Your Questions

I am working my way through the sharpe series and thought trafalgar was a solid entry. Enjoyable to see sharpe trying out his sea legs. Do you have a personal favorite in the series? And is there a sharpe story that you were dissapointed with, or that wasn't as well received as you had hoped?

Michael Calkins

Dear Mr Cornwell, recently Sharpes Havoc has been published in Italy. I read it and I think it is a beautiful book (but my favourite book remains Sharpes Tiger). When will be published in Italy the next Sharpes book or another your book? Sorry for my English. Federico a Cornwells Italian fan.

First, a thank you for Richard Sharpe! I have another 15 books to look forward to. Second, are the sharply curved sabres used in the Sharpe's War TV series authentic? I can not find any similar examples in a Google search; all of the images show sabres with less curve, and the TV versions *seem* like they would be awkward. The purpose of the curve is now clear to me -- as a Vietnam veteran (a hospital corpsman with the 1st Marines), I can only imagine treating a sabre wound! Bob Ingraham Vancouver

Mr. Cornwell - I'm sure I speak for all of your loyal readers when I say how much we all sincerely appreciate you replying to our many nagging questions. So here's one for for you. I was wondering if you are familiar with the old legend of the 12th century Welsh prince, Madoc ap Owain Gwynedd, and how he 'discovered' America over 300 yrs before Columbus? The story of Madoc and the Welsh Indians has had its share of skeptics, to be sure (I used to be one), but any doubts I may have had on this subject quickly dissipated when my father and I made a trip down to one of the old ruined fortifications along the Ohio River. near the Falls of the Ohio. Expecting little more than a heap of old rubble I couldn't believe my eyes at what I saw tucked away in a little-known clump of woods! It was a remarkably intact stone fort that looked as if it were plucked right out of medieval Wales! Indeed, there are more such fortifications in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky. If these stone structures were not built by Madoc and his colony than I would like to know who did?! The Indians did not build with stone. Anyway, my question is - have you ever considered writing a book(s) about Madoc? If there is anyone out there qualified to write a novel on this subject it surely must be you. This seems right up your alley, IMO. I know there is at least one other novel out there by James Alexander Thom on this subject, but I found it an unrewarding read. I wish you would consider this topic in the future :-) Do you have any opinions on the legend of Madoc and have you ever seen any of these old fortifications? Thanks, Jeff from Indiana

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I am currently enjoying The Pale Horseman. I'm wondering however, if the recent news that the predominant DNA from all the British Isles antedates not only the Vikings, but also the Saxons, Romans and possibly the Celts will change your approach to historical fiction? Gordon Tuffin

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I am a fan of your Sharpe novels for I find a lot of parallels with my daily work in your books (I am a staff officer of the German Army myself). Well, not the heroic stuff, but things like getting sent three cartloads of canteens instead of something useful. When something like this happens to me, it makes me smile, because I always have to think of the sentence: "This Army can´t do anything right." My question is: Did you make up those logistic inefficiencies or do you happen to have any written evidence? It would be nice to know that nothing has changed over the centuries regarding warfare. Yours sincerely Julia Buthmann

Mr Cornwell, would you delight me and many many readers by writing a novel of Sharpe in CHINA in the 19th Century, please? It's topical! Many thanks. Robert Dunn.

The Sharpe series was great but is there any attempt to finish the Starbuck Series? All my Civil War buddies and I are waiting. Thank you for good reading!
Sondra McElhinney

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am currently reading Sharpe's Fury and after reading the rest of the series before it I'm as ever enthralled in the book. I was just wondering if there would be anymore Sharpe books to come? They are utterly amazing and a fantastic read. I really hope that you don't let Sharpe hang up his sword. I'm planning to read the Starbuck Chronicles next and I hope they're just as good. Keep up the brilliant writing. Darrell Knight, Northumberland, UK

Hi, I just finished reading Sharpe's Fury. I think it was absolutely brilliant Mr Cornwell. I was just wondering when the next Sharpe book will be and what campaign it will be based upon?

Also, I wondered what happened to Sweet William after he went to the USA? thanks, a devoted reader, Liam Reynolds

Hi Bernard, I was just wondering why the Uk and US covers are different? Ive noticed with afew of my other fav authors that the covers are different too. Personaly in most cases I think the UK versions are always better. Do you have much say in what goes on the covers?
Heather