Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My whole extended family is eagerly awaiting the next Sharpe book. I believe I read that the next book would be out in late 2005 or in 2006. Now I read it will not be out until 2007. Are we talking about the same book or am I confused? Do hope it will be soon as some of us are in advanced years and can't wait too long! You may be amused to know that some of the expressions and exploits from Sharpe have become part of our family language and allusions. Sincerely, Roberta Parker

Mr.Cornwell When is The Pale Horseman coming to the US? The first one was really good, and what is your favorite series that you have written? David Dorsey

I merely wish to know whether you ever plan to turn the warlord trilogy into a set of films? Marlow Upton

Dear Bernard, I have to confess to having only read your work for the first time in October last year. Since then, however, I have managed to read the entire Sharpe series, the Archer trilogy, and have just finished The Bloody Ground, bringing the Starbuck Chronicles to a close. I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of your books and am about to devour the Arthur series. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the countless hours of enjoyment that you have afforded me. I have only one question though, and that is that Starbuck, after Antietam Creek, seems trapped in limbo, even though we have been assured that he will march again! Have you any plans to extend Starbuck Chronicles any further? I do hope that will be the case... Kind regards, Andy

Sir, I have greatly enjoyed the Starbuck Chronicles and would like to know if you will be continuing the series? Thankyou, Ron Zuch

I am your biggest fan! I picked up your book's only 6 months ago and already I have read Stonehenge, The Grail quests,one of the arthur books and the Last Kingdom. And I was just curious if you would ever write a book on the ancient tribes of Germany. You know before the Romans but after Stonehenge. They interest me greatly. Your biggest fan, Karsten Hansen

There is some debate concerning the origin of the British obscene gesture, the "V-Sign," and whether it is related to threats or reality of severing the fingers of archers at around the time of the battle of Agincourt. Most sober observers claim that reports of the day do not mention this practice and Desmond Morris finds the earliest mention of dis-digitising archers 80 years later than the battle. Apparently you mention the practice of cutting off archers's fingers in your book Harlequin. Please may I ask if that part of the book fiction or based on historical research? Thanks Tim

Whilst on holiday I borrowed and read a Sharpe novel which ended with him being taken prisoner by the French(?) in Portugal after trying to fool them with Portugese soldiers dressed as Redcoats. Unfortunately I cannot recall the title and I cannot find any continuation. Am I totaly mistaken in my memory or can you tell me which (if any) title picks up the story? Thanks. B. D. Chilvers

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have just finished reading 'The Last Kingdom', which I thoroughly enjoyed (particularly since I'm most interested in both Norse and Anglo Saxon history). My question, really, is one of stylistics - I noticed that, periodically throughout the book, you appear to fall into a form of sentence construction which seems rather different to much of your other writing. It felt, at times, that you might have been deliberately flavouring the various episodes of Uhtred's progress with a taste of the predominant writing style of the nationality he felt himself to be at any given time - your construction (and, to an extent, language) is often reminiscent of the Norse literature (particularly the sagas) when he is under Danish influence, and then again of the Anglo-Saxon (particularly the poetic form) when he feels more strongly English. I wondered if this was a conscious decision? Stephen Mossop

I would like to express my many thanks and admiration toward you as a historical writer with specific regards to the Sharpe's series. myself being an 1812 re-enactor of 17 years (all but 3 years of my life) I began reading your books at the age of 12 and havent stopped since, I truly believe that if not for your series I would have no interest in reading whatsoever. I imagine you've been approached by numerous people as to whether or not you would write a novel placing Sharpe in north america but I can see it as a historical impossibility with time frame and all considering the only conflict of which Sharpe would likely be a part of in north america would be the battle of New Orleans and I could never see Sharpe in a British loss... Though I do wonder if you've considered doing a series involving a member of the crown forces stationed in canada? I've read your disclaimer against literary suggestion so not wanting to step on any legal toes as it were I wont make any suggestions for any specific contingents though there are two green jacketed units that were in north america for the war, three including the 95th. and the historic sites in canada provide bountiful sources of information as most of the fortifications if not still stand in their original appearance have been rebuilt and they retain copious amounts of records, information etc. which I imagine would be an interesting contrast to the many journeys you've made through india, portugal and other places where sharpe has ventured. if it is not possible to write about the north american conflict I understand and if there is another sharpes book on the way I await with much anticipation and look forward to another excellent read most respectfully Matthew Drouillard Amherstburg Ontario Canada

Hi Mr. Cornwell, many thanks for the amazing Sharpe series and for suffering your fans' questions. Couple quick questions: who was the other actor originally cast as Sharpe (you mentioned in answer to a question about Sharpe's Gold)? And I'm curious why Sharpe never goes to North America -- he might have fought some interesting frontier battles with the Yankees and got home in time for Waterloo?! -Peter