Your Questions

Q

Hello, dear Mister Cornwell - I've recently discovered your work through Sharpe's videos and I've started reading your books after that. I must admit that I really enjoy reading them and I've told many people about them. However, I live in France. As I am an English teacher, there is no real problem for me to read in English, but I know several persons who would like to read your books in French and I've discovered that too few of your books were translated in French (especially the Sharpe's stories). Maybe you could do something to develop your publications in French, don't you think? (even if the French army is the enemy of Richard Sharpe...lol.). Thank you for reading my message and thank you for sharing so exciting stories with us! Caroline Kahel.

A

Thank you for your kind words. Although a number of my books have been translated to French - the French publishers do not seem interested in the Sharpe books. Wonder why that is??


Q

Dear Bernard, I'm a fan of your Sharpe books and at present, I'am trying to read them all (I'm reading Sharpes Escape now!). I was wondering whether you had any plans to release any other Sharpe books? I got into reading the series when my friend let me borrow Sharpe Rifles on DVD. After this I noticed that the story in the books started before the films. So I was also wondering whether you knew of any other films of Sharpe to be released? I await your reply, Terry.

A

There may be a new Sharpe film next year - nothing's definite yet - but I'll keep you posted. More Sharpe books? Yes!


Q

Mr. Cornwell, As my favourite living author, I would be interested to know if you've read the works of my favourite non-living author, James Clavell. If so, what's your opinion of them and him? (I've read that he was a bit, well, I suppose efficacious is the word you would use!) Regards, James Moore, SC

A

I like his books - and I hear much the same!


Q

Greetings, I was just wondering why you decided to turn the character of Lancelot on his ear so to speak personaly I thought it was a nice take in the story..though the 11 year old boy in me was heart broken. Also I was curious as to whether the druidic rituals described in the Arthur series were based in reality . your faithful (and avid!) reader Michael Adair. p.s just to say that the Sharpe series really got me interested in the Napoleonic wars ,an era of history I had previously ignored. thanks again.

A

I never particularly liked Lancelot - thought he was a bit of a bore...The rituals? There is almsot no known reality. All we know of the Druids is what their enemies (the Romans) told us, and the Druids themselves left no written records of any kind, so most of it is invented - or at least embroidered on the very thin evidence available.


Q

Have enjoyed all your Sharpe books! It appears "short books", i.e., Skirmish and Christmas came out o/a the holiday season. Will there be another for 2004? Best regards from a fan. Dennis

A

No, no new short story book planned for this holiday season.


Q

I am currently reading The Last Kingdom and wondered if you could tell me where you got the name Brida for one of the characters? My Grandmother was called Bryda but I have not been able to find out anything about the name. MERVYN LEDBURY

A

I haven't a clue! Sorry! Some time ago - when researching it all - I made lists of names as I came across them, but I never bothered to note what the sources were (because I don't need to know that) - so it came from a good source, but which one? No idea!


Q

I haven't been reading you for long but I am already enthralled by your books. I loved "the Grail Quest" books but I agree with you saying that Thomas's story has really ended. I have also read a couple of the famous Sharpe novels and have just started up on "the Winter King". I just want to ask if you have been offered the chance to have any of your books (apart from Sharpe, which is already a TV series) turned into movies? I know the a movie of books such as "Heretic" will never be as good as the book but maybe if people like the movie then they will start to read your books, which is what often happens when movies based on books are made. Also, do you know if it is true that ITV are making a second series of "Sharpe" based on the India books? I know this email is getting a bit long so I'll end it with why do you deem it nessecary for your main characters to always be able to read and write? I do hope you will continuously produce books on historical events twisted to go along with your character's adventures for History has never been so interesting. Robert Eyre

A

No movie plans at the moment - although a new Sharpe film has been talked about. Reading and writing? Sharpe had to if he was to be promoted. Could Derfel? Can't remember. The new one? Because Alfred insisted on it.


Q

I'm still laughing at your response to the question of how Hakeswill escaped from the snake pit. Priceless! which got me to thinking. How in the world did you ever come up with that wonderful character? Had you ever heard anybody use that 'Says so in the scriptures' expression, or did it just come to you? Mike

A

It just came, but I'm sure I've heard people use it - I think the point is that whoever uses it is usually of a pious nature, so it seemed apt to give it to Obadiah, that most Godly of men.


Q

Bernard, Could you tell me, did the Duke of Wellington really invent the Wellie boot and if so when? David Brown

A

He did not, but he did favour a peculiar fashion in boots - they covered the knee in front, but not behind (so the leg could be bent for riding). That boot became known as a Wellington Boot as early as 1818, and in the early 20th century (why, I don't know) the name was transferred to what we call a welly. All very odd, and I can't offer a more cogent explanation.


Q

Bernard, I normally as for hints and tips on my writing, but I have a genuine query here. Now, reading the Last Kingdom, you mention the pillaging of the monastery at Streonshall near to Eoferwic. My missus was born and bred in Strensall and we're curious because we never knew there was a monastery there. Have you any idea where it was or where we could find more information about it? Cheers Bernard. Iain Culkin

A

I'm answering this off the top of my head - I think it was a nunnery? And the source is the late (and therefore suspect) Roger of Wendover. It seems highly likely that there would have been a religious house there, and equally likely that it vanished under Viking attack (lots of monasteries and churches disappeared in that period). Where was it? Not a clue! Probably under the bus station by now.