Your Questions

Hello from a Texan! The Arthur books were the first of yours that I read. I followed up with the Grail Quest and Sharpe books as well as teh Starbuck Chronicles. I'm now reading the Saxon stories. I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute I've spent reading them. Unfortunately, I'm now reading them faster than you can write. I've seen on your FAQs page that you will probably someday return to the Starbuck series (great!). Once the Saxon stories are completed, do you think you will take on another period of English history and if so are you willing to divulge what that might be? Additionally, do you have a suggestion on an author to read for historical fiction related to the Crusades? Thanks for your time. I sincerely appreciate the time you take to stay in touch with your readers. Robert Chambers

Mr. Cornwell, I have been a big fan of your books for many years. The Sharpe's series has provided for many an enjoyable birthday, Christmas, etc. gift. I am enjoying The Pale Horseman now. Uhtred seems to share more than one personality trait with Richard Sharpe, at least when it comes to battle. I am a member of an American Revolutionary War reenactment British group, the 64th Regt. of Foot. We were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to vist England last Fall and were hosted by the Staffordshire Regiment (a descendant of the 64th). We were able to see many of the colors displayed in Litchfield Cathedral and to visit a few castles. During my stay, I developed an interest in the English Civil War and have been reading up on it to learn more. Would you ever write a book durng this period? If not, can you recommend a fictional book in this setting? Thank you. Ken Milligan

I have seen there is a TV version of Sharpe's Challenge, is there going to be a book of the same name? (the TV series has not been a patch on the books) thanks. John Lind

Many thanks, Bernard, for all the pleasure you've given me and all your other readers over the years. I'm looking forward to watching "Sharpe's Challenge" on ITV tonight and tomorrow, but is it right there's no book and, if so, did you write the script - and will there be a book? Will there be more examples of this? And I'd be interested to know who was the actor who broke his leg and gave Sean Bean the chance to become Sharpe - we always thought he was perfect for the part! May your pen never run dry Regards David James

Just watched the first episode of Sharpe's Challenge, which is based on your books but written by someone else. Really good story and excellent continuity to the books, except for one thing - Lucille Castineau is dead, probably in the winter 1816/1817. How does this fit? The short story Sharpe's Ransom has her very much alive post Waterloo, around Christmas, and young Patrick is but a toddler. Does this mean she dies in early 1817 and Patrick is raised by his dad? Simon Banks

I saw "Sharpe's Challenge" on ITV last night and can't wait to find out what happens today! After watching I did some research on who wrote the books and was amazed to see how may there are. I love historical novels and can't wait to get started on Sharpe. I just wanted to ask if it would be better reading them in the order of writing or in chronological order? I'm looking forward to a whole summer of books! Steph Harris

Hi, Congratulations on Sharpe's Challenge. All of the Sharpe films have been true to the books. It is probably my favourite series. Do you know if any more Sharpe films are to come out in the future? As not all of your Sharpe books have been put to screen, and they deserve to be! Sam McGlynn

Hello Mr Cornwell, I hope you enjoyed your holiday? I myself have been to New Zealand & fell in love with the place & hope to move there one day. I have a few questions for you if I may? I have just bought a book on true first hand accounts of soldiers in warfare from the age of Napoleon (soldiers at war!)By Robinsons books! Have you read it? & I was delighted to find one Benjamin Harris of the 95th Rifles! A coincidence I'm sure? My first question is this Harris was drafted in to the 66th Regiment of foot & posted to Ireland. Whilst in Dublin he saw a corps of the 95th fell in love with the uniform & fell in with the recruiting party & so volunteered into the second battalion! How can this be when he is already in the army? Surely there were laws about that? Other wise, other regiments ranks would swell & others would find they only had half their men? Also he is in the retreat to Corunna where the British lost 5000 men while being hunted down by 80,000 Napoleon troops & thanks to Sir John Moore's tattered, redcoated rearguard action most of the British expeditionary force had made it home! my next question is this, being I have only read Sharpe in India, Fortress, Tiger etc is Sharpe in anyway involed in the retreat? I have all the Sharpe series but I just got to know!

I visit the site a lot & read the questions & answers & one question asked about civilians who become great military leaders or military leaders who were rubish! There was one name you didn't mention? A farmer who become a leader of an army & brought down a king! Oliver Cromwell! sorry for being a smart arse!

You said you have seen the new Sharpe film what did you think? I can't wait, it's on here in the uk sunday at 9pm and the trailers look great!! Well thank you for your time & hope to meet you at the 10th SAS anniversary bash! Thanks again Gary Beadle P.S could you please tell me were the 95th Rifles (green jackets) museum is please or there web address? for I want to visit there soon thanks!!
Gary Beadle

I've read all the Sharpe books, the grail Quest books, Stonehenge, A crowning Mercy and Redcoat. I have the Starbuck Cronicles sitting on my shelf as well as the first of the Saxon Stories. I really enjoy the life you bring to history. My question may seem a bit strange. I was wondering about the use of the "F" word in Redcoat. It seems to be used fairly frequently by the british soldiers in that story, yet it does not appear in the sharp books which take place later, yet the word is fairly common in speach today. Is there actual historical documantation for the use of the word, and if so, why did its use take a reprieve during the Nepoleonic Wars? I was just surprised to see it in Redcoat and not the Sharpe books if it was actually in use within the british military in the late 1700s. Edward Albert

Hello, have read all the Sharpe books and think they are really brilliant! I wondered if you could tell me about the character of Louisa who ends up leaving the missionaries to marry Blas-Vivar. Was she based on anyone real? If so could you give me any details of where I might read about it? I find it really interesting that in times of war, normal rules don't apply and people get away with doing all sorts of things they couldn't do normally! I would love to know where I can read about similar true life events at this time. I think that alot of your female characters are very interesting and entertaining! My favourite book is Sharpe's Trafalgar, this week, I change my mind all the time about that! Would love to hear from you Thanks very much Clare Keim

Dear Mr Cornwell, I recall that some years ago you were involved with a Penninsular War Battlefields Tour. If you are planning to take part in any more, or indeed know of any Tour Operators who run such trips, I would be delighted to hear. Many thanks for bringing alive Derfel, Nathenial, Sharpe, Thomas and Uthred, and hopefully many more. Best Wishes Frank Smith.