Your Questions

Hi Bernard, What is your opinion of the writing of Martin Amis? Do you recommend any fictional authors from Cambridge or your region? I look forward to reading your 2005 text, and hope to hear from you soon. Truly, Kimberley Gilmour

Dear Mr Cornwell, I greatly enjoyed both your Warlord Trilogy and your Grail Quest trilogy. Recently, I decided to get acquainted with the much celebrated Mr Richard Sharpe, and have since been immersed in reading through the entire series chronologically (I am currently about to finish Gold.) If you can bear with me, I have a Sharpe question that has been gnawing at the back of my mind. I was curious why you chose to send Sharpe to Copenhagen during his interval between Trafalgar and the Peninsular war, rather than on the ill-fated Buenos Aires expedition under Home Popham? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Sharpe's Danish adventure thoroughly. I'm just curious as to why you came to the decision to keep him in London and then send him to action in Denmark instead of sending him to the Cape of Good Hope with Sir David Baird and then on to South America under Popham? Since several companies of both the 1/95th and 2/95th were part of Popham's force, I thought Sharpe might have fit in quite nicely on that folly. Thank you for the wonderful books. I can't wait to get through the rest of the Sharpe series (all of them are already bought, and just waiting their turn on the bookshelf) and then delve into The Last Kingdom. Cheers, Gus Miranda

Dear Mr. Cornwell, before I ask a few questions (which I hope have not been asked 1000 times already) I want to thank you for all the pleasure you have given me with your books. They were all fantastic but the Sharpe books are my favourites and Richard Sharpe has helped me through some difficult times in my life, has comforted me when I was sad, gave me courage when I was weak and entertained me when I just needed to 'escape'. And as I cannot thank him properly (unfortunately) all my gratitude goes to you for creating such a character and for writing as splendidly as you do.THANKS!!!! As for the questions: I have visited some battlefields/sites of battles (not all Sharpe related) and was wondering which battlefield, of the ones you have visited, you think has the most atmosphere and is most worth a visit. Then...and I fear this is a silly question..can you tell me whether Sharpe has blue or dark eyes? I remember reading in "Tiger" that his eyes were blue but if I recall correctly in other books they were described as dark..? Have you ever thought about writing a novel about the Battle of Bannockburn? I'd love to read something about this great battle written in your fantastic style. (Also I'm thinking that if it was made into a movie Sean Bean would do well as Robert the Bruce..!) Last(silly) question: if Sharpe was to live in our time now, what do you think he'd be? A farmer, soldier ..etc. and do you think he would like it here? I'm looking forward to reading more of your excellent books and would be thrilled if you could find the time to answer my questions. Best wishes, Nathalie

Hi, in Sharpe's Honour you refer to the medievel knights seeking women to save which was known as the quest for the holy grail. This shows that you had studied grail lore 20 years before Dan Brown's 'Davinci Code', have you read this and what did you think? what do you think of the possibility of the holy grail being the documents showing the blood line of Jesus Christ? In your expert historical studies you must have came accross many versions of the story. many thanks, Chris.

Bernard I have just finished "The Last Kingdom". It is a truly excellent read. I enjoy all your books but until now the Arthur Series had been my favourites. Personally though I think that The Last Kingdom was even better than these. So one question and one request. Question: One character - Beocca - displays some signs of having cerebral palsy. Was this intended or does he have some unspecified condition with similar symptoms? Request: Hurry up and write the next book in the series. Thanks. Steve

Hello Mr Cornwell I have two quick questions regarding Sharpe. 1. I know you do not intend to go backwards in time again, but I did wonder whether you would ever consider writing about Sharpe's adventures in Portugal (1808), as a short story maybe? You mention he fought there during that year, so a (longish) short story would be ideal. Then it could be added to the other 3 short stories and released as a book! Any chance? 2. Do you think you will revise the Sharpe books in the future for continuity sake? eg Harper had been by Sharpe's side through Portugal 1808-1809 according to 'Eagle', but then they built a relationship only after their fight in 'Rifles ,Jan 1809. I said 'quick questions' didn't I? Sorry Nick R

I greatly enjoy your historical ficition. Some of your books I am reading a third time! Concering Agincourt, have you seen the latest TV theories on Agincourt? I believe the show was "Battlefield Detectives" - but I am not sure. The theories are that the longbow was of almost no value because of the recent improvement in plate into true steel and that many of the French actually suffocated in the mud. If you do write about Agincourt, is this the kind of material you would take into consideration? Or would you be inclined to make the longbow more important in your version to make the story more entertaining? Douglas Gilliatt

Hello, Mr. Cornwell, and thank you for many happy hours of reading your books! I'm sure you have lots of mail to read, so I'll get on with my nit-picky little question. What year did Sharpe die? I'm pretty sure I read a reference to it somewhere, but can't remember where I saw it. Also, have you ever mentioned when Lucille or either of Sharpe's children died? Just wondering how long these great characters were around. Have a great day and thanks again! Christina

Dear Mr Cornwell. I am fifteen years old and I have finished reading the Warlord Chronicles, the Grail trilogy, and am now reading the Last Kingdom which has gripped me in the same way as the others. It appeals to me greatly as I am very interested in post roman, Dark Age and medieval history. It interests me so much I would love to take up training with these weapons. How did you manage to get, firstly the information about the shield wall and secondly how did you find out about the 'fury that grips men in battle'? Thank you for giving me increased interest in British history and heritage. Yours Charlie Bowditch, dorset,uk.

Congratulations and thankyou, you have done it again. I have just finished The Last Kingdom and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Once again I will say that I cannot believe that history can be so entertaining. Can I be so bold as to ask you a few questions? Why Alfred? Is he a person you knew something about or did you decide it might be an interesting tale to tell and then set about researching his life. Have you ever thought about writing a factual history type book? Your knowledge on certain subjects must be very thorough and comprehensive. And have you ever selected a historical figure and started writing about him or her to decide that they were the wrong choice? Thankyou in advance, Barry Evans, Doncaster.