Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I minored in History and I have thoroughly enjoyed your trips into my past, I am American but my family came from England a loooong time ago. I'm reading the Saxon tales again and I had an idea I would like to share...My wife and I went on our Honeymoon to England and we both want to go back, but we've already done the "touristy" stuff, the London hop on hop off, renting a car (a great test of a new marriage for an American couple!!) and driving to Stonehenge and on and on... I was reading about Uhtred's travels and thinking "I would like to see these places and what they look like now and maybe have a comparison to 1200 years ago. I wonder if Cornwell has a Uhtred tour, or a Sharpe tour, or a tour of any of his characters for that matter?" My imagination goes wild with all the possibilities! If it's something you would even think about pursuing let me know so I can book a trip! Or, even better, if it works out can I have a job? Cheers, and thanks for sharing your talents with us!

Tyson Sterne

Is Sharpe's father Sir Simmerson? Scott Wendt

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just finished my bi-yearly reading of the Warlord trilogy, and wanted to say again how much I appreciate all of your hard work. Also, just a quick question - have you seen the trailer, or seen the movie "Valhalla Rising"? You can view the trailer here: http://www.valhallarising.dk/. The movie looks really interesting, and it sounds like it has more layers than just surface violence.
Cheryl O.

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I have contacted you before with questions about your work; however, this time I have a question about military period tactics. I am engaged in a rather deep theological debate over the tactics and weaponry of the American Civil War, specifically, and the age of the rifle generally. I take as my Gospel the fact that the Crimean War signified the start of the "modern" age of warfare, and that the American Civil War was first total war to be fully perpetrated using what we now know as modern warfare. My good opponent on the other hand, cites Paddy Griffith "Battle Tactics of the Civil War", which asserts that both armies used Napoleonic tactics and a failure in training (obviously inferring the amateur nature of Civil War volunteers)resulted in such high casualties. Battle tactics mentions that the Brown Bess had a range of 200 yards (not any that I have every fired) and that the introduction of the mini ball did not significantly alter the rifled muskets effective range. In effect, he argues that Civil War soldiers stopped to fire and gain cover at such places like Pickets Charge, Fredericksburg, and Cold Harbor is the reason that their attacks were not properly pressed home. And he argues for mounted cavalry charges.... Lastly, the heretic asserts that it was not British Musketry that defeated French Columns but the Bayonet charge; which he claims came as a result of the British experience in the Revolutionary war! So which is it? The book of firepower as written by a most honorable yours truly or is it to be the book of training and melee shock combat as written by that wretched scoundrel of friend. Hopefully you can surmise which is the orthodox way of thinking. Sincerely, Mark

Dear Mr. Cornwell, at first, let me thank you for for all the wonderful hours I spent reading your books. I `m a huge fan of your work and after having finished your newest book, I`m always desperately awaiting the next! To my question: I am very interested and fascinated by the colonisation of the american west. Would there be any chance of you writing a book settled in the "Wild West", maybe about the Gold Rush or the Indian Wars? Additionally, though I`m sure you are quite bugged by that subject, I wanted to tell you, that I am waiting for a new Starbuck book quite desperately... Please excuse my English, I`m used to read the English tongue, but alas lacking writing/speaking practice due to missing possibilities. Greetings from Germany, Marius

Thank you Mr. Cornwell for all your wonderful books. Reading your reader's comments, it seems you've inspired a number of would-be historical fiction writers and I'm one of them. I am surprised to see you write in one of your comments, that your books range from 130-150,000 words. I've been told that editors want fiction to be around 75-90,000 words, not to exceed 110,000. Any comments? thanks.

Alan Kurland

I have read and enjoy all of your books that I have read. I have friends who are Spanish readers. Are the Sharpe books available in Spanish, especially the ones set in Spain and Portugal? If so, I would like to buy them as gifts. Thank you.
Ralph Prince

Agincourt: Nick Hook and Thomas of Hookton -- Relations? Book is on the way, but not yet arrived. Love the Sharpe's and Capt Sandman is a treat; but have to say the Warlord's are the best Arthurian anything I've ever read. Thanks!
Mike Pandolfo

Dear Mr.Cornwell I'm a big fan of your writing, but as I'm sure you've read this many times before and have no need to be told so again, I'll get straight to my question. I was wondering why John Gaspard Le Marchant receives such a passing mention in Sharpe's Sword when many other generals and colonels are mentioned by name in your novels. Although the novel does mention his contribution, and subsequent death, in the heavy cavalry charge at Salamanca I was curious as to why you chose not to use his name. Especially as Le Marchant was quite a revolutionary officer in the British cavalry, and armed forces in general. Perhaps because his name is French and might have confused readers? Or maybe just because he has, as Sharpe would say, a soft bum. In any case, I was confused and would appreciate some small explanation regarding this matter. Thanks, Samuel

I understand that you will be speaking in Manchester on October 16th as part of the pages ago&manchester literature festival and would like to know about the time and place and charge this would be please. Many thanks Mrs Lofthouse