Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard , Well it's finally happened, I have just read Sharpe's Waterloo and all the other Sharpes. So I either read them all again or you my dear Bernard stop galivanting all over the place doing PAs (of which I really enjoyed your talk at the National Army Museum) and start to write more Sharpe novels, don't make me beg. Bernard could you explain to me why Sharpe received a laurel reef patch for storming the breach at Badajoz, when it was not a official forlorn hope, and why was Harper not promoted to officer having survived the hope? Thanks for all the hours of enjoyment I have recieved through your books, so long live Sharpe, and all the best to you and yours Bernard. PS My wife sends her thanks for all the peace and quiet she has had. Mark Tate

Submitted January 20, 2005

A

Answer to the first question is generosity, and to the second, lack of the same.

Q

I just finished the Warlord Chronicles and I have to say that they are some of the best books that I've ever read! My question lies with the druids in the stories. I was wondering if you had a recommended reading list that pertained to the druids? Any help would be great, thanks. Tristan

Submitted January 20, 2005

A

Not really. The problem with the Druids is that we know virtually nothing about them, and what we do know is mostly the evidence of their enemies (the Romans). The best thing is to read round the subject - books on British pre-history, the Celts, the Roman invasion, especially their attack on Anglesey, and glean what you can, but the pickings will be small!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I'm a great fan of your work! I partcularly enjoyed the Sharpe Peninsular books and the Grail Quest Series. One question! Have you ever thought about writing a series set during WW2? I believe with your talents it would be a big success! Keep up the amazing work! Jonathon Clayton

Submitted January 20, 2005

A

Sorry - no plans for any WWII books.

Q

Dear Bernard, Without giving away too much, can you give your fans a little sneak peak into your next Sharpe addition? Where will it fit in with the rest? What battles will you be covering? Do you have a ball park timeframe as to when it will be released? Also do you have a particular favorite peninsular battle & why? Mine is the battle of Salamanca & the charge of the KGL. Their discipline to break those squares astounds me! All the best Michael

Submitted January 20, 2005

A

The next Sharpe, I think, will come immediately after Sharpe's Escape, and will be set around the battle of Barossa. It probably won't appear until 2006 or even 2007, because I'm giving him a break at the moment. A favourite peninsular battle? Salamanca or Vitoria, I think.

Q

hi bernard, great fan of all your books especially the warlord chronicles, which my wife has just finished to her great enjoyment. last week we went walking in Snowdonia, Llyn Gerionydd to be precise, and much to our shock we came across a monument to Taliesin, inscribed as great bard of the 6th century. We were amazed as we didn't realize that he was a historical figure. It made your books feel so real.were you aware of this monument and if so did you manage to visit it during your research? Many thanks Rob & Yvonne Gater

Submitted January 14, 2005

A

I visited it years ago - too long ago - but remember it. Long ago, in another life, I used to stay at Betwys y Coed and exlore Snowdonia, but it's been years since I was there.

Q

Mr. Cornwell; It's to the point now that your books are almost the only literature I read. At least 90% anyway. I'm wondering if you plan on anymore American theme books in the stripe of "Redcoat" or "Starbuck." I'd love to see Sharpe in The U.S. War of 1812. I'm now waiting for your newest book to be released here in the U.S. shortly. Thanks for your efforts! James Crosby, p.s. I got a charge out of your using a "Crosby" in your Sharpe in India trilogy.

Submitted January 14, 2005

A

No plans for the War of 1812 - but I do have in mind a story that occurs during the American revolution.

Q

Hello, Mr. Cornwell. I just wanted to say that I have always been a fan of Sean Bean, so when I heard about Sharpe years ago, I bought 7 of the DVDs (I live in the USA). I enjoyed the films and have now purchased Sharpe's Tiger as my first Sharpe book. I hope to get it in the mail in a few days. I wanted to ask you if there has been any news on whether a new Sharpe film will be made, and if Sean Bean will be in it? Thank you, and take care. -Al

Submitted January 14, 2005

A

No news - sorry! There was some talk of it, but I'm not sure it will ever happen.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell. Need your help. I'm reading (actually listening to) a book that has a character walking from Baghdad to Iran. When he started his walk, he said he wanted to proceed "at the pace of Napoleon's Army- 4 miles each hour in full pack and muskets" Do you know when/why Napoleon marched his army across the desert of modern day Iraq/Iran? Thanks for your time! Tom

Submitted January 14, 2005

A

He didn't - he did march from Cairo to Acre, across the Sinai Peninsula, which must have been horrific, and I doubt he did 4 mph, but who knows?

Q

To Mr Cornwell, Sorry about sending you an E-mail about parachuting regiment in World War 2, that is probably why you haven't replied but I thought it might be an interesting idea for you. I do have a question though. Do you only write stories that have taken place before the 20th centuary. And if you do is it because you find the wars within the 20th century dull and prefer the wars that were fought with swords or muskets? Just a curious question from a curious reader. May you please reply back a short answer as I don't want to take your time. Thanks from Nick p.s well done with The Last Kingdom, it Rocks!!

Submitted January 14, 2005

A

I've written some contemporary thrillers, but you're right, I only write military fiction in historical settings. I guess I like history! And I've never been much attracted to the idea of writing about 20th century conflicts. P.S. - Your first message was posted to the Bulletin Board page on 13 December 2004.

Q