Your Questions

Q

Bernard, Have you ever thought about a story involving the Norman Conquest starting at the Battle of Hastings? It seems to be a period of history not many have covered but yet an exciting and interesting part of history. Thanks, David

A

I've thought of the Normans, but it's not likely to happen any time soon.


Q

I have been a huge fan of yours for years now, and I always find it interesting to know who my favorite authors consider their favorites. I also wondered what is your favorite book/ series that you have written.

Daniel Burns

A

My favourite authors? John Cowper Powys, George MacDonald Fraser, John Sandford, Dennis Lehane, John Connolly, plus lots of others....

Hard to say...I've always reckoned the Arthur trilogy are my favourite books - maybe because they were such a pleasure to write. But I find Uhtred is almost as much fun and I take huge pleasure from Sharpe...


Q

Bernard, I'm a huge Richard Sharpe fan and have read through the entire series several times. I have not seen a new Sharpe book since Sharpe's Havoc. Can you give any clues as to when I may see Richard and Patrick in a new adventure? Cheers! Steve

A

A new Sharpe book is at least two years away.


Q

Bernard, I left a comment a few months ago asking for your advice on a good and complete synopsis of the Peninsular War for my A-level personal investigation. Charles Esdaile's book was fantastic; as were the rest of his Napoleonic publications. Thank you. My question now is; are there any particularly good battlefield guides for Napoleonic Iberia? I have already visited many of the sites but I would like to in more detail (in a desperate attempt to make not going to university straight away the right choice in the eyes of my parents!). I know in your preparation for the Sharpe series you followed trail of the British Army across the peninsula. Many thanks, Alex

A

The indispensable Guide is Wellington's Peninsular War, Battles and Battlefields by Julian Paget (Leo Cooper, London, 1990 - updated since).


Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell. Do you have any idea, when your latest Book "The Burning Land" will be translated into German? Thanks a lot. Yours sincerely, S. Osswald

A

I don't, sorry. Often it takes about one year from the time the book is released in the UK before it is available in other languages. There is a link to a German website on the Diary page of this website; maybe you'll find the answer there?


Q

Sir: Was just wondering if you are any relation to Patricia Cornwell, the writer of the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series of books? It seems to be strange that 2 of my favorite authors share the same last name. Also, have just finished all of your books and am looking forward to future publications. Thank you for the excitement, historical perspectives, and unforgettable characters..
Walter Kretiv

A

No, no relation.


Q

Just reread the Saxon Stories for the SECOND time. Eagerly awaiting the release of the 5th book. Any plans for a sequel to Redcoat? Thanks you. Brad Grace

A

There will be a sort-of-a-sequel, but not the same characters . . . I know that sounds odd, but I am just starting one more book set in the time of the American Revolutionary War.


Q

Bernard, so much to say/ask but will keep it brief. Nick Hook in Azincourt, Thomas of Hookton, an archers hero. Any relationship that will become apparent or maybe just a twist of fate? Any chance of you bottling your literary talent so we can all realise the dream?!!
Baz Lovewell

A

There isn't a relationship. I took the name from the muster roll of the archers who really were at Agincourt and it just happened to be the name I liked best and, by coincidence, shared the Hook with Hookton.


Q

Hi, I hugely enjoyed the Saxon series and the Arthur series as well as Agincourt and Stonehenge. I have never seen or read Sharpe until now and bought Sharpe's Eagle which I am currently reading. I just thought I'd ask for your advice on whether to read the Sharpe books in the order you wrote them or chronologically? I bought Sharpe's Eagle first as it was the first one written. Thank you for your awesome stories! Sian Holloway

A

You can, certainly, read them in any order you choose as each book does contain a complete story. However, I do generally recommend reading them in chronological order, starting with Sharpe's Tiger. You will find the complete chronological listing of the books on the Sharpe books page of this website. Hope you enjoy!


Q

Hi there Bernard, Is Colonel Patrick Lassan in the Starbuck Chronicles meant to be Sharpe's bastard son? thanks for your time, Matthew Williams, Nottingham

Hello Mr. Cornwell, Big fan! I am through Sharpe's Sword, and most the way through Copperhead in the Starbuck series. Forgive me if this is answered in books down the line, but is Patrick Lassan Richard Sharpe's son? He has an English father whose best friend is named Patrick and his father wanted him to be a rifleman. The ages would match up as well. Thanks.

On a different note do you have a personal dislike for clergy and lawyers?

Joe

A

Yes, Patrick Lassan is Sharpe's son. Read 'Sharpe's Ransom' (found in the short story book Sharpe's Christmas), if you'd like to know more.

Me? I can't imagine why you would say that...