Your Questions

Q

Hello again Bernard, I have asked you in the past whether you plan to write about Robin Hood (as have one or two others). Can I ask, do you believe Robin Hood existed? Or is he a sort of amalgam of several folk heroes? And what about the legend of Herne the Hunter? Just curious what you think. Thanks! Lindsey

Submitted June 3, 2005

A

Did Robin Hood exist? I suspect so, and I suspect his legend got tangled over the years so that it would be very difficult to discover the true Robin Hood, but that said, I'm no expert. My apprehension of it is that he existed fairly soon after the Conquest, maybe the 12th century, but didn't emerge into wider view until the 14th century - probably as a celebration of the emergence of the English archer. Herne the Hunter I know even less about - except that he's the English representation of a European myth about the spectral night-time hunter who haunts the woods with his ghostly hounds . . which is splendid stuff, and probably related to the Green Man myths and all sorts of other stories which, alas, fade fast.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I love ALL your books, of course. I was just wondering what you thought of the Flashman chronicles, and if you have seen this quote by Flashman's father""...damn son-of-bitch was risen from the ranks thankee'!" Rifle man Richard 'bloody' Sharpe damned dangerous fellow - what? Damn his eyes, just the type of strong, bold and brave fellow who'd be foolish enough to drag you off on a dangerous and deadly mission and no doubt get you your head blown off in the process! Keep well clear of the Impertinent son-of-a-whore, unless you what to end up in the thick of it in the front lines. Flashy would rather stay back home with his feet up at the club nursing a fine Brandy rather than be dragged onto ... or any where near a battle with one resembling that dangerous, fool hardy disrespectful bastard Richard Sharpe! "...damned Brave, or a complete fool, but bloody Resourceful fellow" Captain 'Buck' Flashman, (father Harry Flashman) Waterloo 1815 Thank you, I hope you never stop writing. Also I was reading a biography of Sharpe by Richard Moore, he says Sharpe died in 1860. Is this your view or was it just his using "license"? ALSO, Is it a deliberate device were Sharpe says in The Ransom that he would hate his son to be a cavalry man, and is in all the books slagging them off and then Patrick becomes one? Thanks, Teddy Chabo

Submitted June 3, 2005

A

What do I think of the Flashman Books? I adore them. George MacDonald Fraser and I did a gig together last week at the Hay Literary Festival and we cautiously agreed that Sharpe and Flashman would like each other, though Sharpe would be well advised to lock up his daughters before they met. I'm sure, though, that your thoughts from 'Buck' encapsulate the truth. The good news, though, is that there's a brand new Flashman just published (Flashman on the March) and it's a terrific read!

The date of Sharpe's death? I've never thought about it, and never offered a date to anyone, so any guess is just that, a guess.

And about the cavalry? Yes, it is deliberate.

Q

Mr Cornwell , I have read and enjoyed all of the Sharpe books. Given Sharpe's close friendship with Patrick Harper it would seem a shame if their adventures did not take them at least once to Ireland . I'm sure Sharpe's legendary diplomatic skill would go down well there ! Is an adventure on the Emerald Isle for our two heroes likely ? Regards , A biased Derryman

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

Is it likely? I dunno - but never say never!

Q

BC you said that you spent to much time trying to build a world and not enough on the story when you wrote the Winter King. Have you ever considered writing a revised edition of the Winter King like Raymond E. Theist did with his first book Magician? It would give you an excuse to write about Arthur. Ali

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

Nah, not really. And I doubt the publishers would want me to, and it isn't that unreadable (I hope!).

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, Just in the middle of reading Sharpe's Waterloo (almost finished it) and just wanted to say how good it is. One of the best Sharpe books in my opinion - with Regiment being your best. Just one thing about the book - Ensign Christie who saved the colours while being hacked at by the french is said in your book to be a sixteen year old but when I typed his name into a search engine it said that he was recently promoted from Sergeant-Major. So I was wondering if you had used 'poetic liscence' when writing that part or whether the site he was mentioned on is wrong. Secondly, could you please describe how a battalion of marines was spread out on boats - for example where did the majors and Lieutenant-Colonels go if the Captain of the Marines was usually the senior marine on board a ship? Once again, thanks for the hours of pleasurable reading and I am really glad that I decided to pick up the Sharpe series. Lewis. P.S. Can't wait for the next Alfred book.

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

Siborne, who collected so many first hand accounts of the campaign for his book, says he was an Ensign, so I don't know! Maybe the website is wrong, perhaps Siborne is, perhaps I am?

Marines were usually quartered between the ship's crew and the ship's officers - a sort of guard against mutiny. Officers, of course, all slept in the aftermost part of the ship - including marine officers. The stern of a ship was the best place to be because ships were incredibly smelly, and the wind usually came from behind.

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell. I thought you may be interested to know that I'm VERY interested in the Sharpe books AND i am a 14 year old girl! Truthfully I'm only interested because my mum has the T.V series on tape and I saw it, liked it and decided to read the books. I am currently reading Sharpe's Prey, but I have had a look at Sharpe's Sword and noticed how so much different it is to the tv series. I just wondered how you felt about your books (so well writen as they are) were changed so much when the were broad casted. Thank you for reading my comment, I really enjoy your books and I also look forward to reading the Starbuck chronicles. yours sincerely; Carrie Overthrow.

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

I am interested to know Carrie and very glad you wrote. I was thrilled when the books were made into films (as any author would be) - and, overall, very pleased with the results. I hope you'll enjoy Starbuck!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell,I have a question that I'm sure others must have asked you, but bear with me as a newcomer to the website, if not the books. Is Thomas of Hookton an ancestor of Richard Sharpe? They have so many characteristics in common e.g. looks, birth status, natural leadership qualities just to name a few. Was this in the back of your mind or just pure chance? I have checked the site archives but nearly lost the will to live round about page 12! Sorry if you've already answered this one. Also, I have noticed you don't get many emails from women.What is that all about? Do you get snail mail from women? Come on my fellow females,this is much more fun than Chick Lit or Mills and Boon y'know! (and yes, I know there's female Sharpe Appreciation Society members, but I think that's got a lot to do with Sean Bean... not that I disapprove!) Thanks for all the worlds and times you take us to, it's a grand ride! Mari Hannigan

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

I don't believe they are meant to be related.

I feel I get quite a few emails from females (although I'm happy to take more!). There's a nice one from Carrie Overthrow in today's postings.

Q

It goes without saying i have read all you books sve the Arthur trilogy. But i was wondering, im a great fan of Forester, how Hornblower and Sharpe would get on. They seem very different but are both great men. Teddy Chabo

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

I suspect they'd like each other, but also suspect Hornblower would consider Sharpe a bit underhand at times. They'd like each other's efficiency, I think.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, Congratulations and thankyou. I have just finished reading 'A Crowning Mercy' and I not only think it's one of the best books you have written but is one of the best books I have ever read. I wasn't going to read it when I saw it was classed as a 'romantic novel' but curiosity got the better of me, and I am glad it did. The ending, despite my efforts to try and figure it, was surprising, exiting and breath taking. I cannot wait to read 'Fallen Angels'. Can I ask you a couple of questions please. How much input did your wife have into the book and how different do you think it would have been if you had written it by yourself? As a reader I felt anger and despair each time Campion was trapped or beaten and joy and pleasure when she was on top and seemed to be winning. Do you have the same feeling when you are writing a novel or are you too aware of the rest of the story that you don't feel it like a reader? I am about to start 'Fallen Angels' but I have noticed it is set 160 years on from the first book, are the two novels connected? I doubt very much that we will see Sir Toby or Lady Campion ever again but once again thankyou for a brilliant novel. Barry Evans Kirk Sandall, Doncaster

Submitted June 2, 2005

A

Judy put in lots . . . but we were so tangled that it would be hard to quantify. And yes, I do feel as the reader feels (I hope). Some passages are incredibly hard to write because of the feelings they provoke, and very hard to revisit - I have never been able to re-read the death of Derfel's daughter. I should add that I don't get these emotions writing Sharpe! The books are connected in that the characters of A Crowning Mercy are ancestors to the characters of Fallen Angels.

Q

Will there be more stories to follow the title: "The Last Kingdom"? As always, you write entertaining stories. RH

Submitted June 1, 2005

A

Yes! The next book in the series is The Pale Horseman. Click on the 'What's Coming' link on this website to reach the book page for this book - and to read an excerpt.