am beginning to worry that I may be confusing the memory with the recollection of Ramsey Cambell's autobiographical preface to one of his novels (I am 57 after all!). Does such an account exist? That's about it - no need for any autographs thanks to my dear friend Eric Pederson who has graciously gifted several treasured copies to me over the years. Please keep up the excellent work. Maybe I'll catch you on stage this summer...regards, Jim Evans, Dickerson, MD

Submitted January 9, 2011

A

Perhaps you've read 'Cakes and Ale' found in the back of the short story booklet Sharpe's Story? Or maybe you've seen my piece in the book Family Wanted, Stories of Adoption(Granta, 2005).

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have read your Starbuck books over the years and immensely enjoyed them. Just recently I read The Fort, and remembered just how thoroughly I liked your writing. However,I have often looked at the Sharpe series and would always say to myself that British military history would not interest me - only American. Well, I can honestly now admit how completely wrong I was! I borrowed Sharpe's Tiger from my local library and am now completely hooked. I am just finishing Sharpe's Rifles and I am more than looking forward to reading and enjoying the whole series. My question to you is this; I am currently reading them in chronological order. How would YOU, being the author, recommend to read them? As I am, or in published date order? I thank you once again for blessing us with your superb writing skills and look forward to the continued enjoyment of your books. With Best Regards, Jay Mooney

Submitted January 9, 2011

A

Oh, I think you're doing fine reading them in chronological order (the correct listing can be found on the Sharpe books page of this website). Hope you enjoy them all!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, my husband read all your Saxon Stories in German. He said, that are books, he never read before. He loves them. He can´t expect waiting for the following book. I read, that you will continue the Saxon stories. Will the new book also be translated in German? Can you say at which time after the English version? Thank you for your time. Jasminka

Mr. Cornwell I have started reading your Sharp series recently and have red all the Saxon series you have written. My question to you sir is when are you going to write a new Saxon series book. They are so epic that I get overly excited hoping that you will have a new one soon. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely Mark Harris

We love the Saxon books and can't wait for the next one to come out. When do you think that will be? Let us know if there's anything we can do to help.
Michael and Cynde Route

When will the next book in the Saxon series be written? That is possibly the best set of books ever written..

Kelly Fairchild

Submitted January 9, 2011

A

I am working on the next book of the Saxon stories now and hope to have it ready for publication in autumn. I hope it will be translated to German, but I don't know the time frame for that - possibly one year after the English publication?

Q

Is the Halevy family supposed to be Jewish??

Sara Goldman

Submitted January 8, 2011

A

I honestly can't remember what book they're in, but if they're meant to be Jewish then I'll say so, if I don't say so, they ain't!

Q

I have read all of books set prior to the age of gunpowder, but I travel a lot and love to listen to audiobooks and all of your books are abridged. I know you don't have much of a say in that, but who does? I would like to write them a letter. Warlord has to be my favorite and there is a good full recording of that but it's only on cassette, I can't bring that on my travels. p.s. who the hell wants to listen to an abridged story? Dan

Submitted January 8, 2011

A

A number of my books can be purchased in unabridged formats (Chivers), but I'll be happy to pass your comments along to the publishers.

Q

My daughter and I have different versions on how to pronounce Uhtred's name... please can you tell us? Many thanks jennifer

Submitted January 8, 2011

A

Uhtred? to rhyme with hoot, but with a slight guttural inflection - oot-red.

Q

hi Mr. Cornwell I am an avid fan, and I am reading Exacalibur. I couldn't help but wonder if Sharpe, or Thomas of Hookton are descended from Gwydre and Morwenna?

sorry for all of the questions, but I was wondering if Thomas of Hookton was immortal because he drank from the grail? If so, where would that place him between 1799 and 1821? Aneurin Canham Clyne

Submitted January 8, 2011

A

Not that I know of! But it's a nice idea.

Dead, in his grave, sorry.