Your Questions

Dear Bernard, First thanks for all your wonderful books, I am literally counting down the days until 'The Pale Horseman' is released. Now a question or two (sorry!). Which battle fought during the Napoleonic wars was the most significant/crucial for the British and allies (especially out of Trafalgar and Waterloo)? Which one did you like writing about? Thanks for your time and keep up the great work!! Thanks, Ben.

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I recently saw the movie The Four Feathers, and during the opening credits it states that the white feather was a symbol of cowardice in the British Army. Would you happen to know when/why this was started? Was this also true during Sharpe's era? Thanks, and I also want to state that I enjoy ALL of your books, especially the Arthur trilogy.
Axel

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Although you so often hear it, I will add my voice to those who have proclaimed you among their favorite authors. I have read most of your books, first becoming aquainted with Sharpe on the occasion of a birthday gift from my librarian mother many years ago. An association she inferred, I am sure, from my fondness for Hornblower in my childhood. What really sets you apart, however, is your fine attention to detail - historical, cultural, visual - and how it so completely engulfs readers in your character's trials and triumphs among historical events. Events often heard and wondered about in dry abstraction, but here lived with a wonderful wet immediacy. You are often compared to O'Brien or Forester. I won't say one is better than another. I will say that you are the only author which I will not hesitate to purchase off the shelf of the local bookseller; knowing full well that I am in for a grand time, and will probably learn something in the bargain. That said, two questions: Are there differences between the U.K. and American editions of your books - the one I know of is the title to "The Archer's Tale" - but have there been other differences in text? and Are you read much by the French? Do the poor French have any authors willing to cast them as anything other than the hapless recipients of Britain's might? Many thanks for many hours of brilliant storytelling. --Andrew Cox Stavros

Hi Bernard, Just a quick question if you don't mind. I've noticed that in almost all your series that there is some narrative on the local bird population, plus there is Harper's well known love and knowledge of birds. I was wondering if bird watching was a passion of yours? If it is, and following on from other invitations you have had on this site, then next time you are over in England give me a shout and I'll take you to view the Osperys on Bassentwaite Lake as I'm a keen ornithologist myself. Regards Ed.

Dear Bernard, Whilst browsing through Hatchards website I noticed that you are due to appear there on the 4th of October to sign copies of your new book the Pale Horseman. Can you confirm that this is correct and whether this will form part of a UK book tour? Apologies if this appears premature, however, I have enjoyed your booksignings in the past and want to ensure that I don't miss out. Many thanks and best wishes, Steven

I am reading Rebel now and have almost finished it. I was delighted to find that you used Amherst and Nelson Co. as your back drop for the book. I assume you have visited Seven Oaks and the area. I hope you liked it and enjoyed your visit. I live in Charlottesville now but have lived in Middleburg, Warrenton, and my family lives in the Valley at New Market, Virginia. When you wrote this series did you know of the tunnel built by Claudius Crozet near Rockfish Gap? It was completed in 1858 and used by Stonewall Jackson to move troops between the Valley and the Piedmont. You probably know this and have used it in the series somewhere. Please excuse my impertenance, then. You make my ancestors come alive with this series. Yes, I had a few foolish ones too. I also wanted to tell you that you introduced me to the Wellington campaigns in a delightful way with the Sharpe series. In my schools, the war of 1812 was covered very quickly and didn't develop much desire in students to explore it. Now, I understand more about the involvement of the USA in that era. Thank you for that. I do look for more Sharpe books, though. Irene Peery

Good'ay from Downunder. Any chance that Richard Sharpe could be detached for special duty with the Regiments in the developing Australian colonies? Ian

Hi Bernard. Reading through a lot of the questions and answers on your website I notice you mention Derfel and Bedivere etc. as being mentioned in the earliest Arthurian stories/sources. I read a lot about Arthurian stories, the research of others etc. but alas I have not any reference to Derfel except in a guide to Arthurian characters and places. What sources mention him? Many thanks, Andrew Moore.

Dear Bernard, Just finished Sharpe's Escape-Brilliant as ever. I am intrigued to know if you imagine Sean Bean now as you write or do you imagine your original dark haired Sharpe (and red haired Harper for that matter) Would love to know. Thanks again for your inspired writing. Neil Brownlee

Bernard , thank you for the many happy hours of reading you have given me .I have just finished reading your latest book, I think that I have read just about every thing that you have published . Have you considered writing any world war one sags ? the possibilities seem endless. looking forward to your nexst release in October . regards John H.