Your Questions

Q

Dear Sir: I have begun reading AzinCourt. I know you researched it well, but shouldn't you have made your character Welsh? Didn't they invent the longbow and provide most of the archers for that battle? Thanks, Jim West

Submitted November 8, 2008

A

It's a long-lasting myth . . . sorry. Yes there were considerable numbers of Welsh archers in Henry's army, but they were a minority - most by far came from the English shires. As to the idea that the Welsh invented the longbow, that's very dubious. I think the earliest yew longbows ever found date from Neolithic times and were discovered in a grave at Knaresborough, Yorkshire. It's true that the Welsh specialised in the longbow, but so did the lowland Scots and the English,

Q

As a massive Sharpe fan, I just wondered if you had any thoughts on the Flashman Novels and in particular everyone's favourite cad - Harry Flashman, the antithesis of Sharpe if ever there was one. I notice that Celtic and Palace are developing the Flashman novels for TV. Do you think Flashman can be brought to life in today's PC world and who would you see as Harry Flashman?

Also any plans for any other of your novels to be made into films? Best regards, Steven

Submitted November 8, 2008

A

I've no idea who should portray Flashman! I'm sure the casting director will find someone wonderful. I adore the Flashman novels and counted my friendship with George MacDonald Fraser as a great privilege. I have all the novels and re-read them with great pleasure. I'm not sure he's comparable with Sharpe; George was essentially writing humour, but with a dark foundation that came, I suspect, from his wartime experiences. If you haven't read it then get hold of a copy of his amazing memoir Quartered Safe Out Here, one of the best accounts of service in the Second World War (he fought as a private in the Malayan campaign).

No plans at the moment.

Q

Hi. I read in an interview by the Radio Times of Sean Bean that in the latest film Sharpe's peril there is a hint about his daughter and an adventure in South America. He said he would like to do this but funding could be a problem. I realise that the Sharpe of the films has gone a different route to the Fictional Sharpe but if the it would be possible to combine the above story with the Story of Sharpe's Devil. Instead of seeking Blas Vivar then he could be looking for his daughter. I always thought the the "Devil" story was one of the best adventures and that it would make a great film as have to other story conversions that have been made. Is there a chance that the Devil could be made into a film. Surely they would have to ask you for permission to adapt that story. I realise that you do not control the filming schedules but you might have heard something. I really do think the Devil would make a great film and have always thought that when they made the past films. I might just have to reread that story again if they don't. I might anyway it is one of my personal favourites of the Sharpe series of books.
Roddy Carter

Submitted November 8, 2008

A

They don't need my permission to do anything! I think filming 'Devil' is a possibility, but I honestly don't know what they're thinking of making next, only that there is a project in the planning stage. Their biggest constraint, of course, is budget, and ships are expensive (and troublesome).

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I'm a 19-year old student from Malta and I'm sending this e-mail to congratulate you on your work. I just wanted to say that your new book 'Azincourt' has been a most enjoyable read. To be honest, the first book I read was 'Sword Song' and I found it very entertaining since I'm fascinated by the Anglo-Saxon Period. 'Azincourt' has been your second book I ever read and I thought it was very impressive. The descriptions and the style of story telling are superb. I bought the book since I've always been interested in that historical battle and was always intrigued by the longbow power myth. I also had a question I wanted to ask you about the book if it is of no inconvenience. When Nick Hook hears the voice for the first time to stop Sir Martin from his actions against Sarah, was that actually God or St.Crispinian? I'm now eagerly waiting to start reading 'The Grail Quest' series and hopefully read the first three Saxon books before 'Sword Song'. I haven't had the chance to read any of the Sharpe books but I do watch with anticipation the TV series! Once more I would like to congratulate your work and am looking forward to reading more of your books. Thank you, James Moffett

Submitted November 8, 2008

A

I honestly don't know - and have asked myself that question! I suspect he hears his own voice and ascribes it to the supernatural.

Q

I love your books, with Sharpe of course being the catalyst that got me started. I enjoyed all of your books, but the ones that made the most impression on me were surprisingly the Arthur Tales. I had put them off for years and finally when I had literally read all of your books numerous times I picked them up. Tremendous books. My question is, the lack of new Starbuck tale, could it be due to the fact that after Gettysburg especially, but basically after Antietam the American civil war took on a form more reminiscent of World War 1 than earlier times. I know your professed dislike of that period, could that be a mental block to the appeal of finishing Starbuck?

Mark Savannah

Submitted November 8, 2008

A

No, don't think so . . . . what caused the hiatus in Starbuck was the return to the Sharpe novels (following the advent of the TV series) and, frankly, the books are too alike to write and I like some variation!

Q

Have you read the Black Prince's Expedition by the late HJ Hewitt? It is purely factual but what an incredible adventure! I have bought Azincourt to read and will be surprised if it surpasses Poitiers as a victory beyond belief!
Chris Stone

Submitted November 8, 2008

A

I agree about Poitiers, and want to write it. I haven't read Hewitt, but I will. Thank you!

Q

A friend has recommended Azincourt, and I do intend to read it. However noting the number of novels you have written, which historical novel would you recommend I start with?
Neil Turner

Submitted November 7, 2008

A

Why not start with Azincourt? Hope you enjoy it!

Q

Hi Bernard, I see a new Sharpe adventure is airing on ITV starting November 2nd, is this anything to do with you as it appears to be the first TV only Sharpe adventure and not based on any of your books? Did you have any input in it, will there be a book tie in? Cheers Phil.

Submitted November 7, 2008

A

Actually, it's not the first. 'Sharpe's Mission' and 'Sharpe's Justice' were also written by scriptwriters for the TV films. And 'Sharpe's Challenge' is only loosely based on the books. No book tie-in is planned.

Q

Hi Bernard, I notice that you expect that number 5 of the Saxon series will be out in Oct'09. Do these deadlines frighten you? Do you ever wonder how you're going to meet them?? Also do you ever find that at lunch time one of your characters is alive and well, only to find by teatime to your utter surprise he/she has met their demise?? Or are your slayings more premeditated?? Thanks Bernard!! Willie from Ireland

Submitted November 7, 2008

A

Deadlines don't frighten me . . . not after 40+ books! I really don't think about them at all. My characters constantly surprise me, and most deaths aren't premeditated (unless it's the book's main villain). And yes, I expect the 5th of the Saxon series to be published in October '09

Q

Have read & re-read the Sharpe series, but you have one omission - there is nothing to complete the series, ie Richard's entry to the 95th Rifles! I know you do not accept suggestions for story lines, but surely the 95th Rifles is a logical progression after Waterloo in the Sharpe series.Should you decide on this, I can then rest easy and not anticipate another Sharpe saga, & be content with re-reads as & when. Have very (very) recently discovered how good the "early" (pre Sharpe/Starbuck period) Saxon/Arthur etc story-lines are. Please keep on writing, as once into a book of yours, I find your writing quite compulsive-hence the re-reading! Many, many thanks for introducing me to Richard Sharpe in 1981 Most sincerely - Jeff Huntingdon

Submitted November 7, 2008

A

I've thought about it . . . . . will it happen? I honestly don't know, but I do have a few ideas!