Please bring back Rider Sandman. He’s my favourite character after Derfel, Sharpe (of course), Harper, maybe Uhtred and possibly Thomas of Hookton. Mr Cornwell, your only failing is writing too many good characters. That said, I think I know who Sharpe’s father is. My exhaustive research (wikipedia) has led me to, firmly, believe that Garret Wesley – The Iron Duke’s own father – whelped the legendary Richard Sharpe. So, Arthur and Richard were brothers, well half brothers. I claim my prize. Michael