Bulletin Board

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I am an avid reader of your books and have not read one I have not liked so far. I took a look at your F.A.Q. page and your answer that Thomas of Hookton was not going to be coming back saddened me. I won't ask you to write a book on him for me, because I believe true writing is from the heart and should not be forced but if you do indeed start to write another story of our hero from Hookton, please let us know! Thanks. Charlie from Virginia

In reply to the question about which Irish Regiment had the motto "Faugh a Ballagh" (clear the way), it is currently The Royal Irish Regiment created in 1992 and was originally the motto of the Royal Irish Fusiliers formed in 1881. Peter Brown

In reply to a couple of fans asking about Tom Gerrard, he does die in one of the books but I can't remember what one. He sets light to something that results in a small village/town being blow up. I think Sharpe is hiding in an old bakers oven at the time to project him from the blast. Sharpe finds out it was Tom becasue he finds the burnt body with an old lighter box by the hand, that Tom got from their days in India. As for Morris, doesn't Sharpe bump into him at Waterloo and they chat about the old times? Hope that's of some help! Dan Price

In response to the writer who asked what happened to Tom Garrard. He had a commision in the Portugese army and was killed when he delibrately blew up a magazine to save the rest of the garrison from Brigadier Loup's attack. I think the book was Sharpe's Battle. Sharpe found his body afterwards and could only recognise it because of the decorated tinder box he was holding. Ed

DEAR BERNARD I HAVE JUST RECENTLY BEEN TO SEE THE TOUCHSTONE PICTURES FILM "KING ARTHUR" AND FOUND IT VERY DISAPPIONTING TO SAY THE LEAST. GREAT ACTORS GREAT COSTUME GREAT SETTINGS BUT JUST A WOEFULL STORYLINE. HOW MARVELLOUS IT WOULD BE TO SEE YOUR ARTHUR TRILOGY TREATED WITH THE SAME RESPECT AS SAY THE LORD OF THE RINGS FILM TRILOGY ! COULD THERE BE ANY POSSIBILITY OF THIS IN THE NEAR FUTURE ? I CANNOT SIGN OFF WITHOUT PASSING MY THANKS TO YOU FOR THE MANY HOURS OF GRIPPING READING YOU HAVE GIVEN ME AND TWO OF MY THREE SONS (THE THIRD IS JUST TO YOUNG YET ) ALL THE VERY BEST PHIL

Mr Cornwell, I was recently looking on your website and noticed that the Sharpe books US and UK cover illustrations were different. Just curious as to which ones you prefer. Also I'd just like to say that the Sharpe books are the best books I've ever read. Thanks
Scott Wilson

Hi Bernard, Have you read Mark Urban's 'Rifles'? I'm just finishing it, and highly recommend it. It's an excellent history of the 1st Battalion, 95th Rifles from 1809-1815. By the way, I've never been a great fan of naval history, always prefering army histories/stories, but your 'Sharpe's Trafalgar' made me go out and buy Patrick O'Brian's 'Master and Commander', the first of the series featuring Captain Jack Aubrey and his friend, naval surgeon and intelligence agent Stephen Maturin. I'm now on the 15th book of the 20 book series, and, like your books, can't read them quickly enough to see what happens. David Coates

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I read your notes on why you decided to give Starbuck a vacation, however, I think that maybe you could alternate year on year that way both sagas continue. I have read the 4 Starbuck Chronicles twice in the last few years and would like to see the continuation of them. I have been an avid follower of Sharpe for quite a few years and have enjoyed them immensly. I especially like your historical notes, which straightens out the fact from fiction. Thank you for the many hours of entertainment and for the history lessons. Best Regards, Roberto Agostini

In an August 30th posting (Your Questions), Geraint asked about a Flanders campaign in 1799. The campaign was actually to the Netherlands, specifically, Walcheren, and was a complete failure. The only book I know of on it is Piers Mackesey's "Statesmen at War: The Strategy of Overthrow, 1798-999." It is long out of print, but could probably be obtained at alibris.com. Alan Kempner

Sir, I was first introduced to "Sharpe" through PBS and the History Channel in about 1996, and have followed him in print since. I've also read Gallow's Thief, the first two of the Gail Quest, and am currently working on Crowning Mercy. Some of the others shall follow as they are found. I wish to thank you for the many hours of enjoyment that you have provided. I find Crowning Mercy is written in the same vein as Ian Fleming's The Spy Who Loved Me. As a male I find them facinating. A thought for a new book or trilogy would be the Seven Years War (French Indian War, as its called here in the U.S.). In particular Roger's Rangers as they were "Sharpe" 50 years (or so) earlier. They were Light Infantry and Militia, if memory serves. and it could cover a lot of ground. Yes I do enjoy history. And John Jake's Kent stories helped lead me to you. Thank you for your time. Sincerly, M.J.Matusek Weatherford, Ok

Mr. Cornwell, I would like to thank you for the Sharpe series and the Warlord series. Your words have taken to places and times that I never thought I could visit. Gene McDonald