Your Questions

Hi, I became a Sharpe fan almost by accident and have become addicted, mostly on CD's. My (almost) favorite part is the historical notes; it has given me an interest in the Napoleonic wars I wouldn't have had otherwise. I am now reading "Agincourt" and have a simple question: Is Cornewaille an ancestor, or are you just having fun? Thanks for your talent and research. Darcy (not a woman)

Mr. Cornwell: Agincourt was wonderful. Thank you for another engaging and informative read. I noticed several little details that seemed to be nods to Shakespeare's Henry: Henry's disguised visits to his soldiers the night before the battle, and his not wanting to share the glory with men home in England come to mind. Were these homages to Shakespeare, or merely reflective of the fact that Shakespeare and you both based those events on historical reports?

Michael Newman

hi, Mr. Cornwell. I'd like to know if Ragnar Ragnarson is going to have his own story. thanks.

Sara

Bernard, I was wondering what your opinion is of the 1970 film Waterloo, especially the performances of the actors playing Wellington and Napoleon. I first watched this film when I was very young and I was amazed (as I still am) by the sheer scale of production, the scene where the French are marching onto the field at the start of the day and Ney leading the French cavalry round the squares are truly spectacular. I think that the performance of both actors was excellent as they both naturally look like the men they are portraying and also capture the personality traits of Wellington and Napoleon superbly. I was disappointed that they didnt show a couple of the battles most celebrated incidents, namely the Closing of the gate at Hougoumont and the capture of the eagle standard of the 45th by Sergeant Ewart of the Scots Greys. I am quite glad that you will not be adding to the Arthur stories as I think the trilogy is perfect the way it is and any more novels would possibly dilute what I think is your finest work. I also love the fact that the end was left ambiguous, both the events after the battle of Camlann and the fate of Derfel in the monastery. In my minds eye Derfel dies sword in hand forlornly trying to defend the monastery from the invading Saxons who then burn the monastery to the ground which acts as Derfels balefire allowing him to pass over to the otherworld and be at peace with Ceinwyn, his family and his friends. Cant wait for the new Saxon book and the return of Starbuck. John

Hi Mr Cornwell, I apologise if this question has been asked but I could not find it in the FAQs. Have you sold anyone the film rights yet for the ARTHUR trilogy? Is there ever any hope of seeing it in film? I for one would love to see Peter Jackson do a FAITHFUL screenplay. I have to tell you that, since reading this work, it is THE definitive "Arthur" and totally destroy's any other treatment of the legend I have ever seen. It has the absolute ring of truth to it, as far as one can say a probably-fictional hero is "true". Even my wife, who I had to nag for months to read the books and who has been an Arthurian fan forever, has been converted and thinks your interpretation is THE BEST EVER. So, how about 3 x 4hour films in the LOTR tradition? cheers Kim White in Australia

Dear Mr Cornwell, Looking at the sheer volume of your output, I have one question. Where do you find the time ? What is your secret ? Jim Spence, East Kilbride, Scotland

Mr. Cornwell, First of all, thanks for your books. I love every one I have read and plan on reading more! I wanted to ask your opinion on something. I have been researching a medieval event (don't want to say which event and give away any ideas to people who browse your site! :-) ) and plan on writing an alternate history novel with the information I have gathered. My question has to do with names. My characters are mostly French speaking but I will be writing the novel in English. Do you think using the anglicized version of names would be best, or would it be okay for me to use the French versions? Personally, I like the French versions better, but would it be too weird for English readers? Thanks for your time, and more importantly, thanks for your stories. They have inspired me to do what I have always wanted to do. -Jordan

I am an avid fan of your books and have a question about how one becomes a reader of advanced copy releases...I would love to become one as I am always anxious to read that next adventure...

John Caudill

Thanks for the great books. In Azincourt you refer to the river Ternoise as the "River of Swords" and I would like to know why. My daughter has been renovating an old farm house in Blangy sur Ternoise a small village near Azincourt and I stayed there with her last year, visiting Azincourt on one occasion. After reading your book I would like to return but the air fare from Australia is deterring. Asking the locals, in halting French, resulted in unsatisfactory answers " There was lots of fighting here in WW1 and WW11".I hope you can solve this problem before my son-in-law dives in the river looking for abandoned weapons. Betty Lennox

I have listened to most of your Sharpe books (the original ones) and my favorite one is Waterloo, I have listened to that one many times. And have gone on to other series. One request and one question Please continue Starbuck. Are there unabridged recordings of the Arthur books? Audible does not have one, only abridged, hate abridged recordings. thank you
Marianna A.