Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Re: the Sharpe Series. I am no expert but I recall that the Claymore was a two handed broad sword carried over the shoulder by Highlanders. The Basket hilt one handed double edge sword carried in the 18th and early 19th century was called the "Claithbeg" (Claybeg) or something like that. Am I worng? Thank you for all your work. It is positively brilliant and I hope HM the Queen recognizes you for all you have done for Britain. John Lapin

Mr, Cornwell, In your research for the Sharpe series did you have an opportunity to fire a "Brown Bess" musket, either replica or original? Did you also try an early flintlock rifle musket? If you have not, one would never know from reading your books. I was just curious. John Lapin

Submitted September 7, 2004

A

I'm not an expert either . . . but according to the OED the claymore was 'the two edged broadsword of the ancient Scottish Highlanders. Also (inexactly, but very commonly) the basket hilted broadsword introduced in 16th C, which was frequently single edged'. The entry (Vol III, p. 291) then goes on to say 'The Claymore was not, except in extraordinary instances, two-handed.' So it seems to me you can take your choice!

I've fired both a Brown Bess and a Baker Rifle - the offputting thing, of course, being the slight lapse between the flint falling and the discharge - most unusual if you're used to a modern firearm.

Q

Thank you for the Sharpe and Grail books I have enjoyed them, both as a great story and the historical aspects. (Have used you as a reference in mIlitarty classes) My question is about obtaining the UK version of your books. Are they available in Canada? Thank you Keep up the great work. Stan Brown

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

Yes, the UK edition of my books is available in Canada (and can also be ordered from Amazon.ca).

Q

Yeah dude... Congrats on the books, real cool... Shame that they have to dump so much for the TV Series.. I reckon Sean Bean makes a pretty cool Sharpe, eh? You would think the guy would dyed his hair black though, huh... Heh, heh... I wonder how many people even noticed that one? Enough of all that, Here's the deal: Harper's got kids to that girl he picked up in Badajoz right? It's two kids ain't it? What are their names? I think you mentioned it in Sharpe's Fortress, but I don't really recall... Anyway, it's been buggin me... Help a fella out, eh? Later dude, keep writing eh? Titus Kisari

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

I don't remember him having two children, but he certainly had one, who was named Richard Patricio Augustine Harper. I don't think it's mentioned in Sharpe's Fortress - I think maybe it was in Sharpe's Siege? Can't remember for sure.

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I notice on the DIARY page that you are apperaing at 2 venues in London on Tuesday Oct 5th. Will this be part of a larger signing/lecture tour of the UK for 'The Last Kingdom'? If so, any chance you will be in Birmingham this time? I know it's rather selfish of me as you were in Brum for 'Sharpes Escape' last April, but hope you can fit us in! Kind regards Mike Woffinden

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

No, there will not be a large book tour for the UK release of The Last Kingdom.

Q

Hello again, read Sharpe's Trafalgar and mighty good it was too (much better than Paddy O'Brien's stuff which is tedious-good film though!!) I would just like to ask some questions 1 Would you ever consider doing a book (or series) featuring Patrick Lassan in the Crimea? ( on that note, have you ever read Garry Kilworths ecellent "Crossman" books about it) 2 Do you know of any good American Civil War fiction from the Union perpective? ( I'm enjoying Starbuck, but find it hard to sympathise with slave owners and suchlike) 3Will there be more Sharpe books in India? 4 Will Hakeswill ever appear in anpother peninsular book, beetween Company and Enemy? (perhaps in the French army, or-God help his men- an officer in the Portuguese) 5 What do you know on the Portuguese practce of promoting British sergeants and how would a british sergeant get promoted? Where would he go? etc 6 Which Irish regiment had the nickname faugh a ballagh? ( forgive the spelling but I go to a protestant school so I don't speak gaelic) Well thanks for your time and keep up the good work yours, Mickey O'Donohoe

Submitted September 2, 2004

A

A Patrick Lassan book is not in my plans.

Red Badge of Courage?

More Sharpe books in India? Probably not. Hakeswill? We'll have to see

When the Portuguese army placed itself under British command it was decided that, among many other things, it needed a far more professional officer corps, and so British sergeants and officers were offered a promotion if they went into Portuguese service. Simple as that. the advantage was that the Portuguese learned British tactics and worked to British words of command, which made it much easier to integrate them into Wellington's brigades. It was a bold experiment, and might have caused some resentment, but it worked extraordinarily well and, within a year or two, Wellington reckoned his Portuguese battalions were every bit as good as his British.

The Irish regiment? I haven't a clue! Sorry.

Q

Hi Mr.Cornwell I'm a big fan of the sharpe seriers I've read them all and all the Starbuck books and love them although I am a bit apprehensive of the Arthur and grail book. I have two Sharpe related questions for you, 1: What happens to Tom Garrard after he becomes an officer in the Portuegese army? and Will Sharpe ever get his revenge on Capt. Morris? and please write about Starbuck soon, please. Rory Blundell

Greetings - Did I miss something? Sharpe eventually exacted retribution for the flogging on Hakeswill, but what about Captain Morris? Did that drunken bastard ever get his repayment? Bob Beal

Submitted August 31, 2004

A

I think Garrard dies, doesn't he? I know I ought to know, but I can't remember everything I wrote! And Sharpe's revenge on Morris is in the Pending file.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I love your books, especially the Sharpe series. Thank you for providing so many entertaining hours of reading for me. You and Cecelia Holland are my favorite authors. Do you know Cecelia Holland? Have you ever thought about co-authoring a book? Again, thank you. Sincerely, Bob Christenson

Submitted August 31, 2004

A

Never. I doubt she has either! Writing is really a solo business and I'm sure doubling the authors triples the problems.

Q

Mr C - Firstly, this isn't a suggestion for a storyline and have I no interest in asserting interlectual property rights. Now that's out the way, I would like to say that I loved the Grail Quest books and hope to read more about Thomas's exploits. Capturing the French king at Poitiers in 1356 perhaps? As a young archer, I'm sure he would have gone on to fight at other battles in the Hundred Years War. PS - Just finished The Crowning Mercy. It probably had the best ending of all your books that I've read. Thrilling stuff! Regards Philip

Submitted August 31, 2004

A

I'm glad to know you have enjoyed the Grail Quest series. Further adventures for Thomas of Hookton are on hold for now - perhaps there will be more in the future.

Q

Sir, I have been a great fan of yours since I found Sharpe's Gold on a sale table back in 1983. I have marched with Sharpe, Starbuck, Derval, Sir Thomas and the rest repeatedly over the years. Like many others, I am disappointed that your version of the Arthurian tales has not gone to film. In truth, I suspect it would take a Lord of the Rings effort to do it justice. Now, if only I could find Peter Jackson's address... My qustion is this. Can you tell me the origin of the name Seren? Is it Welch? My wife and I thought it was beautiful, and it was the name we gave our 4 year old daughter. Keep up the great work! I devour your books, and always wait impatiently for your next one! Thanks, Chuck Wohlrab

Submitted August 31, 2004

A

Seren is Welsh for star - a female noun (phew) - and a lovely name.

Q

First of all I must say how much i enjoy reading your books, all the ones I have read so far are simply great. I recently completed Sharpe's regiment and was wondering about something you stated in the historical note at the end. You wrote "It is best to keep a politic silence about Foulness. It was not a secret military camp in 1813, it is today." I did a little research and found that today there is a town of about 200 people and an artillery range on the island, and that passes are needed to get on to the island. I also read something where it was mentioned about underground tests taking place there. I was wondering if you could tell me what is so secret about the Foulness artillery range, and why it is so secret. Thankyou very much for your time, and especially your wonderful books. -John Kachelmeyer P.S. My apologies for the length of this email, but I must satisfy my curiosity.

Submitted August 31, 2004

A

I've no idea about underground tests - it's very boggy there, so it seems a strange place, but who knows? As to what happens there? Not a clue! My understanding is that it was a weapons testing range - but I suppose the thing about being secret is that you don't really know!