Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I will avoid gushing, and keep this brief. Thank you. One exceptionally late night 10 years ago when I was a student at the Ontario College of Art and Design - I chanced across "Sharpes Eagle" on PBS. Since that time Sharpe has become a form of moral/ethical comfort food for me. Any time I feel a bit unhappy, or uncertain about where my life is headed - I just pop a Sharpe DVD into the player and take it in for all that it is worth! Now unfortunately I have started reading the novels!! They are like literary "crack". I can't seem to read fast enough, or make enough time available to feed my new addiction. My girlfriend consequently does not place herself amongst your biggest fans ;) I am curious, do you have any intention of ever placing Sharpe in Canada during the war of 1812? Or even earlier - at the "Plains of Abraham" where British control of North America was determined over the French? Thank you again for what has been an incredible ongoing experience. I look forward to reading more about Sharpes adventures, and I hope that we will see new episodes made for TV. Your Loyal fan. Jason Chagnon

A

Thanks for your message Jason. No plans for Sharpe to be in North America.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just recently acquired "Fallen Angels" and heard it is a part of a series, is that true? If so, which other books are in the series? (I've been searching, but have been unsucessful.) Do any of the other novels feature Lady Campion and Gitan? I really enjoyed this book, I mean, I REALLY, REALLY enjoyed this book. It was fabulous. Thank you for writing it. And, thank you for taking the time to read my questions and answer them, I really appreciate it. Do you have any plans on extending the book into a series (if you haven't already done so)? I understand that you are likely very busy with other commitments at present, however, I hope the story continues because I thought it was wonderful and I enjoyed it very much. There is only one other book I have found that I've liked as much as yours, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, have you read it? I really enjoy historical fiction, obviously with elements of history, but without too much intense fighting. I also enjoyed the way in which your charicters interacted with one another, they were very believable and intensely human. Please know that my praise is sincere, you did a wonderful job. I also read that you and your wife woked collaboratively on The Fallen Angels, is this true? If it is, please give her my regards - all I can say is, I hope you're having a wonderful day! Thanks again! -Ashley

A

It is not part of a series, although some of the same characters are in A Crowning Mercy. I'm glad to know you enjoyed the book. Thanks for your messages!


Q

Did you ever acknowlege in any book the daughter that Sharpe had...or was this just for television? Mary

A

Sharpe's daughter, Antonia, is in several Sharpe books - I believe she is first mentioned in Sharpe's Company.


Q

I'm pretty upset that The Last Kingdom won't be in the US until January. I always like to put a Cornwell book on my Christmas list and enjoy reading it over the holidays. Any reason why this one didn't come out in October as it did in Britain? Bob Masone

A

A decision by the US publisher. Why? I don't know, but publishers work in mysterious ways their wonders to perform.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I must ashamedly confess that, until this past week, I had never read any of your work. I am a lover of historical novels, mainly of the American Revolution and Civil War, and I had never read anything of the time period in your Grail Quest series. Now I am hooked! I bought and read all 3 books this last week and I must say I am disappointed at what I've been missing. I will start "A Crowning Mercy" tomorrow! I also bought some Sharpe novel to take on my cruise next week. But to get to the point I wanted to ask you if you would mind recommending other works of fiction about the quest for the Holy Grail. Thank You very much for your time and thank you for writing such great books! Sincerely Keith Woods Ohio, The USA

A

I generally don't read other works of historical fiction - but I'm sure you will find some great recommendations on the Reading Club page of this website.


Q

Hi Some of us at a Napoleonic discussion group have been discussing army discipline. When someone mentioned flogging I brought up the situation in Sharpe's Tiger where Sharpe was supposed to get 2000 lashes and knew that there was only a slim chance of survival. A few of the people there, who haven't read the books (I keep hinting that they should but no luck yet) were wondering if you'd based this aspect of Sharpe's story on real-life examples? I'm quite happy to accept Sharpe's version of events but sadly not everyone is... Marie.

A

No chance of surviving 2000 lashes! There is some debate here - some sources give 200 lashes as the maximum punishment, but I keep coming across references to much heavier sentences (can't immediately find a source right now). I suspect 200 was probably the legal maximum, and even that would probably kill - but I know for a fact that some sadists did condemn men to more.


Q

Gidday Mr. Cornwell. I'm a big fan of your Sharpe Books, and can say they are the most I have ever enjoyed reading a novel. I was wondering, in Sharpe's Regiment, when the 2nd battalion from Foulness RSM Harper was teaching the men to sing "the Drummer Boy" I was wondering where I could find the lyrics for this song? Thank you much for your time. Brad

A

I'm pretty certain I made the title up - I do that, I'm afraid.


Q

Just finished reading The Last Kingdom, once again you've provided me with an excellent book, but once again I have to drool while I wait for the next one. When is it due? Stuart Kennedy

A

The second book will be published in the UK in October 2005.


Q

Hello Mr Cornwell. I have written to you once or twice before, but a long time ago now! Since then I have enjoyed many adventures with Sharpe and have recently finished reading your latest gem "The Last Kingdom". I have to say you had me hooked from page one! I have a couple questions if you don't mind? This book has left me with one burning desire... to have my own hand crafted sword! I have shopped around on the net but they all seem to be mass produced. I want my own personal blade just like Uhtred! Do you know of any blacksmith's in England that offer such a service? And also, a slightly unrelated question, I wondered if you have ever been to a battle reenactment of any kind before? (I'd like to see a shield wall!) If so did it help in your endeavours of writing battle scenes? I look forward to your response and as ever to your next book. Many thanks and kind regards. Richard Akers

A

I don't know of a sword-maker, but if you do your search under the title 'pattern-welding' you might find one - 'Pattern Welding' is the modern name for the technique, and I'm 100% certain that someone, somewhere does it, and I suspect Googling it might help. I've only ever seen Napoleonic and America Civil war re-enactors, never a shield wall.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My husband and I are great fans, have read and re-read all your Sharpe Books. 19th Century British Military history has long been a favorite subject and you truly bring it to life. In several place you refer to the "foot wraps" used. In the uniform lists I've seen (granted they are not extensive) I've only seen stockings listed. Were the wraps standard issue or anemergency item? Also I've been searching for "The Sharpe Companion" and I find it listed as "Volume one, The early years" or just as The Sharpe Companion. Can you clalify for me if it is the same book with a subtitle or was more than one volume written? Thank you for the many hours of great reading. As my husband is an army veteran (of 50 years ago), he has really enjoyed and apreciated your wonderful books. Especially the references to the Riflemen. Roberta Parker

A

I suspect that stockings were issued, but wore out fast, so unless you were rich enough to have sufficient spare pairs you were reduced to foot-cloths or blisters.
The Sharpe Companion - Vol. One, The Early Years is a revised and expanded edition of the original Sharpe Companion. I believe a second volume is planned but I don't know if it's available yet.