Your Questions

Currently reading Hornblower for the first time, a very enjoyable take on the Napoleonic Wars and I can see why you drew so much inspiration.  Of course it is unlikely.that Horatio and Sharpe ever crossed paths, but did you ever consider a cheeky cameo in any of the books or would Forester's estate have come after you with the metaphorical big stick?

Chris Horry

Mr. Cornwell,

 

I’ve loved your Sharpe novels for years, and the level of historical texture you bring to the Napoleonic world is extraordinary. I do have one small question that’s been nagging at me: Sharpe often bites his musket or rifle cartridge from the ball end, which would put the bullet in his mouth.

 

>From what I’ve read in period manuals, soldiers tore the bottom of the cartridge, primed the pan, and then poured the powder and ball down the barrel.

 

I’m genuinely curious whether this was a deliberate storytelling choice or drawn from a particular source.

 

Thanks for all the joy your books have given me.

 

Devon

Good morning sir

I have been reading the Sharpe series more times than i can count, and almost all of your others too.

I umderstand that you will be asked this question many times over, but, will there be another Sharpe book?

Perhaps something set after crossing the atlantic and visiting Napoleon ?

Im not sure if there was even an event he could get mixed up in after that time, but it would be nice to see more of him.

Maybe a grand son in the Zulu wars?

Keep well and stay safe.

Kind regards

Kevin

 

Hello,

I appreciate I asked this a few years ago (but if you don't ask you don't get), but is there any possibility of a story covering the start of the Peninsular campaign, like from the landings in Mondego Bay, then Rolica? Part of me has always thought it's best left to the imagination, but on the other hand it's such a crucial and formative time for Sharpe; "I was only a Quartermaster, but I saw some fighting..."

Andrew Tyler

Just finished the Starbuck series. Your last line of the story" The Bloody Ground" you stated that Starbuck will march again. Will he? Is there any plans to write a 5th book? Also, I was a student of the Civil War but after learning of the vast carnage the war caused, was discouraged from researching  the war any further. You described that carnage and your obvious distaste of it very well.

Rick Humphreys

 

It’s now 30 years since the last Starbuck book. In those years I’ve seen, in my minds eye, the development of Starbuck in his military career even after the Civil War and his accounts being settled with those whom he has grudges. And his relationships with family, friends and folly alike plus other conflicts he can become embroiled in.

Far from bringing an extension of the Sharpe series I see a completely different set of scenarios which will make Starbuck as compelling a character as Sharpe.

Please bring back this complex character and develop his huge potential.

Yours sincerely,

Rob Douglas

 

Hi Bernard, enjoy ALL your books. Having just read all the Starbucks Chronicles. What about another one? To complete the USA civil war would be wonderful.

However Uhtred will always be my HERO

Your ardent reader

Steven

Hello Bernard.

I hope this finds you well.  It’s late July - are we getting close to the release of a title and excerpt of the new book?  After six long years, it’s going to be wonderful to ride with Uhtred again!

Shawn

 

Hi Bernard

I hope your writing of Uhtred is going well I have read all your books to date Sharpe and the last kingdom series too will the new book on Uhtred Be out this year.

Best regards

Robert Paul Browning

 

 

 

Hi Mr Cornwell!

Your books have provided many hours of adventure. Thank you!  I’m curious if you’ve been approached to consider a short series covering the Starbuck Chronicles. I have no doubt it would play well. It’s an amazing story full of really interesting characters. A beautiful and tragic example of the grey areas of the human condition. A truthful account of the brutality of warfare. Would love to see it on the screen.

Michael Sutton

I’ve come to the Sharpe books late (I’m 73) and am enjoying them immensely. Also enjoying the series - still had kids at home when it aired in the 90s and rarely got to watch anything I wanted to watch!

As a New Orleanian, I always read anything about the Battle of New Orleans in 1814. Since diving into Sharpe, I have wondered why you didn’t send Sharpe to New Orleans with Wellington’s brother-in-law, Packenham, who besieged New Orleans to take control of the Mississippi. Writing Sharpe, the pirate Jean Lafitte, and General Andrew Jackson into the same book would be great reading. And Sharpe would have had the time of his life in the French Quarter😉

Thanks for all the great books!

 

Penny Jones

Hello have you ever considered writing historical fiction centered around ancient Egypt?

Matthew R

Hey Bernard,

 

I had a question. I love the Warlord series, its among my favourite Arthurian revellings. I was curious, because I started watching the series, and listening to the audiobook. Is the way they pronounce Nimue's name in the audiobook the proper way to say it?

 

Astrya

Dear Mr Cornwell,

Started on the Hornblower series and just finished the Crisis.  This of course was not finished due to his death.  Although I knew the book was not finished, it looked like to be a great novel and was disappointed it ended so quickly.  I had wondered why the Forester estate didn't have someone finish it.  It then occurred to me that they should have you finish the novel.  Guess it probably won't happen, but we can all dream.

Scott Wendt