Your Questions

Pardon my curiosity, but whatever happened to Sharpe's daughter Antonia? Would there be any chance she might turn up in a future "Sharpe"? Teresa being such a vivid character, and Sharpe being the perfect match for her, it would be interesting to know how Antonia turned out. I was re-reading Regiment and the poignant paragraph where, crossing into France, he looks back into Spain and thinks of the daughter he leaves behind comes across very strongly. OD.

Do you know any websites that gives detailed information on the training of army battalions in the early 19th century? Will

That American Amazon won't sell that 'Growing up Peculiar' in blighty!! can something be done? Ben

Have you ever thought of writing a stand alone book on the war for Texas's Independence? Alex

Dear Bernard, I recently re-read Sharpe's Eagle (that is, I read it for the second time) and this time, knowing that it was your first book, noticed that you describe things that happened in Sharpe's past, but which you hadn't then written about. For example, you mention how Sharpe learned to read while captive in the Tippoo Sultan's dungeons. I've since noticed that you do this frequently throughout the series. When you were writing Sharpe's Eagle (if you can remember) did you just throw these references in as a convenient way of explaining an aspect of Sharpe's character? It seems to me that by doing so you're creating a potential consistency nightmare for the earlier books, which of course you wrote after Eagle. But I must say that you managed it very well! Did you find it difficult achieving that consistency in the (chronologically) earlier books, or did you actually plan out Sharpe's life up to the time of Eagle, to make sure that he could actually be where you said he was? It's complicated just asking the question! Many thanks, Chris

Dear Bernard,I have three questions for you: (1)Having read a study that places Arthur as an Irish-Scotti prince of DALRIADA (Uther is not a welsh word it is in fact an achaic gaelic adjective meaning "the terrible".The irish name Artur predates the romans arriving in B'rith ain by at least 3 hundred years.And the name Tristan derives from the cruithni(pictish)name Drustan.),have you ever come across this interesting theory? By the way there was a Dun Baeden in Ulster,the fort of Baeden MacCarill.

(2) A lot of Sharpe fans have taken quite a shine to Captain Fredrickson. Have you thought of a spin-off novel or two with Sweet William getting to battles Sharpe can't possibly get to?

(3)Everyone seems to ask your interest in periods that we are interested in. What periods that you haven't or are currently writing about are you interested in that we may look forward to reading in the future? Thanks for your time. Tomas-Slaine

Mr. Cornwell, I had the pleasure of hearing you talk, and got to speak to you, at a book signing in Charleston, SC, a few years ago. Are there any plans to come to Charleston in the near future? Thank you for all the stories. I particuluarly look foward to the next Sharpe, and to seeing Sharpe's Challenge on American TV, hopefully? Best wishes, Tricia Goodall

Hi, I have only read two of your books so far, but I intend to read more. I have been an avid archaeology and history fanatic for many years, and was drawn to your book 'Stonehenge' simply because of the title. What an eyeopener! Your books are so well researched, and although, as you say, the gaps in our knowledge is filled in by your imagination, these stories put flesh on the ancient dry bones of history. We as readers experience how life must have been in those times, and your insight has given me another layer to explore in my love of history/archaeology. I now view those old sites and artefacts through different eyes. Thank you so much! I wonder if your writing began with an interest in history? This seems to come out through your writing. Regards, Barb Ford

Why are all of your new books written in first person? First person does not allow characters other than the narrator to be developed and take on a personality, which denies the reader a better understanding of that characters motivations. The reader is left with only the narrator to sympathize with and the other characters meerly become a flavorless part of the scenery. I have enjoyed your Sharpe and Grail Quest series and would like to read more, but when I pick up your newer works I am discouraged to find them written in first person. Nick Bement

Dear Mr Cornwell I am an avid reader of all your books, and have been ever since I first read Sharpe's Eagle I haven't stopped. What I have noticed in most of your books is that the main character has an Irish Companion, Sharpe had Harper and Derfel had Cavan. I was wondering if Uthred would have this honour. If so would they come from county Tipperary were my Grandad insists the best Men, Horses and Butter comes from. Yours Sincerely, Robert Brady