Your Questions

Mr B. Cornwell, Unfortunately I have no idea how to ask a question in the questions section so I hope it's not a complete bother to do so here. I first 'met' Richard Sharpe because of Sean Bean. I've loved about every book you wrote since then (haven't read each and every one yet ^_^). My question is: my latest order in books (last part of the Grail Quest and Sharpe's fury) have come in a different size. Do you have any influence in that because it's kind of annoying to have a beautiful set on the shelf and two of them sticking out..... Thank you for your time, Best regards, Janneke.

dear Bernard, I'm a massive fan of your books, there isn't one that I havn't loved. But my question to you is what do you enjoy reading when you are relaxing?
Barry Wesson

Azincourt is an enthralling work.Are there any existing records of the actual cruelties that were ventilated upon those archers at Soissons because, if true ,the present French comments about our cruelties at Agincourt can be contrasted with those.I would love to see you tackle Marston Moor ,Stamford Bridge and Towton in 1461,which were all decisive battles in different ways fought within a short radius of York.Do you do all your own research such as the fascinating details about the longbow ? Many Thanks Tony.

Dear Bernard. I have noticed that quite a few major details differ from your Sharpe novels to the Sharpe TV series, as you have mentioned before the Sharpe TV Production team has carte blanche to treat Sharpe as they feel, however if they decided to write a film based upon Sharpe fighting in the USA would you have sufficient clout to veto that proposal? Many thanks for your books. Phil

Hi Bernard, just finished Azincourt which was well written and well read, good humour and characters. I especially like the reference to Thomas of Hookton (commanded a 1000 archers!) and wonder if there might be another book or two there? Anyway, thanks for another great book, and on the subject of good characters, I was wondering if you've given any more thought to the great Knight William Marshall? I know you have so many to write, but I know that you know that he's star material and worthy of a few novels (nudge nudge wink wink). You may recall me mentioning this before, but I'm sure that like the man himself, the story would win great renown. I hope it's in the cards. Much respect and many thanks, Mike

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a bit reticent about doing this, with a man of your proven and well-merited literary eminence, but feel I should. Read with great interest your article on Agincourt in the Daily Mail this week and your frequent use of the word pole-axe. I too believed this was the correct spelling, until I visited the excellent Leeds Armouries. There I witnessed a reconstructed 'duel' between two protagonists - one with a poll-axe! Before the event he described what he was going to do and spoke about the misconception in the meaning and thus the spelling of the word. As with poll tax ( a tax on heads, i.e., polls!)the poll-axe was designed to smite an opponent on the head - the poll. Not because it was on the end of a pole. An easy mistake but he was quite explicit. So...you surely knew this and if so why the wrong spelling? Was it because the public perceived it this way? Please advise. Shaun Ivory

Dear Bernard, Thank you so much for an entertaining and amusing evening at Ely Cathedral. My husband and I both enjoyed it immensely, and it was nice to talk to you, however briefly, and hear your appreciation of 'our' cathedral...even if you didn't get to visit the Stained Glass Museum! I know this note is a little late, coming almost a fortnight after the event, but we've been very busy at 'end of season' re-enactment gigs - AngloSaxon (and Romano British), rather aptly. I do hope you get the opportunity to bring your wife over to see the cathedral, as you mentioned; it is a memorable experience, whatever ones personal beliefs! By the way, I was going to ask you to sign my longbow, but the weather knocked that idea on the head. If you do any other events, especially for Toppings, would you mind if I brought it along for signing? Oh, and sorry we couldn't provide you with better weather for the evening, but what would The Fens be without water after all...just plain, dull old dry land you can find anywhere... cheers, and thanks again, Mary Hannigan p.s. I'm glad to read that you have another book to follow Gallows Thief. I do love your other books, but some of them are a little like a busman's holiday for me! :-) Mary Hannigan

There are two questions that I would like to put to you: 1. I have some addictions, viz: cigarettes; women; sometimes booze, and Sharpe. The first three I could almost give up, but Sharpe? Never! What is the antidote? 2. The latest TV film is called Sharpe's Peril, there has been a previous film on TV that had nothing to do with any of your written work either. When are you going to fulfill Richard Sharpe's life, I think he deserves all the blanks to be filled in. You messed about with his life, jumping from 'Sharpe's Eagle' back to India then back to the Peninsula. You, who also wrote "Gallows Thief" could surely meld the story of a foundling and a Hakeswill, Flanders etc. and then let it flow over, ultimately, to the Starbuck Chronicles. Mr. Cornwell, fill in the gaps or give us continuation. Thank you. MICHAEL D LOVELESS

Hi Bernard, I have attended a couple of your West Country events, and must say how enjoyable they have been - your wicked sense of humour appeals, which also comes through in your books. I am probably in the minority here, in that I prefer your dark age and middle age books to Sharpe, although I still find the latter hugely enjoyable. Having read Gallows thief, how about a story with Sandman, Berrigan, Sharpe and Harper all together? - the carnage from the volcanic tempers would be brilliant. Keep up the good work - can you clone yourself to get the books out quicker please?

Andy Green

Mr. Cornwell, I have been an avid fan of your novels for a long time. I absolutely love the Saxon Stories. In fact, I am such a fan of the history of the Viking age, I am now writing a technical paper for one of my classes. The subject of this paper is going to be the naval architecture of Viking longboats. I was wondering, as the author of such a great many well researched novels, if you had any specific sources that I should consult. Thanks for your time, Aidan McAllister

Hallo. Hope you are well and still enjoy writing as much as I enjoy reading your works. Some time ago now you were kind enough to recommend an agent that may be interested in medieval militaria novels (Anita Molly) and I sent off my own great work to her. While rejecting the book, she did make the effort to point out the major flaw in it being a lack of sympathy evoked for the hero. Obviously I resolved to work at this and study ways to improve the book but somehow I got married and had a couple of kids instead and time passed etc etc. Anyway to get to the point: I recently have returned to writing and posted my work to one of those internet sites for writers as I saw it as a good way to gather feedback to refine the books. I was wondering how far you regard others opinions of your work when creating a book? Do you show it to as many people as possible or keep it hidden til finished? And should you take all (constructive) criticism into account or try to use judgement? e.g: This probably sounds really generic (and probably sexist), but Ive noticed that a lot of women seem to be more interested in sympathy, empathy and the emotions of the central character, but then the primary market for a medieval military adventure story (I imagine) is probably blokes, who seem more interested in the action. Also (if you are still reading) have you any tips/rules of thumb on the whole Show dont tell side of writing? Given that any historical novel is bound to have a lot of obscure detail that if not explained could leave the reader scratching their head, where is it safe to draw the line? Sorry for going on a bit and thanks for any advice you can give. Regards Tim