Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell my question is when Richard Sharpe arrived back in England from India on November 1805 how did he sell the Tippo's jewels and whom did he sell them too? I also wonder why he didn't purchase a captains commission since he was going to stay in the army? I am enjoying the all Sharpe's books.
Tony Contreras

A

Did you read Sharpe's Prey? I believe you'll find your answers there.


Q

I have been following the adventures of Uhtred and his companions since the books arrived on the book shelves. I was just wondering if the sequel to Sword Song will be written soon. Hoping to hear from you soon, Jim

Dear Mr Cornwall, Your books are very interesting and creative, I have read many of your books, but my interests are in the saxon series, and I will like to know if you are making a new one after 'Sword Song', and if you are, then please tell me when. Thank You. One of your many fans, Gunalan

Mr Cornwell I just want it to say I really like your books and I would like to ask when the new book after Sword Song will be published if you have finished it. thank you for your time. George Emmanouel

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories, but it is most likely the next book I will write. If so, we'd hope to see it published in the UK in October 2009 (and possibly in the US in January 2010 ).


Q

Dear Bernard, I just read all 4 of your Starbuck Chronicles, one right after the other. I couldn't put them down, they were that interesting. I thought "The Bloody Ground" would tie them all up to an ending, but I see now that they were never finished...I hate to think that I spent 70 dollars on a story with no ending. But more importantly, I will always be wondering about what happened to Sally Truslow, her father, Julia Gordon,Nate,Bird, Tumlin (Blythe),Delaney, etc. I'm very disappointed that you found another vehicle more profitable in the Sharpe books. I wish you would write one more Starbuck book and just finish it...please?
John Russell

A

I do hope to return to Starbuck before too long...


Q

Mr. Cornwell, I am French and hear your books are very good, I would like to know if you believe the French version is authentic to English. thank you. Lucy Loiselle

A

I wish I knew! I don't speak (or read) French well enough to know. Perhaps all the endings are changed? That would be a fine French joke! Merci!


Q

Mr. Cornwell! Firstly I'd like to say that your books are incredible. You are able to captivate the reader on different levels compared to other authors. I have noticed you have very few criticisms which is always a plus. I have a few questions though, which you don't have to reply to, I was just bored of writing my bloody physiology essay. Firstly is it true that the Saxon invasion of Britain was more of a mass immigration, where the Briton's stood little chance due to their vulnerability after the Romans left?

Secondly, will you be making anymore references to the characters in the warlord trilogy in the Saxon stories? Because I think a point that makes you captivate readers is the way you describe the allies of the main characters as well as occasionally referring to characters such as Sansum and Arthur from the warlord books, making it seem that more epic.

Lastly will you be visiting England anytime soon for book signings? Fusing fiction and fact from the Dark ages is very enthralling as it is an era that is very blurry, I'd just like to give you another congratulation on your success so far. Chris

A

That is true - it was a mass migration by ruthless tribes who took advantage of internecine war among the indigenous British to establish themselves. There was, of course, a great deal of intermarriage . . . a lot of war, a lot of squabbles, and out of it? England.

I doubt it! The two tales are too far apart . . . . but never say never!

I will be in the UK in October. Take a look at the Diary page of this website for the itinerary.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I wanted to tell you I really liked the Sharpe books. I learned many things about the Napoleonic Wars just by reading this series. Will there be any more Sharpe books coming out in the future? I really like the characters Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper. How did you think up those characters? I work in a library as an adult services librarian. I have access to all your books. I want to begin reading the other series too. I don't want to take up too much of your time. I am sure you are a busy man.. Sincerely, Angela Westphal Zion-Benton Public Library

A

Yes, there will be more Sharpe, but not for a few years.


Q

Mr. Cornwell: I am thoroughly enjoying your books and have lost much sleep as a result. I've especially enjoyed the Saxon and Warlord series. I have a light-hearted, hypothetical question for you: If Derfel and Uhtred, both in their prime, were able to fight a duel, who do you think would win? I have my idea as to the outcome, but would be interested to know "the creator's" opinion.
John Hollis

A

Oh, I just don't know - don't even think about it. What's your idea?


Q

Dear Bernard I am currently editing/writing for "Going Native in Alicante" and have put the Sharpe novels in the suggested reading list. I am currently reading Sharpe's Fury and found myself nosing through your books in Spanish at the National Library in Madrid as they are promoting them as background to the 200 Year Anniversary of the Peninsular Wars. (There is a fabulous expo in said library by the way; Goya prints and an amazing cartoon of a British soldier with woman and child and washing drying on his rifle as they march.) Is there any particular episode of Sharpe that related to Valencia or Alicante in particular as I know there was an attack on the castillo in Alicante by the British? Much obliged and keep writing. Susan Bearder

A

I can't think of any episode! But perhaps I should write one? And thank you for reminding me of that Goya print! OK! Sharpe must march to Valencia and Alicante! Gracias!


Q

Greetings, Mr. Cornwell! I'm Brazilian, and I just finished reading the "Warlord Chronicles" trilogy, and I just got fascinated! You're really brilliant!! I loved the way you told that story, and because of your books, I got really interested in the Great Britain's history, and I'm looking for books and studying. Congratulations for your brilliant work, and I just wanted to say that you have in me, if not a friend, a great fan! P.S.: can you recommend any book related to Great Britain's History?? If not, that's ok!! greetings from Brazil!
André Felipi Barboza Pacheco

A

Wow! There are SO many! And not that many which tell the whole story in one book . . . . but I'd recommend The Story of Britain, From the Romans to the Present by Rebecca Fraser . . . she writes wonderfully, tells a good story, and the book is easily available from Amazon! Happy reading!


Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell, First I want to thank you for your wonderful tales, especially those of Mr. Sharpe. After re-reading Sharpe's Gold, not to be pestering, but have you ever thought of putting to pen or even simply given thought to the tale of Theresa, specifically her rise to leading a force of Spanish guerrillas? There were women going for soldier in that period of wars (several in the Freikorps of Prussia), but all as men themselves. A woman leading fighting men in that age openly as a woman was at the very least equal to the successes Sharpe had in rising from the ranks. Thank your for your stories and may they continue without end. Kevin from Kentucky.

A

Well, it's a thought! I've let it flicker in my head from time to time, but in truth it doesn't really ignite my enthusiasm, so I'm guessing it won't happen . . . but of course you're right, it is a remarkable achievement and should be told