Your Questions

Q

Hellooo. Just the one question. In the Napoleonic era (and such) how were Cavalrymen recruited? Was it the same process as infantryman where they were recruited to their local regiment, which could have been cavalry? It seems to me, that cavalrymen get the better deal in war, I know which one I'd rather be. Thanks for your time. James Trethowan

Submitted November 7, 2004

A

Cavalry were recruited much as infantry - and probably found recruiting easier because it was reckoned a cushier branch than the infantry.

Q

This is more of a question. have you read the Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson? If so, what do you think of it? Matt Bourne

Submitted November 7, 2004

A

I'm not sure I have, but I've always enjoyed Hunter S. Thompson, so will. Thank you.

Q

I have just come home from holidaying in Tunisia. My father bought your book at the airport (The Last Kingdom) and having read the 'blurp', I began to steal it from him, much to his annoyance. It was beautifully written and your attention did not sway for a moment. I have read several of your other books, (From Sharpe's Tiger to Rifles) and found that you have surpassed yourself again. When can we expect the sequel to the Last Kingdom? Can you give a few hints to where the plot may lead without giving too much away? Once again congratulations on a job well done! Craig, 14 (Lincs)

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

You can expect it in October next year. At the moment it's called The Shadow Queen, but that could very well change and, without giving too much away, the story takes place over a single year - starting the day after The Last Kingdom ends and going through the awful year when the Danes very nearly defeat Alfred.

Q

Mr. Cornwell- As a transplanted Englishman, do you find it more difficult to write about Americans (the Starbuck novels, Redcoat), than those from your native country? Thanks- Nick Smith

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

Yes - despite living here for 25 years. I hear British voices in my head far more readily than American, and that makes dialogue easier when writing about Brits. Dialogue is probably the stumbling block - nothing else.

Q

Dear Mister Cornwell. Have just finished re-reading the Sharpe collection and topped it up with Mark Urban's 'Rifles'. I have collected Mark Adkin's 'Sharpe Companion-Early Years' but the other Volume is hard to get. Would you know how I can get it? Also, would it be hard to get a replica of 95th Rifles uniforms and Baker Rifles for a reinactment force here in Eire. Would it be expensive? Any chance of you comin back to Eire cos I wouldn't mind meeting you and havin a grand chat. I am a SAS member and am a fan of Arthur and Grail trilogies. May read 'Redcoat' I hear it's superb. I always think Sharpe's Company is the most overwhelming as it shows Sharpe's true feelings towards life. He offers himself to sacrifice just to see his only family. I have all books, (even short stories, DVD's, bookmarks, photos and the odd book about Napoleonic Wars). Thanks for all. You were saying that Hornblower inspired you and made your love for that era. Your Sharpe books have helped many, including myself to understand and love it. Honest to God, you are a true author and when my book 'Flame of Freedom' about the Wexford Rebellion of 1798 is published soon, I would be honoured if you could give your thoughts. Talk to you soon. Dia Saor Eire (Harper's famous 'God save Ireland'). Slan go foill a chara. Colum O'Rourke

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

Thanks for your message Colum. Baker Rifles and uniforms? Hard to get? No. Expensive? Yes. How expensive? Can't tell you. I think one of the best places to start is Skirmish magazine - which is a UK based magazine dedicated to re-enactors - their web address is www.skirmishmagazine.co.uk. You could also ask Christine Clarke, the secretary and founder of the Sharpe Appreciation Society who is in touch with a number of re-enactment groups, and Chris would happily put you into contact with some Riflemen. Chris is at www.southessex.co.uk and tell her it's my fault. And good luck!

Q

Dear Mister Cornwell, I have read all your books translated in Dutch. Now the publisher "uitgeverij M" in Holland is gonna start with the Grail Quest trilogy, but they start with Heretic ?? I don't think this makes sense, I thought it was an continuing story or is it possible to read the three books in random order?? The publishers reason: They wanna start with the best book of the trilogy ?? Thanks en regards, Robert

Hello,
when will the "Grail quest" books be released in Dutch edition?
Mommaert Wouter

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

I have heard that the Dutch publisher is starting with Heretic, but I'm afraid I don't know when they plan to release the book. And I don't know if they plan to translate the rest of the series. I agree - it doesn't seem to make sense. Perhaps you may want to contact the publisher directly? They do like to hear from readers.

Q

hi, I'm an avid reader of your books, you and Alexander Kent are my favorite writers. I've just read "Gallows Thief" and couldn't put it down, another masterpiece. I'm actually an ex member of the French Foreign Legion, I just wondered if you had ever considered a story involving them? It would make a nice change to read a decent Legion story, and I can't think of anyone better equipped to write one, the legion headquaters and museum at Aubagne are usually very helpful for information to writers, and Camerone day at Aubagne (30th April) is worth a visit. Paul Jermyn

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

I do like the Legion. Years ago I lived in Shepperton, Middlesex, and my milkman was a Legionnaire - he'd fought at Dien Bien Phu, poor man, and through him I became enthralled with the Legion's history. So yes, why not? But, as ever, when? Incidentally, I just read Martin Windrow's splendid new history of Dien Bien Phu and recommend it highly.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, First, I want to say that I absolutely love the Sharpe's series and buy every story as soon as I hear that it is published. Second, my wife was looking at my collection of your Sharpe books recently and noticed a unique misprint on my copy of Sharpe's Devil. The publisher, Perennial, printed the spine of the 1999 hardcover book with the title "Sherpe's Devil" (note the "e" in place of the "a"). Do you know if this happened on many copies? In any case, I think I will hold on to it for a long time. Thank you for your excellent stories that have kept me in awe of Richard Sharpe for many years. Keep writing. Regards, Mark

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

I had no idea! Hang onto it!

Q

Mr. Cornwell I have read nearly all your books, I'm currently reading 'A Crowning Mercy', and needless to say I am a huge fan. My favorite would have to be your sailing books I love them, Sea Lord, Wild track, Crackdown and Stormchild. I love the ocean myself and get out on boats every opportunity I can but there is something I don't understand. What is it about grey, cold seas that you love? Myself, I love warm blue waters but I get the feeling you appreciate a cold and harsher climate, am I right? Also I loved Starbuck especially the Bloody Ground, in my opinion your most gruesome description of war, I felt sick reading it in parts - this is something I never felt in the Sharpe novels. I strongly suggest Mr. Cornwell's sailing books to everyone they are just great. Peter Mozsi

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

The older I get, the bluer and warmer I like the sea! But I learned to sail in colder, greyer waters, and I do find something very romantic about heavy weather in northern seas. Mind you, I do remember my very first Caribbean passage - it was about two in the morning, I was at the wheel, and the boat buried her head and I saw this ton of water coming over the coachroof and thought 'oh ****', and then it hit and it was like being in a warm shower. A very pleasant surprise.

Q

Mr Cornwell I am re-reading Gallows Thief the first time since it first came out and noticed a reference to the Indiaman Calliope. Obviously the same ship in which the young Richard Sharpe returned (or at least began his journey) from India in Sharpe's Trafalgar. Was The Calliope a real ship or is it just a name you made up and used in both books? Regards Nigel James

Submitted November 6, 2004

A

Well spotted - I made it up.