Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell, just a quick question please. The battalions of the Union Army during the American Civil War - did they have flank companies; one of grenadiers and one of light? Or was their battalions just made up of battalion companies? Many Thanks Andrew

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My husband and I are both huge fans of your Grail Quest novels. Recently, my 13 year old had run out of Star Wars books to read and was looking for something new. I've known for years that he would love Thomas' adventures but I felt the subject matter was to adult for him. However at 13 I finally gave in and, with the help of some post-it notes over passages regarding the attacks on a certain Countess, I let him read them. He was enthralled and is now at a point of dissatisfaction with anything similar in the young adult section of the book store. His chief complaint is that they are too "magicy" and not realistic enough. I was wondering if you had any suggestions. I was thinking of having him read "Ivanhoe", a personal favorite from my own childhood. I am curious whether you have thought about delving into the young adult reading level as many other adult authors have done recently. I know my son would love a book about Thomas' early teen years. Anyway, any suggestions you could give would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for coming up with such an amazing adventure, my whole family has truly enjoyed them. Sincerely, Danielle Hughes

I have re-read the Warlord trilogy for possibly the 7th (maybe 8th) time. I absolutely love them. Although I do occasionally re-read some other books I have enjoyed NEVER to this scale. My wife thinks I am sad or obsessed. I just wanted to let you know how much enjoyment they have given me over a number of years and also to ask a couple of questions. Firstly, have you ever been tempted to bridge the gap between Arthur's death and Derfel's monastic life (i.e tying up loose ends) with another book?

Secondly, you use the term "fate is inexorable" at great length in this trilogy and in the Saxon books, you also use it once in Stonehenge and if I recall correctly you use it in the Grail Quest books. Other than the fact that you may well believe that fate is indeed inexorable I do find it odd that that same phrase is continually used throughout these books (and possibly in others I haven't read). Why do you use it so much? Rob Marchini

Mr. Cornwell, I just finished reading Sharpe's Skirmish and I greatly enjoyed it. However, in the introduction it seemed as if you regretted writing it. Is this the case? Also, any plans to write anymore short stories involving any of your characters? I really enjoy getting the quick pick-me-up when I read your two Sharpe short stories.

Dear Bernard, I was just wondering if you had read any of the Matthew Hawkwood novels written by James McGee? He's a Bow Street Runner who was previously an army Captain in the Rifles and served in the Peninsular. They are very good. Nick Grant

I remember last year, around this time, you released a passage from 'Lords of the North' to wet our apetites, and I was wondering if you would be releasing a passage from the 4th book in the Saxon Stories series to keep us fed and waiting for more. Thanks, Jon.

Dear Sir, I have written you before about your wonderful 'Sharpe' series. I have read these books since I was in jr high some years ago. I have seen you anglo-saxon stories but have never read them until this week. I picked up 'The Last Kingdom' hard cover which was on sale at Chapters Canada. I have finished read it and enjoyed it very much and am now ordering the second book in the series. One thing I don't understand is why your publishing company has not re-released any of your earlier books in hard cover? I know they are bound to sell, esp the Sharpe series. Please call them up and tell them to get their act together. After all CC Humphreys just had his first book 'Jack Absloute' re-released in hard cover. cheers Ed Whelan (Canada)

Hello Mr Cornwell. Can you please tell me how does a writer feel? important? special? just like the other people? Joanna

I am currently writing a book about three people who end up coming together in the midst of the napoleonic wars - I was influenced greatly by Sharpe, and was wondering whether you will ever think of writing in that era again but with a different character - or Sharpe not as the main one?

Also are there any more Starbuck installments on the way and do you know whether you will turn any more books into films?
William Swain

Dear Bernard, you have taken the time in the past to answer my questions (which is very much appreciated!) and hope you will do so again, so here goes: Have you ever considered writing a Novel (or maybe short story) from Hakeswill's point of view? He's my favourite character by miles! (Is it bad to like the villain? Maybe).

Also, is Sharpe's Regiment intended to be funny? I never thought so till I watched the film version, then re-read the book and I find both really funny. Our first baby is due in a month-ish and if it's a boy I want his middle name to be Obediah (how cruel??), I just need to persuade the wife......maybe if I tell her it says so in the scriptures? Anyway, thanks if you reply, or thanks just for reading and I look forward to your next book! Nick