Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, thank you for your reply. Where did you think of the name Richard Sharpe and was there a South Essex regiment. Also why did you want to have the 95th rifles in your stories? Joe Barber

Submitted April 15, 2004

A

Richard Sharpe was named for one of the greatest of England's rugby players, Richard Sharp, a Cornishman and a god. There was no South Essex regiment - I needed a fictional regiment so I wouldn't be constrained by the real history of a genuine regiment. And the 95th have always appealed to me - they carried a unique weapon which opens up all sorts of narrative possibilities.

Q

Dear Bernard, I've read all of your Sharpe, Grail Quest, and Warlord books, and think most of them are great (although, admittedly, I did not enjoy the Thomas novels as much as the rest). My main question is that I think I know who would make the best father for Sharpe (this comes from that deep, dark, twisted, sadistic of my imagination). the father is none other than (drumroll) Obediah Hakeswill. What do you think? Also, any chance of bringing back the brutal, blunt (cannibalistic?) character known as General Calvet for another adventure with Sharpe or maybe in a stand-alone novel? I would be very grateful if you could answer my questions. Yours sincerely, Gearoid Joyce

Submitted April 14, 2004

A

Obadiah as sassy? A nice idea, but wrong. I know who Sharpe's father was and, tragically, it wasn't Obadiah. Calvet? I think he could well reappear.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I'm a long time reader of yours and enjoy all your books about the middle ages, mostly the Warlord Chronicles and the Grail Quest, but I was wondering if you have ever considered making a book about the Templar knights because they, in my opinion, are very interesting. I hope you feel the same way and I hope to see a book about them. ps when will you be in or near Kansas? Tanner

Submitted April 14, 2004

A

They are endlessly fascinating - I agree - and I'm sure I've read a couple of novels about them? Can't pin the titles down. I'm not sure I'll write one, but never say never. No US tour this year, so no chance to be near Kansas, but maybe next year?

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell I'm a big fan of all your books, but the question I'm going to ask concerns another author. I loved the 'Shadow on the Crown' series by Nicholas Carter, a series set during the English War. Trouble is, the story wasn't finished and its been years since the last book. I've tried all sorts to find out if there'll be another book in the series but have hit a complete brick wall. It's a bit of a long shot (and probably a little cheeky), but have you heard anything about the prospects for this series ? If you've read the books, did you like them ? Regards Andy

Submitted April 14, 2004

A

I have to confess I haven't read them - shame on me - and don't know the answer to your question - I assume you've written to the publishers? They ought to answer you.

Q

I've read the four Starbuck Chronicles, and enjoyed each one. I'm wondering when and if you are planning to write any more Starbuck Chronicles. I'm also interested in how you, since you are British, got interested in the American Civil War. I have also enjoyed "The Pirate Round" series of books by James L. Nelson. John Flint Schullery

Submitted April 13, 2004

A

The American Civil War is a dramatic period of U.S. history, far more so than the Revolution, it's stuffed with good stories, great characters and lots of drama. I hope to get back to Starbuck soon, but can't make any promises.

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I was wondering if you had planned to write another book about the American Revolution? And I might ad I am the biggest fan of your work. I read all the Sharpe Books 3 times each and I have read the Starbuck Chronicles as well as Redcoat. And I can't wait for Sharpes Escape to come out I am so pumped for its release. Thanks, Ty McTernan

Submitted April 13, 2004

A

There won't be a sequel to Redcoat, but perhaps another book set during the American Revolution, who knows? Never say never!

Q

Have read most, if not all, of your books with great enjoyment and own copies of most! I have just re-read Gallows Thief which leaves me with a question! Have you any plans for further book(s) with Rider Sandman? Thanks for many hours of reading pleasure. Regards, Peter

Submitted April 13, 2004

A

I think another Sandman book is a good possiblity.

Q

Just read Sharpe's Escape so let me be the first to ask when is the next Sharpe and how many more do you think there will be? I think this is the best one so far. Kevin Harding

Just writing to say I finished reading Sharpe's Escape yesterday and thought it was great, can't wait for the next one, any idea where Sharpe will be travelling to next?? Simon

Hello Mr Cornwell: I just finished reading your latest "Sharpe" novel: "Sharpes Escape". Another very good novel of the Napoleonic Wars, and how Lt (Brevet Captain) Richard Sharpe contributed (in so many ways) to the eventual victory of His Majesty's Forces. I like the way you place Mr Sharpe in all of these battles (along with Wellington, whose life he saved in India) starting with the combats in India and ending at Waterloo, with Trafalger tossed in for good measure. Only "suggestion" I have is (maybe) add some background to the American Mayor Leroy. Yours is one of the few "British" war story series that has an "Jonathan" expat (not of his families choosing, as noted in this book) fighting in the British Army. A really good story, lots of action, another "Femme Fatale" (Sarah Fry) and the ever present (and loyal) Sgt Pat Harper. Where do they march off to next? And when? SAM

Submitted April 13, 2004

A

Thanks, I'm glad to know you enjoyed Sharpe's Escape. I don't know how many more Sharpe books there might be (two? four? maybe more?) or where he might be next, but I'm fairly certain there won't be another Sharpe book for at least a year or two.

Q

What is the significance of a club foot? I have read the Warlord Chronicles, Gallows Thief, and Redcoat and all of them have a clubbed footed character. Just wondering if there was a reason or a connection there. I have really enjoyed them. Especially the Arthur books. You have a great website as well. Jonathan Wood

Submitted April 13, 2004

A

No significance really - I hadn't realised I used it so often. Lack of imagination I suppose.

Q

Gdday Bernard, I thoroughly enjoy the Sharpe series. Looking forward to Sharpes Escape. I realise Richard would be 80+, but I would like too see him at the Crimea. Maybe as the Regiments Historian ? Or his son is in the Crimean War ? Once again thank you for a great read. Australia never got the TV series ! But I did get two videos, Sean Bean makes a great Richard, Cheers, Chris Sinclair

Submitted April 13, 2004

A

I've given some thought to the Crimean War, but it's not in my immediate plans. Thanks for your message!