Your Questions

Q

I see there is a film on ITV4 this evening [6/12/10] "Sharpe's Peril"? I thought I had the full set of books including the short stories, and even your list on website does not mention this book. Is it a renamed book/episode??
Brian Richardson

Submitted December 7, 2010

A

There is no book - "Sharpe's Peril' (and 'Sharpe's Challenge') were written by scriptwriters for the tv films and are only loosely based on the books.

Q

I have just completed Agincourt, which led me to pick up the Saxon Stories to read again. But I was thinking as I was reading Mr. Hardy's "Longbow" that perhaps you would consider novels involving the battles of Crecy and Poitiers. It would seem to me that you could build an excellent series based on the family continuity of English archers who served on a multi- generational basis. Just a thought, I enjoy your histories enormously.
James Lindsay

Submitted December 7, 2010

A

I am planning a novel on Poitiers, but when? I wish I knew. Multi-generational? Um, no, probably not, it just isn't my style or something I enjoy, though I know others like it. Maybe just Poitiers?

Q

Do you have any reading suggestions for people interested in the Anglo-Mysore Wars, and Tipu Sultan in particular? It seems to me that there is a lack of English-language, non-academic history books on this subject.
Jeff

Submitted December 7, 2010

A

The most accessible books are, of course, the biographies on Wellington which all have interesting chapters on his Indian campaigns - and, of course, the great 'Wellington in India' by Jac Weller (there is a reprint available). I know that doesn't cover the full subject, but you might look at, say, Richard Holmes's book on Wellington and feret about in his bibliography for more. I have some more relevant books, but all out of print. But for the Tippoo? Parallel reading on Wellington will give you almost everything you need.

Q

Hi Bernard, I have been enjoying reading your novels for many years and am looking forward to reading "The Fort" and also the next Uhtred story. What peroid of English history do you find the most interesting and what would be your choice for a new series of stories? Have you ever considered writing about England/Wales/Scotland during the reign of Edward 1st - by all accounts he appears to have been an interesting character! Regards Bob Warburton

Submitted December 7, 2010

A

I've thought about Edward I, but will it happen? I don't know. I have so much other 'stuff' to finish first and, yes, I do have a favourite period which I've never attempted to write about - Elizabeth the Great - undoubtedly the best monarch in English history and a fascinating period . . . .

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have pretty much read all of your novels and just finished 'The Fort'. This is going to sound ridiculous, but I was very pleased that you peripherally mentioned the city of Halifax in this latest book. I grew up in Nova Scotia and enjoyed visiting the various British and French forts in this Canadian province as a child. For example, the Citadel in Halifax is a well preserved British Fort full of canons and actors dressed as kilted soldiers . Does anyone in Britain know about the great British military history in Canada? Eighteenth century Canada produced some epic English heroes. Do you think you might one day write a story that takes place in Canada? P.S. Just say, "Yes" and I will no longer be bitter about the unfinished Starbuck Chronicles. David MacDonald

Submitted December 7, 2010

A

Maybe, so your bitterness must simmer, sorry! Halifax is a wonderful place, and I've walked that fort many times (it's a monster!). I think most people interested in British history know something of the Canadian campaigns, but surely not enough . . . there are a wealth of stories there!

Q

I see on Masterpiece Theatre that Sharpe has returned to India as a Colonel, with Harper at his side. These are not books you have written, but I must assume you have had a role? Is another person being authorized to pick up the standard? I enjoy your work very much!

Barrett King

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I do not have a role in the film-making (other than cheerleader). The most recent Sharpe films ('Sharpe's Challenge' and 'Sharpe's Peril') are written by scriptwriters and only loosely based on the books.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am working my way through the Sharpe series in chronological order and am now on Sharpe's Honour.You may have heard of fishing and golf widows but my wife says that she is now a "Sharpe widow." They are truly brilliant books and have given me an interest in history of that period.You seem to get so much into them,the heroism and horror of war but also details of daily life,soldiers pay,moments of great sadness and moments of briliance and incompetence on both sides of the conflict. In Richard Sharpe you have created a great hero and in Obadiah Hakeswill, a truly foul villain. I have noticed that different editions of the Sharpe novels have different cover illustrations,is there any way to purchase any of these in print form? Or are there any websites where they could be viewed?

Also would you be able to answer one final question.What was the highest position that a soldier promoted from the ranks ever achieved? Mr Cornwell I thank you again for writing these amazing books and look forward to finishing the Sharpe series and starting some of your other novels. Yours sincerely, Carmelo Russo

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

I don't know of any way to purchase the book cover illustrations; or even one site to view them all, sorry!

I wish I were at home and not travelling, because I could consult my library, but certainly they made full Colonel and I have an idea that some became generals. I'll try and remember this question and answer it more fully in a couple of weeks!

Q

dear Mr Cornwell, I recently finished reading the Fort and I'm happy to say it was up to your usual standard, excellent. interesting characters on both sides, I particularly enjoyed your portrayal of John Moore and would love to read more of his exploits. On a different note , I have a question: I have all your works but I am unable to find a copy of 'growing up perculiar'. for some reason I did not buy it when it came out and now cannot locate one anywhere. any suggestions, thanks. Andrew Mathison

Submitted December 6, 2010

A

'Growing Up Peculiar' can be found in the book Family Wanted: Adoption Stories edited by Sara Holloway and published by Granta. I believe the book can be found on used book sites (such as alibris.com and/or abebooks.com). A similar essay, called 'Cakes and Ale' can be found in the back of the short story book Sharpe's Story. Click on the 'Short story books' link for more information.

Q

Hello Bernard Cornwell. I'm such a big fan of your work, and I was wondering if you will ever be interested in writing about the templars or something around that time. In my point of view there is a lack of good novels about those mistical templar knights, and I could not think of anyone better to tell their story. Your novels are brilliant. I've read some comments where you say that you were never interested in writing about this topic, but please, consider to do it one day. Best Regards from a brazilian fan! Yuri Flach

Submitted December 6, 2010

A