Your Questions

Q

dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm a new fan of your books but I'm completely amused. i heard somewhere that you're coming to Brazil in September, is it true? I'd like to know the exactly day, so I can prepare my 15-hours travel to Rio, where you're going to. thank you for keep making legends coming to life!
Nienna

Submitted June 10, 2009

A

Yes! I will be coming to Brasil and I'm glad you are amused! I will be at the Rio de Janeiro Book Fair beginning 10 September 2009. I am not sure of the exact schedule yet, but it will be posted to the Diary page of this website once all the details are known. Hope to see you there!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have a quick and probably silly question for you. I have read many of your books including Sharpe and am currently reading Agincourt. It took roughly 20 seconds to load and fire a musket, but it takes a fraction of that to loose an arrow and the arrow seems just as (if not more) accurate. It seems like one could do more damage with a line of archers than a musket line. What is the factor I am overlooking?
Joe

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

Training . . . . you're right - the longbow had a greater range than the Napoleonic-era musket, was far more accurate, and had a hugely superior rate of fire. But - it took at least ten years to train a man to be an effective archer, partly because of the difficulty of aiming a bow drawn to the ear, and mostly because of the huge strength required to repeatedly draw a bowstring with a draw weight of 120 pounds plus. You could train a musketeer inside a week, but an archer? Wellington enquired (during the Peninsular War) about the possibility of raising a corps of longbowmen, but was told that the skill had died away - none were available.

Q

Hi, Cornwell! I'm from Brazil and we love your books.. you have a lot of fans here! I would like to know if have you ever thought about writing a book on second world war. It would be fantastic! What I really like in your books is that the histories happens in real situations.. My English is not so good, I'm sorry.. Thank you Rafael Vinicius

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

I doubt I will write a book on WWII. I prefer to stick to the more distant past. But thanks for your message - your English seems perfect to me!

Q

hi Mr Cornwell just read one of your question about your favourite commanders (great set of choices btw) and it got me think as to what is your favourite battle in history and why
William Woodroofe

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

Never really thought about having a favourite, but I suppose I'd choose Waterloo. It's a very simple battle on the face of it ('they came on in the same old way and we saw them off in the same old way'), but it decided the fate of Europe for 100 years and it's full of drama and horror - and I do have a vast regard for Wellington who, afterwards, fervently hoped he had fought his last battle, which seems an admirable sentiment.

Q

Dear Sir,First and foremost thank you for writing the most enjoyable books I have ever read I have read every book you have published many times and eagerly await each and every new publication.I have noticed that you are giving a talk at Althorp in June.I have got tickets,could I impose and ask that if I can get there would you be kind enough to sign about six books which I have in my collection.I am willing to make a donation to your favorite charity for the privilege.If I cannot make it would it be possible to send the books to you I will pay any costs involved.Many thanks in anticipation Regards William Green

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

I'd be happy to sign six books . . . . it's when folk bring six bags of books that I start to worry! We really don't ask for a charitable contribution except from book-dealers (who like to bring six trunks of books), but don't let me dissuade you, and if you go to this page: http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/clarkesisters then that would be great! If you don't make it to Althorp, write back and we'll send you an address to mail the books to for signing. And thank you for your comments!

Q

Are there any plans to film the saxon novels?
Shane Fletcher

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

None that I know of...

Q

Please can you give any idea when we will get more Sharpe as I really enjoy these books. thank you Eileen

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

I really don't plan on another Sharpe for at least a few more years - there are some other books I'd like to write first!

Q

hello Mr. Cornwell, I just finished reading the first four books of the "Saxon Stories". they were fantastic and I am looking forward to book five being released. Although this perhaps is a silly question: Is there an order you would suggest for reading the different series you have written? I am thinking of reading the Arthur books next (it seems that I should have read those first). Any suggestions would be appreciated. Best regards, Chad Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

Ah, and another Saxon story is coming! The Burning Land should be available in October . . . . but till then, there really isn't any order I know of . . . but I'm very fond of the Arthur trilogy so I'd encourage you to read that next!

Q

Love your books, I am reading all of them slowly, you are definitely my very, very favourite author. Now my question is, I think somewhere I read that your parents had a farm in Stoughton. Did I imagine this, or is it correct ? If it is correct, would this farm be in Stoughton, or Guildford, Surrey? Guess that's the question for now. Kind regards, Carol Bournon, Australia

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

I don't know if you imagined it, but it wasn't so . . . . . they owned a farm in Pitsea, Essex, which isn't quite as nice as Stoughton!

Q

Having recently seen a programme on the events at the battle of Hastings and Stamford bridge,I wondered if you have ever thought of doing a series on this?I love all your books especially the Saxon stories cant wait for the new to come out now.Thank you for keeping me entertained for many years now.Regards Stuart.

Submitted June 3, 2009

A

It's never been high on my list, but I'm asked so often that I'm beginning to think about it! Thank you