Your Questions

I watched Sharpe's Challenge on itv 1 and I thought it was absoulte rubbish because it was Tiger, Fortress and Pat Harper in one. I just wondered if you agreed to this ? Jamie F.

Hello Mr Cornwell, I discovered your work about a year ago and I'm working my way through everything that isn't Sharpe before I dive into that series. Having read all the books listed on your website (except The Thrillers and Redcoat), I came across the mention of Coat Of Arms on a Google search. I use my local library service which stocks all your books bar this one, and can only find one mention of it on your site. I did manage to get a second hand copy from Amazon (for 1 pence!) and must admit I'm thoroughly enjoying it! Why is there no reissue? I'd say it was in my top 5 Bernard Cornwell books. I'm sure I can't be the only fan who'd enjoy it? Thanks for your continued good work and proving there really is no excuse for watching Trash-Telly!!! Tom Hollingum Oxfordshire

Hi Bernard, Just a quick question I notice that Sharpe is very fond of cats. He's always petting them when they are near him. So I wondered if this reflects the author's fondness of them? I have five myself. Cheers. Nick Grant.

Dear Mr Cornwell, thanks to an article in the USA Today, I have discovered your work and love it. I started with The Saxon Series and I have just started Excalibur. My question is about the ages of Derfel, Nimue, Ceinwyn and Arthur. The three books have progressed through about 15-18 years (so far). What were the ages of the three when the tale first started? Thank you. Jim Smart

Dear Bernard, I wonder if you can settle a query I have in my mind: I've just watched a Sharpe film on UKTV Drama (I've seen them all dozens of times) and I've noticed from the credits that several are written by Eoghan Harris. Do you know by any chance is this the same Corkman who is a journalist, a political commentator who advised David Trimble in his negotiations with Sinn Fein, and the man who led the PR campaign behind Mary Robinson's bid for the Irish presidency? (she successfully made president) I've met this man in Baltimore in West Cork, and I know he's been involved in several artistic pursuits, but he said nothing about being involved in the Sharpe films. The same man, do you know? Thanks! Paul, County Cork

On your "Whats Coming" page, it says that sword song is coming out in the U.K. in October, but on Amazon.uk (I used the link on the page) it says that it is coming out in January. Is this a typo or will Amazon.uk not recieve the book until January? (I can't wait three months). Chase Fredrick

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I greatly admire your work, and your pre-gunpowder era books series are among my favorite readings (though I must confess I haven't picked up any Sharpe books seriously yet). As I am currently re-reading the Grail Quest series, a thought occurred to me. And no, I'm not going to ask about sequels :) I noticed the variety of characters' backgrounds leading the story; there are Frenchmen, Scots, Bretons and English (if I didn't miss anyone). That, in my opinion, greatly contributes to the overall pacing of the story and makes the narrative rich with the conflicting cultures that we accompany. It made me think that seeing an adventure that revolved around a different culture might be interesting. My next thought was that it could be a great narrative if you would write about Joan of Arc. She's a great character that has a story that is surrounded by myth and religion, a great story about leading people against all odds, prejudice and vast armies. I'd definitely be very interested in seeing how you would write your version of that story. Meanwhile, I can't wait for Sword Song to come out, the Saxon series being another great read. Best Regards, Guilherme E. Goulart, from Brazil.

Hello Bernard, I am a huge fan of the Grail series and an even bigger fan of the Warlord Chronicles. I loved reading Warlord so much, I've read the three, three times through already. I especially enjoy the spin you put on Lancelot in your version. Over the years, and all the other versions books, movies etc., I' ve grown very tired of Lancelot's character and have grown to dislike his character and all he stands for. What I'm trying to say is that it thrilled me to read how much of a sissy boy you made him out to be in Warlord. It was most excellent reading every part. I believe Warlord is the best Arthur series since Le Morte de Arthur, your astonishing work on bringing the story back form the Dark Ages. Do you ever get any requests to have someone purchase the movie or for you to write a screenplay for it?? I think it would be one of the best trilogies ever, someone like Peter Jackson (LOTR) could do it. What do you think?? Big Fan, Chris Miller

I loved the Arthur series, and am currently enjoying the Saxon books. Hope you do something similar about Harold Godwinson?
Anthony Walton

I have just started reading the Starbuck Chronicles having unsuccessfully done so for the last ten years. However, I have just finished reading Copperhead now and I think this series is by far the best I've read, outweighing anything of the Sharpe series to date! This is hard for me to say as I think Sharpe is brilliant too. I can't wait to read Battle Flag or The Bloody Ground, and I am really disappointed that no more have been written. Is a new Starbuck novel imminent? Andrew Mann