Bulletin Board

Q

Happy St George's day for the 23rd. Any plans to expand on Beowulf. Just read Heretic. Very good. Can I have some more please! Mark Stevens

A

A Happy St George's Day to you and everyone else too. Expand on Beowulf? No! But The Last Kingdom is set in the right era . . .


Q

In 1971 I completed a degree in Medieval History. Except for a brief trip to Great Britain I've had very little chance to utilize or even discuss my research on the longbow or fighting techniques. This week I discovered you and your Grail Series. Your description of the battle of Crecy not only brought to life some of my faded studies but gave me a "you-are-there" experience. It was perfectly marvelous. Of course I'll now read all your other books. Thank you so much! Anna M. Swain


Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your books especially the Sharpe series, although I do not like the new covers for Havoc & Escape. Much preferred the old covers with a rifleman on them. I have just found out there will be another Thomas Hookton book later this year so that will be something to look forward to. I am really enjoying Sharpes Escape and hope this will not be the last Sharpe book. Many thanks Regards Deb Wright

A

Sorry Deb, no Thomas of Hookton book this year. The next book will be The Last Kingdom (click on 'What's Coming' to read the first chapter).


Q

Hello Bernard, hope you are well, got a signed Sharpe's Escape for my father when you recently signed at Waterstones in Ledenhall, London, it went down a treat so wanted to say thank you, looking forward to the new book in October, anymore thought on Sanderman making a reapperance? Once again thank you for the cracking books and please try and bring Hakeswill back! Pete

A

It is a good possibility for Sandman - and I'll see what I can do about Hakeswill.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I enjoyed very much hearing your desert island discs this morning. You said what a lucky person you are and I wondered if by any chance you were born in May. Did you hear the Today programme last week when they did a survey and came to the conclusion that May babies were the luckiest of all. I was born in May and consider myself very lucky too. Like you, I have a very happy marriage of 23 years and feel very fortunate in many ways. Just an enquiry but thought the answer might be interesting. Thank you for your time and, again, enjoyed hearing all about your life very much. I have to say it made me sad to think of your unhappy childhood but you seem to have recovered from it extremely well. Kind regards, pamela

A

No, I wasn't born in May - but lucky anyway!


Q

Just a word of thanks for all your work. I am a career soldier and read your books as you above other authors of historical fiction seem to understand what our business is about. This fact struck me once a few years back in an operation in Bosnia. During a lull in our operation, I opened my copy of (I think) Sharpe's Triumph. One of my soldiers offered to trade another book when I'd finished it. It reminded me of a scene in one of the Sharpe films where two riflemen trade for a copy of a Voltaire. I thought that very fitting and a bit ironic. Again, thanks for all the effort. It is truly appreciated. Randall Eskew


Q

Bernard: Thanks for actually answering my question about the fate of Sharpe's Indian treasure trove. Sharpe's Prey did the trick. I know that this would be impossible. Imagine Sharpe at the Battle of New Orleans against Old Hickory. I don't think that Sharpe would have been "arunnin' on down the Mississippi to the Gulf of Mexico." Guy Orr


Q

Read Arthur series-fabulous, have read many other Arthur tales, but love your historical & more true to his times storyline. Just read Gallows Thief-great entertainment-historical insights & lingo wonderful-felt like I had dropped back in time. Our library only had these-Am tickled to know theres MUCH more B.Cornwell. Myword you are prolific sir; the historical research, language, characters - women as well done as the men, subjects you've chosen. Didn't imagine novel re:newgate would be so entertaining-will try the Sharpe novels- had not, after discovered their existence because thot not like man/adventure/war novel that well. BUT PERHAPS I will. No need for any answers back, just kudos to you. JC


Q

Mr Cornwell I have just enjoyed reading 'Sharpe's Escape'. Thank you for another very entertaining book. I was wondering if you have ever read any of Harry Turtledove's books in his Great War and American Empire series. He has the same punchy and entertaining style of writing as you, though far be it from me to draw comparisons. It just strikes me as the kind of book you yourself might enjoy as a reader. Best wishes Andy

A

I haven't (shame on me), but I will. Thank you


Q

I was gutted, I work fairly near one of the shops you were due to do a book signing and I had to work from home that day, shame. I am currently reading the Quest series(paperback) and Sharpe. I loved the first 2 quest books, just waiting for Heretic to come out on paperback. I have just started Sharpes Rifles, only 13 more to go after. Inbetween I read my other favourites, Lee child (Jack reacher novels only), James Patterson (mainly his Along came a Spider and subsequent books in the Alex Cross series (didn't like his other books, except the Jester), Jeffrey Deaver and Michael Crichton. I tried the Arthur Books, but due to having a memory span of a Goldfish with Parkinsons, I can't seem to read books where there are more than 4 characters(a minor flaw in my character) so although I bought them, I doubt I will read them. After Sharpe I will move onto the Starbuck chronicles (About coffee??) Anyway, thanks for some memorable books, I love the Shapre series, altho every time I read a line where he speaks I picture Sean Bean in my mind, and I have just got to where he meets Patrick and I am sure I will see the chap who plays him in the tv series. Keep up the good work. P.s Will you ever write any books for the American audience (besides Starbuck chronicles) (I am in England BTW)

A

I think so - but when? I wish I knew - but probably, yes.