Your Questions

Dear Bernard, I really enjoyed the excerpt from 'Azincourt' that you posted on the website. It's pretty tantalising stuff indeed, and I can't wait for the publication date. Just one question: that incident where the gelded dogs are catapulted into the city - did that really happen, or is it from your own wonderful imagination? It's a fabulous, horrific image. This is why we buy your books. Please keep them coming (your stories, not the dogs). Thank you! Paul from Ireland.

a question really. You indicate that you write based on character and less on outline... does this mean several re-writes? (or at least did it in the earlier books when you were developing your technique?) Thanks... and thanks for such great reads. Tracee de Hahn

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Your book, Lords of the North, caught my attention the other day. I just finished it and enjoyed it very much. I'm now looking forward to reading more of your books. I have a question concerning historical fact (please don't take this as criticism, its a very minor detail that I am simply curious about). On page 32 of LoN the hero states that "My right foot was already free of the stirrup...". I was always under the impression that the stirrup was introduced to England via the Normans during the Conquest and that it was a technological advantage for them. Was this just a minor oversight on your part or is there more to the history of the stirrup in England? I hope this doesn't sound like an "I gottcha!" I usually read non-fiction history and reading you story brings it all alive to me. Keep up the great work!
David Woodhouse

Mr Cornwell, First let me say that I love your books, the Warlord Chronicles being my favourites. The way you combined the legends and history so well was amazing. I am currently at university but have a notebook of information on Charlemagne as well as a few snippets I have written, so when (or rather if) it is published I hope you will accept a copy as it always good to have advice from a master of the genre! May I ask a few questions; Sharpe's Fury mentions Graham's forming of his own regiment and thus becoming a Colonel. Did this happen often and was it a way for non-military men to get a good rank in the army? Thank you for the hours of pleasurable reading, I eagerly await Azincourt and am currently reading The Whale Road, based on your recommendation, it is indeed very good! Lewis

Just curious, are any of Sharpe's adventures inspired by the life of Sir Robert Thomas Wilson? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Thomas_Wilson). CJ

Hello Bernard, I know your currently wrapped-up in Azincourt and probably next another portion of Uhtred's story, but I can't help but coming back to ask you questions about Wellington and Sharpe. Have you considered covering Wellington's first chance of testing his line vs. column theory at Vimeiro? It would be interesting to know some more of how he came about the successful tactics of the thin red line and also the effect of the Convention of Cintra had on Wellington personally. Any chance Sharpe can make it before being whisked back to the North of Spain?

Also, after so many re-reads, why oh why did take the decision to dispense with Hakeswill? He's you best villain by a long shot and surely deserved his come-uppance at Waterloo, and not so soon after the Gateway of God?

I also can't help but think it was a little let-down to have Major Hogan slip away in the unglorious manner you chose. I still laugh out loud at Hogan's snuff sneezing episodes! Perhaps he'd served his purpose to Sharpe and Wellington and that was that? Thanks as always. Dean Tams, Cumbraland.

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a huge fan of your work. So much I am writing a dissertation on your Sharpe Novels for Northumbria University. I would like to ask you a few questions relating to the comparison on film and text: 1. What are your feelings towards the huge difference in your book Sharpe's Gold and the film?

2. Do you know the reasons for Josephine's smaller role in the films? Was it because Teresa was thought to be more entertaining for the TV?

3.In Sharpe's Eagle the film why is there a focus on Leroy and the American slave trade? (as this is not in the book)

4. I read your introduction to Sharpe's Eagle and understand why you wrote Sharpe. Was it your intention to write a male fantasy novel in the same respects that James Bond is a male fantasy? Thank you for your time and please don't stop writing! Joel Kelly

Dear Bernard, In regards to your next Uhtred book after Azincourt I wondered if it might involve the battles and actions around Chester at all or the Scots invasion of Guhtred's Kingdom?????

On another note if the Viking books are about the formation of England have you ever considered Edward 1st and the formation of Britain????

And in regards to Azincourt will there be more books in the series (Read the excerpt and loved it) and any chance of Nick Hook taking on Joan of Arc at all??? Yours sincerely Tony

P.S You have said you have considered the war of 1812 how about the real life James Fitzgibbon and the bloodyboys seems very Sharpe like person to me.

Hi Bernard I know you say don't give ideas for books but I have to ask... Have you ever thought about a book or series of books about Alexander The Great??? Cheers Dave

Hi, I've long been a fan of the Sharpe novels and I was wondering if you could place Sharpe in the modern world what would he become? A soldier? A farmer? Or is there only a place for him in the 19th century? Many Thanks, Steve