Your Questions

Dear Bernard I was thrilled to find out that you are speaking at Winchester later this month, firstly because it's just up the road from me and secondly because of the association with Alfred (what a wonderful statue of him near to the Guildhall.) I'm hoping that you'll mainly be talking about the Saxon books (my favourites) but I'm wondering if Sean Bean might get a mention along the way? (my girlfriend has asked to come along and she's a huge Sean Bean fan.) Kind regards Greg

Dear Mr Cornwell, I loved your stories of Arthur, The Grail Quest and Stonehenge. Would I be able to make a suggestion that you write a book about Joan of Arc or William Wallace? Thank you.
Jaymie Rogers

Dear Mr Cornwell, I'm a student at the moment and I must just say that your novels are absolutely fantastic and help me pass a lot of my free time with thorough enjoyment. I have read most of your books, including the Starbuck and Grail quest chronicles and am currently re-reading the Sharpe novels (Nearly finished Trafalgar). They are doubly exciting the second time round. I seem to be appreciating your style of writing a whole lot more, your ability to write with such excitement and originality just grips me everytime I pick up one of your books. I seem to be able to imagine the scenes much better in my head now that I am a little older allowing me to be enthralled that little bit more. I just had a few questions to ask. After watching the latest Sharpe drama on TV, Sharpe's Challenge, which by the way, I thought was a brilliant adaptation of the first three books, I just wondered about the part of Lucille. In the episode, Sharpe states that she died of the fever, yet the episode was set three years before the novel Sharpe's Devil, in which Lucille is alive. I know that it was probably a simple way of hiding the fact that the actress who played Lucille wasn't able to come back to play the part. But if this is the case then why not just say nothing about her and allow the audience to assume she is still alive in France? I thought it was a sad way to explain the characters absence and sad for the character Sharpe (I know, it is only a story). Or was it a cunning way to allow Sharpe to have yet another fling with a woman? Either way it's a minor thing and just wondered if you were given any say in the matter and whether you agreed with it or not. You were out in India on the set and the whole death of Lucille does twist the overall Sharpe plot a little, denying him a happy ending to the rest of his life.

Also, I have collected the whole collection of Sharpe in the cover designs illustrated by David Scutt apart from the latest two books, Havoc and Escape. Is there any way of getting these in Scutt's design (probaby not). I just like my collection to match so I can show them off with pride. I have just read that there is to be a 21st Sharpe novel, Sharpe's Fury!!! Incredibly exciting news. I was sad when the new episode finished last week, but now I have more of Sharpe to look forward to!!! Brilliant!! Thanks again for writing such amazing literature, keep up the great work, Iain.

I think the Grail Quest chronicles would be a perfectly ideal trilogy to make into films. Just wondering if there has been any talk of it? (Also all the Sharpe books you listed in FAQs that you said were probably your favourites were actually mine too, really). Cheers again, Iain

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

Mr. Cornwell- I really enjoy the Sharpe series and have been buying the books in chronological order (according to the storyline). I am curious, though, as to why some books are published under Harper Collins and some under Penguin?? I really enjoy the Harper Collins format and am wondering if there are any plans to publish all Sharpe books under this publisher. Thank you Joseph Davey

Dear sir, first off. Thankyou for many years of pleasurable reading. May I ask that from what I can tell from your Irish/Scots characters and and their martial qualities have you ever considered writing a book with a specifically celtic theme or plot.eg Roman invasions of Pictland or clan battles if you get my drift.
Ryan

Mr Cornwell, Thank you for all these wonderful books about Mr Sharpe. However I have one question. Why do some Sharpe books have one type of cover & other Sharpe books have diffferent covers on them? From a distance they look like to different series and not releated at all. Will all Sharpe Books be re-printed to have similar front covers on them? I look foward to reading Sharpe's Fury.
David Whalley

I just found this site and I think it's great to have a way of contacting an author whom you really admire. Mr Cornwell, you rock!! I've been reading your books since I discovered the Sharpe series in the late 80's. As a huge fan of historical novels, especially Napoleonic era, I couldn't read them fast enough. I love the pace, the background you create, but most of all, your characters, especially your heroes. I've read so many books from so many authors and I put you right up there with Tolkien, Uris, Michener and C.S. Lewis. I was so enthralled with the Arthur series that for years since most of my online and bulletin board id's have something to do with the name Derfel. I know I probably sound a little too worshipful(is that a word?), but I had to let you know once I found this site what an incredible writer you are and what a big fan you have down here in New Jersey. I'm currently in the middle of The Pale Horseman which I bought last night and I'll probably finish tonight, and I'm totally captivated. Man I wish I was right there at Uhtred's side, either on the prow of a raiding ship or next to him in a shield wall (boy do I remember those shield walls in the Arthur series!). I can't wait for the third book, just can't wait. If you don't mind I have 2 questions for you, hoping but not expecting a response since I know you're probably unbelievably busy.

First, I'd like to know if you've read any of George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones series and if you have, your opinion. I think they're great.

Second, what writers do you recommend for historical fiction regardless of the period? I've read quite a bit from this genre and want to know if I've missed anyone who you think is worth it. Well, thanks for your time, and maybe I'll bump into you up in the cape this summer, we vacation for a week in Dennisport. Bob McNamara

Mr. Cornwell, what was the most ferocious element serving in the British Army during the American Revolution, was it the kilted Scottish Highlanders, the Irish Catholic regiments or the German Hessians (mainly the Jagers)? I figured you might have the answer to that question that's been pressing me forever. I would have to say the Irish, though I'm being biased because I am one (an Irishman!). Though if you're too busy I totally understand. All the best, and thank you very much! Taylor Ahern, Quincy Massachusetts!