Your Questions

Q

Hi again, Bernard, Do you know if Sharpe ever found out that it was actuallly Hakeswill who murdered Sharpe's friend McCandless? If I remember rightly, he enacted his revenge on another bloke? thanks - Tim Harrison

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

I don't think he ever did find out. I never told him!

Q

Hello. I am not a literary writer but am writing a science fiction book/story. I have a couple of questions regarding the phrase "Fate is Inexorable" found in your Warlord Chronicles. 1) Where did this phrase originate or did you create it? 2) What is the edicate or protocol for a writer using a phrase that another author has previously used? Sincerely, Mike Michaud, Ottawa, Canada P.S. I truly enjoyed reading Gallows Thief, the Warlord Chronicles and the Grail Quest series ... Thanks.

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

The protocol is Don't Be Found Out. In fact the phrase comes from an anonymous Old English poem, The Wanderer, from, maybe, the 8th or 9th century, and in the original the phrase would have sounded something like 'Wyrd bith ful arade' which is English, believe it or not, and is usually translated as 'fate is relentlesss', but I preferred inexorable. Don't steal from authors in copyright unless you have an unusually skilful lawyer.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I have enjoyed most of your books, but I wonder if you could put my mind at rest. In Fitzroy MacLean's 'Eastern Approaches' (wonderful book by the way) there is a description of the 'bespectacled and cunning' French Communist, Jacques Duclos. Is your Major Ducos based on him in any way, or is it nothing more than strange coincidence? For the reader that requested Sharpe against the Thuggee, I would like to suggest 'The Deceivers' by John Masters, who was an officer in the 4th Gurkha Rifles. It is part of a series about India told through the adventures of the fictional Savage family. Alas, not in print anymore, but a second-hand book shop ought to turn up an old Penguin paperback (if they haven't all fallen apart). In fact, anything by Masters is well worth reading. Allen Hansen

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

Couldn't agree more - I have all of Masters's books, and Fitzroy MacLean's Eastern Approaches, but I confess I'd forgotten Jacques Duclos. Don't think I borrowed the name, but perhaps I did.

Q

I was rummaging through the web sites selling books and I noticed there was one listed under your name with the title, "Gallows Thief 2". Is this a mistake (also they had Sharpes Escape down as well) or am I the one to stumble across this closely guarded secret. If this is true or not can you let me know. Thanks. William Carter

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

It is a mistake - there is no 'Gallows Thief 2' (although there may be a sequel some time in the future, I haven't decided that yet). Sharpe's Escape is not a mistake - it will be available in April of this year.

Q

Mr Cornwell, I wanted to write and let you know how much I've enjoyed your books. I've recently read Heretic and An Archer's Tale and am currently working on Vagabond (Long story on why I've read them out of order, but let's just say that the best description would be 'opps'). I've always enjoyed historical Europe, and while my interests lay more in the German history of the 16th century, the English long bow has always fascinated me. Being able to see it from the eyes of one who may of lived (or at least someone like Thomas) has been immensely enjoyable. I do have one question, however. In the stories, you've mentioned different saints, and while I've been aware of some of them, one in particular escapes me- St Gallus, the patron saint of poultry. I've been unable to find a reference for him in my studies and would love to be pointed in the right direction on how to find more about him, if he is actually a holy figure. St Guinefort is a character in a children's story that I've always enjoyed, and his story is familiar to me, but Gallus is completely new to me. I'm in the Society for Creative Anachronisms, which, in case you haven't heard of us, is a historical recreation society, which attempts to recreate the romantic feel of what medieval history could have been. One of the things I love to do is to tell stories, and the story of St Gallus would be a wonderful story to use when entertaining my friends, but I'd like to have some historic information about him. Thank you for the wonderful books, and I hope to begin buying the Sharpe series when I finish the Grail series. Sincerely, Brian Beezley

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

Can't help you very much, I fear. My source (such as it is) was The Book of Days, a two volume curiousity published in 1864, and which bears one subtitle 'oddities of human life and character'. It's full of weird stuff, and I rip it off mercilessly. It was published by Chambers, totals about 1700 pages, doesn't have an index, so it would be almost impossible to find Gallus again - but that's where he came from (and I'm sure he's mythical because he doesn't make the Penguin Dictionary of Saints and, lord knows, they have some strange ones in there). I like the sound of Creative Anachronisms - story of my life, really.

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, After reading a message on the website from someone who suggested changing the sort of titles you choose for Sharpe books (something about "the campaign where nothing went right") may I suggest Sharpe's Misfortune? Also, have you ever come across a female writer who has written anything remotely in the style of Sharpe, Mallnson, other army or navy heroes of the time? I was wondering because the female authors I've come across writing about the Peninsular War are using it as a backdrop for Regency. The closest is Georgette Heyer with Spanish Bride (the real-life story of Harry and Juana Smith) and An Infamous Army (the ending of which takes place at Waterloo) but again they are romantically-based. One last thing - loved the talk you did at my home town of Poole a while back and still proud of my signed copy of Heretic - thought it would be mean to lug any of your other books along when I knew there would be lots of other people waiting! ;) Vive Sharpe! Marie

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

I haven't - but if anyone else has I hope they let us know.

Q

When is Sharpe going to meet Flashman? Thanks. Peter Day

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

Only when Flash is out of copyright, which will be long after I'm dead, so I think they're doomed to stay apart.

Q

Mister Cornwell you are a legend. I read the Winter King (By far your best book) as a 15 year old and was tranfixed. Since then I have gone on to read as much of your works as possible and joined the growing number of fans you have here in Australia. Your books have in many ways inspired me and, as many who love books do, I have began my own novel. That all aside my question is this: The Sharpe books (i have only read the first few) seem to follow a distinct pattern such as loosing/finding jewels/woman etc. Do you agree and if so is it intentional? Mike Tyler

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

Someone once said there were only 7 plots. No idea if it's true, but I think I used all 7 in the Sharpe series - read on - things change!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell- While reading the Grail Quest series, I was quite taken with your description of medieval swordsmanship. Though Thomas has obviously had no professional training, did you research this aspect of medieval culture through documents like the Talhoffer manual? I own it myself (a must for a reenactor) and was totally blown away by the number of wrestling moves involved. I'm sure these were rarely used in actual melee (when dropping your sword was a very bad idea) but I was still curious whether you took a look at them. Thanks for your time, Rob Rath

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

I did look at them, and was left a little confused - mainly because most experts claim there was no technique in mediaeval swordplay - just bashing away - which never really made sense to me, because if your life depends on a skill (even bashing away) you'll try hard to hone it. So I found the manual persuasive, but was a bit chary of the prevailing opinion that claimed it was bash and crash stuff.

Q

Firstly I would like to say I love your books. I got hooked on Sharpe when I was at school whilst watching the series and after reading Sharpe's Eagle was let down by the series then after. However I do have all the films and almost all the books (but I must say the books are a lot better lol) and as the Napolionic era is what I study and collect (mini figures etc..) I am a fanatic of Sharpe. I agree with you about the Warlord Chronicles, they are fantastic and I am just about to finish Excalibur which is exciting and saddening because once I have finished I know it will all be over. It would be great if they made a movie trilogy but I would hope it would be done as an epic and not as a tv series if it is ever undertaken. I have also read Harlequin and am looking forward to the other novels in the series as again this is a period in history I love and your novals allow your readers to live a part of that period. I have also read a few Starbuck Chronicles, but will return to them in good time. I must say that Stonehenge threw me back as I got totally confused with names and so have laid that one aside for the time being as well. I am attempting to write a novel at this present time (don't worry I won't take any storylines from your books, I look to history especially medieval and biblical for inspiration) and just wanted to let you know how your books have inspired me and given me great Joy. I would like to know if there are any illustrations or paintings that accompany any of your series? and if so how can I get hold of them if it is possable for me to do so? Once again thank you for your excellent books and I hope you will continue to write for many years to come. Ben Edwards

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

The only illustrations I know are the cover art, plus a few enthusiasts' offerings (and very good they are) - some of those might be found through the Sharpe Appreciation Society - there is a link to it on the Sharpe books page.