Bulletin Board

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I guess you can see from the form that my name is Nicholas, and right now you are my favorite author. That's saying a lot, since I'll read about a book a week (if my studing will allow it). Anyways, I'm also an aspiring artist, looking at taking up writing in the UK (I live in Brasil). However, that's not really the point. I'm writing because I read Stonehenge right after I finished the Warlord Chronicles and I just couldn't help but find an uncanny similarity between the two stories. Merlin and Camaban are clearly connecter, as are Saban and Derfel. I don't know, I just wanted to say I found that quite ingenious, how history repeats itself, I suppose. Anyways, I've got Gallows Theif waiting patiently until I've sucked Hamlet for all its got (school work, but fun nonetheless), and I want to say again that the works are brilliant! You are an inspiration. An avid reader, -Nick

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 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, You recently posted readers' questions about where to find a picture of a yale. You suggested some source. Allow me to point out that the UK cover of Harlequin has a red banner bearing what I think from your description is a yale. Those of us outside the UK who can't get our hands on that book can see the cover on the web site. Duncan Adams

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed your books, particularly the Arthur trilogy and the Archer's tales. In the case of the trilogy, once I had finished them, for the first time in I don't know how many years, I had the urge to read all three again, rather than starting another book. You have a true gift for capturing the soldier's paradigm, whether in the sixth century or the 19th. Sincerely, Fredric M. London

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