Your Questions

One of the first books I read that got me hooked on you as an author starts out during training in England. Sharpe escapes and then comes back. I cannot recall the whole story. I have reread most of your books several times but have not found this one again. Any help? I travel often and also developed a fondness for Fredrick Davidson's reading.

Ray Arvin

Hi Mr. Cornwell. I've noticed that the clamour for more Starbuck seems to be increasing. I ask, why not bring Nate back into the mix? You wouldn't have to complete the whole series and write nothing but Starbuck until its done. I would suggest the next three novels, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. That would end with both the war and Nate's career at an important juncture, and a better stopping place than Antietem. Just start alternating in new Starbuck novels along with Sharpe, Uhtred, and your other projects. Your fans will be much happier, and your other series won't suffer, because you'll be switching back and forth. Alan Kempner

Dear Mr Cornwell. Though I know you've been asked it many times before, I was wondering if now at long last you might start thinking of continuing the Starbuck chronicles? I've read and totally understand why you stopped writing them, as they clashed with the Sharpe books being similar in character. The Sharpe books and the tv series were second to none, and I along with millions like me loved them. The tv series has long since finished though, barring the wonderful Sharpe's Challenge and Peril in recent years, and with this in mind have you considered what a wonderful tv adaptation the Starbuck chronicles might make? If so, would it hopefully spur you into continuing the story and writing further episodes of Nate Starbucks adventures? Many like me have been waiting patiently these past years hoping you would pick up the story from where we last left it. I'd love to see another Sharpe like series on the tele, and can think of no other character I'd rather see take to the screen then Nate Starbuck. We just need more novels so we can read and enjoy them before they get to the big screen! I hope you don't think I'm being presumptuous Mr Cornwell, I think your novels are great and would just dearly love to see one of my all time favourite characters brought back to life. As you tantalisingly put at the end of The Bloody Ground, "Starbuck will march again". I hope so. Best regards, Jason

Mr. Cornwell I have enjoyed every book of yours that I have read but I have one question are you making another book in the starbuck chronicles because I have just recently finished the fourth book and found that I really wanted to read more about that story and its characters
Graham Winder

Thanks for all the great books but like many I would like to know when Starbuck will return. You have said in the past that you wont write anymore Starbuck Chronicles until Sharpe is finished. I think you are saying it will be a few years until another Sharpe book so can I assume it will be a few years after that before Starbuck. Looking forward to the new Saxon book thanks, Chris Ridgway

Hello Mr Cornwell, I loved all the 'Sharpe' novels. I picked up Sharpe's Sword in a charity shop about a year ago and it didn't take me long to get through it (on a holiday in Spain as a matter of detail) and was soon hooked on the others, which I read in near-chronological order. I finished Sharpe's Devil a few weeks ago. One thing has been bugging me - what happened to Major Joseph Forrest? I might be wrong but I don't remember how his story ended - perhaps in the final clash at Waterloo? I really loved the novels and I hope to see more of them. I am starting now on the TV series - interesting to see how the programmes represent their respective source novels! Best regards Rob Parker

Bernard.. Needless to say I enjoy all your work immensely. I have two questions: Firstly I've just started to read Sharpe's Sword and noticed that in the copy I have the book isn't dedicated to anybody. Is this an oversight of the publisher or deliberate? Secondly are you planning any trips to Australia, Sydney in particular?

Mark

Your books are fiction i know.. but when checked against the real events [of say Crecy or Azincourt] they stand up as being pretty well accurate. You don't let yourself get too carried away with over exaggeration of what knights and kings might have done and said. That's why I thought it was unlike you to be so inaccurate in your views on Bannockburn on p72 of Vagabond. where you claim that David believed 'the flower of Scotland had ridden down the nobility of England.' and that David wanted to do the same again. I'm sure you know that Bannockburn was won by Scottish foot soldiers in their schiltroms, not by any really decisive cavalry encounter.. the only riding down of the English nobility, if there was any, was when the battle was over and they were running away.. Then, the line earlier where you say 'Robert the Bruce had beaten the English on horseback'.. is only true in a sense of the first day, when he had beaten de Bohun.

Andrew Hunt

Mr. Cornwell, Just want to say how much I have enjoyed the Sharpe series over the years. Having looked at your site I want to read Agincourt, the Authur Books and The Saxon Stories they sound very interesting. I have one comment Redcoat, as a British reenactor for the past 33 years and come up through the ranks that volume was ok, just some of the details were wrong, I believe is I recall correctly you mention stripes on a sergeant? Not in my research and study over the years was there every an mention of stripes used by either side from 1775 to 1783. There's an end to it and my only criticism of the book. I would however like to invite you to a Revolutionary war reenactment as my guest in future if you have the time. I do not live far away from you in Chatham as I live in Middleborough Mass. You may contact me at my email address and should you ever need my services I am at your service. Your Servant Sir, Winston S. Stone Capt. & Lt. Col 1st Foot Guards ret. Aide de Camp H.M. 10th Regiment of Foot

Dear Mr Cornwell,I would love to know if you have any intentions to progress with Gallows Thief? I am sure many others must think alike.Thank you for the many pleasant hours. Regards P.H.

Well. If you enjoy writing historical novels over your sailing thrillers, how about a historical sailing thriller, ala Patrick O'Brian, say about the Mary Rose, or the Spanish Armada from the Spanish point of view?

Lloyd L. Thoms Jr.

Dear Bernard, Thought I'd just drop you line to thank you for your excellent books, and particularly the Sharpe series. After spending years borrowing them at the various libraries near where I have lived, I finally got frustrated and have been buying them in batches from Amazon. The last batch will arrive shortly. For some reason, I find Sharpe terrifically readable, and re-readable--which makes owning the whole series even more satisfactory. I've always been a fan of Napoleonic history, and your books prompted my recent reading of Elizabeth Longford's book on Wellington, and another entitled Napoleon and Wellington. Both were very readable and enjoyable. Thanks again...your books have given me many hours of pleasure. I am the General Manager of a combined radio and television operation in the small city of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada (very sunny, very flat, lots of wheat, gas and oil, cattle and cowboys). If you have time to answer, I'd love to know if you have any plans to write about Sharpe's early years--childhood to recruitment. I know you've touched on these topics, but I want more (aren't fans annoying!) Have a great day... Dave Sherwood

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have just finished reading your book 'Azincourt' and I'd just like to say that I have never enjoyed reading a book so much. I just hope that as with the 'Sharpe'(which I have also read) novels, this is turned into a film, or at least a 3 part mini series. It's about time we(the English) start celebrating our achievements against the overwhelming odds we have had to endure throughout the centuries. Do you think this film will ever happen??? I for one hope it does. Keep up the good work Mr Cornwell, and thank you. Regards Mark Parker

Hi Mr Cornwell, Love your books! I do hope you get to another Starbuck one of these days! Just wanted to ask where you got the inspiration for a character like Washington Faulconer. Do you base people like that on a someone or several people you've met in life or is he purely fictitious? Likewise someone like Delaney... Thanks - It's great you take the time to answer (you're no doubt busy!) James