Your Questions

Dear Bernard, In the past you have written short stories for the christmas period I was wondering if this will be happening again this year(How about a short story about Starbuck for us long suffering fans who have to wait and wait). And in regards to Starbuck since you have said its only the Viking novel for 07 and you have said that you will not restart Starbuck until Sharpe has finshed (though I hope you do not mind me saying there are probably more unresolved plot lines in Starbuck than Sharpe or even the Viking books) Does that mean Starbuck will never be started again within this life time??? Can I ask then what your plans where for Starbuck after the war ie would you have had him head to Mexico to fight with Jo Shelby or settle down etc etc or would you end it just at Appommatox. btw Could Starbuck ever meet an english chap called Harry Flashman???? Anyway I look foward to the next book you produce (even if it is not Starbuck) all the best Tony I do not know if you have read it or not but Albert Castel's Decision in the West on the Atlanta Campaign is worth a read. Tony

I have a question regarding the Grail series I've been wondering about since I finished the books. It has been a long time since I read the books and I hope you know what I'm referring to but I believe in Vagabond Thomas is tortured by the inquisitor who only uses fire and brands. If I remember correctly it was said inquisitors were only allowed to use fire becuase it did not draw blood. I'm wondering was this the guidlines all inquisitors were given or was it just a story telling device? I can't resist and forgive my flattery but I want you to know those books created a swarm of warm memories I will not forget. I enjoyed every passing hour immersed in those books.
Daniel Morin

Dear Bernard In regards to future projects most of your books cover soldiers on land but have you ever considered a Naval series.Admittedly the Napoelonic wars have been done to death but have you ever thought of the 3 Anglo/Dutch wars of 1600's. The Dutch were a much tougher enemy than the French Navy and those wars in a way were descisve since ended Dutch domination of the sea's and bought about British control.

BTW In noticed in Fury that Sharpe apart from killing the odd person in battle (where its fair) is remarkbly restrained and does not really kill anyone. Has Sharpe gone soft???? BTW If you ever write about the Siege of Burgos have you ever considered bringing Hakeswill back one last time to make Sharpe's life a misery??
Geraint

I have just read all 3 of the "Uthred" Saxon Novels in a week! My wife bought me The Pale Horesman as a present and fortunately my father in law had the other 2 so I was able to read them in sequence. Incidently he has probably read everyone of your books and owns copies of most ( I must ask him if he has any early Sharpe's)? Anyway the reason for contacting you, other than to say how much I enjoyed the books is to see how long one will have to wait for the 4th in the series? Many thanks. Bamber Price

I have just bought and read The Last Kingdom,The Pale Horseman and The Lords of the North in hardback.I thoroughly enjoyed all three and there is a hint of the storyline continuing.I know The Lords of the North has only just been published here in the UK but I was wondering if another chapter in the story is been written when is it likely to appear on the bookshelves? Great entertainment, many thanks,best wishes, Gary Hall.

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I would just like to say a big thank you for signing my books in Plymouth last Wednesday - you might remember me, I had an old edition of Sharpe's Eagle, and I think you said something along the lines of "I can't remember this one at all". I also have a question. I have just finished Sharpe's Gold, where Sharpe meets his old friend, Tom Garrard - is this the last time we see Tom, or is he killed in the destruction at Almeida? Many thanks.

Jamie Kearns

Dear Bernard, I am writing to inquire of the United Kingdom's military ranks back in the days of Sharpe. I've been doing google searches for it for quite some time, but haven't been provided with the answers I'm searching for. I was mainly wondering what the next advancement is from sergeant. Also, I was wondering about the rank of an ensign. Would that be above or below sergeant? Thank you for the help! -Pim P.

Dear Bernard, I discovered your works only six months ago and up until now Ive been enthralled. I started with the Grail Quest series with I thoroughly enjoyed. It also prompted me do some background reading about the crucial period of common French and English history. I grew in Suth Seaxa but have lived most of my adult life in France. I bought a translation of Harlequin for French friend and he told me that I should read The White Company by Conan-Doyle. I promptly bought and I can tell you its the best book I ever read. Im now on Pale horseman and am enjoying it even more than the 100 years war series. I feel as though Im reading about my ancestors from Wiltunscir an Dafnascir. How about another Saxon trilogy during and after the Norman invasion? Just one little negative point. Your use of the word heartbeat for a short instant of time is beginning to niggle me. Have you calculated how may times its been used in the Grail and Saxon epics? Otherwise keep up the good work and I hope youll find a minute to comment. Chris BISHOP, France

Dear Bernard, Living in France I buy my books on Amazon France. Up until now theyve delivered me US editions but this week I received Pale horseman as a UK version. Ive read about 30 pages and its seems to be written in a different way to what Ive read so far. I am English, and maybe Im imaging things, but this leads me to the following question. What are the differences between UK and US versions? Different covers I suppose Spelling: e.g. Zs in &.insertion for US versions Nouns: e.g. Pavement/Sidewalk (but I doubt that youve used that word in your books!!!!!!) Are there any other differences? Chris BISHOP, France

Short and sweet. Avid fan, especially of the Sharpe series; got all of you books. Please keep them coming!!!! Most disappointed that the weather stopped your visit via cruiseship to Christchurch, New Zealand. Had the proverbial suitcase full for signing. 90% 1st editions. Any chance on your getting down this way again anytime soon? Very best regards Scott

Have just finnished reading the Warlord triology and they were fantastic. They have also given me an interest in exploring the 'dark ages'. Will we hear more from Derfel in the future? and are there any plans for a series of films based around the books? Got to go, have just started the Saxon Stories! Jason Owen

Hi Bernard first of all your books are fantastic!!! Have you ever cosidered writing about Irish history I mean things like King Brian Boru the last greta king of Ireland and his battles against the Danes/vikings particularly the Battle of Clontarf? On a seperate note what do you think of Simon Scarrow's work?i.e the Eagle series? Brian