Your Questions

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

I'm really looking forward on your new book Azincourt after reading the excerpt. Is this going to be a trilogy like the Grail Quest, or is it just going to be all told in one book? And another question, hope you don't mind, I know you're not interested working/writing about the Crusades, would you recommend an author that also writes historical fiction about the crusades? Thanks a lot and keep them (your wondrous tales) coming...James

Mr. Cornwell, thanks for again graciously answering my queries, and I look forward to 'Azincourt', more Sharpe, and Starbuck. A quick question: how would you compare Archduke Charles to Wellington, allowing for the fact that the Iron Duke inflicted Bonaparte's final defeat? The Austrian is reckoned Napoleon's "other" most gifted opponent, and his reforms of the polyglot Hapsburg army led to their standing firm against the French from 1809 on. (Aspern-Essling, etc.) Also, how do you rate the Russian leadership as compared to Wellington's? Suvorov, who never faced Bonaparte himself, was a rare Tsarist general in his affinity for the common soldier, and Kutuzov dared to trade space for time and bloodied the French terribly at Borodino. Some contend that tangling with Suvorov would have gone hard for the little Corsican, or even ended his career early! Reputedly, the Grand Army had an expression: "you can't just kill a Russian, you have to tip him over too!" (I believe that's in "Swords Around a Throne.") I'd appreciate your thoughts and "Sword Song" was great...thanks! Marc, New York USA

I've just been reading "Sword Song". I like your character Uhtred very much. I love reading historical fiction filled with stories of lords and Knights who are likable. I grow old garden roses, many from the 12th century through the 19th but at this time your writing about there's not much to choose from. Maybe Rosa eglanteria, do you know? Not that these types would notice the roses. Andy

Dearest Bernard, First, I'm very thankful for the wonderful artistry that is found in all of your books. Your style has been incredibly instrumental in motivating me to pursue my passions, and I thank you for it! In addition to that, your suggestions for aspiring authors has been most helpful in curtailing an overzealous research binge. We'll see in time whether the tree bears fruit or not! Second, I'm curious if you plan on attending any writing conventions or seminars this summer? I seem to remember that you were a key-note speaker last summer at a show in Albany, NY, and I'm kicking myself for not attending then. Any plans on a Chicago book-signing or visit? Third, (and I apologize if this has been answered before) what sort of Cigars do you prefer? I anxiously await the next books in any of your series! All the best, Adam

Mr Cornwell, Are you going to visiting the UK in 2008, possibly for the launch of Azincourt? I am visiting Northern France later in the Spring, and wondered whether you knew of any Museums or such relating to Azincourt? Many thanks Frank.

To Mr Cornwell first I must start by thanking you for writing some of the best books I have ever read, Stonehenge and the Saxon stories especially. I have found an avid interest in the history of Britain mainly being the invasions by the 'vikings' and the Romans and how they changed the religions of old and the struggle for Christianity in general. I would just like to ask how I would be able to become a historian and what steps I would have to take next, would you be able to recommend any courses or private studies that I could take?
Damien Shimmin