Your Questions

Q

I have just a few questions that I would like answered if you have the time. First off though let me congratulate you on the Sharpe's series. I love reading so I ask all my friends for recommendations. Just before the Christmas break at school my friend lent me the first three books in the Sharpe's series: Tiger, Triumph and Fortress. At first I had other things to do so it took me a good week to finish Tiger, then I proceeded with Triumph, finishing that in 4 days. Now I can happily say that I am reading each book in less than a day. As soon as I am finished with the Sharpe's series I hope to move onto your other books. Anyways, to the questions: 1: Is the only place I can get Sharpe's Skirmish & Christmas on this site or at Amazon.com? The Chapters in my area do not carry those ones. 2: In the Diary section of this site I saw you mention that you would be doing a book tour in Canada. When will you know the places that you will be doing the signing? I live in Ottawa and was wondering if you were making a stop at the Capital? 3: In the Contact section you state that, "the early Sharpe books (especially) are now very valuable." Don't worry I am not going to ask you for one, though I wish you still had some copies, but I was just wondering how much they are worth now? If you have time to answer these questions I would be very happy, but I understand that you might be busy. Thanks. Michael Spiess

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

The short story books Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's Christmas can be purchased through the Sharpe Appreciation Society, and may also be found at a few bookshops - although not many, so your best bet is the SAS or Amazon. I don't have the itinerary for the Canadian tour yet, but it will be posted as soon as I receive it. I have heard that first edition copies of Sharpe's Sword (relatively few were printed) can fetch upwards to £1,500 or more.

Q

At the end in Sharpe's Waterloo you wrote "...the 17,000 prime infantry that the Duke sent away to guard his expected line of retreat" my question - can you tell me which Corps, or Divisions, or just units that were posted to cover his retreat. And where were they posted? It would be a great help to me. Jonny

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

They were posted at the villages of Hal and Tubize (about eight miles west of the battlefield) and didn't fire a shot all day - the troops were the 4th British Infantry Brigade (3/14th, 1/23rd and 51st), the 6th British Infantry Brigade (2/35th, 1/54th, 2/59th and 1/91st), the 6th Hanoverian Brigade (5 battalions), the 1st Dutch Belgian Division (11 battalions), and 3 batteries of artillery. Hope this helps!

Q

dear Mr. Cornwell, I have recently finished reading Mark Urban's "Rifles". I wondered therefore why you decided to attach Sharpe to the South Essex regiment when his 95th Rifles were present in Iberia throughout the Peninsular campaign? Many thanks and am looking forward to Sharpe's Escape, Danny

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

Because if I'd left Sharpe in the 95th then I would have been forced to describe only those actions at which they were present - and, like any novelist, I need freedom to range beyond such arbitrary limits. Good book - Rifles!

Q

Dear Sir, I first started reading Sharpe in Jr High with "Sharpes Company". I been hooked ever since. Your novels are excellent and once I start reading a new one I keep my wife up with the night light on at night. My question is when Sharpe was in India he was flogged but got even with Hakeswill but was there also a Captain Morris involved? Will Sharpe get even with him. Best Wishes. Ed Whelan Canadain Army Afghanistan

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

I hope so - so does Sharpe.

Q

Under the pseudonym Susannah Kells you wrote A Crowning Mercy, Fallen Angels and Coat of Arms, which I was led to believe was a follow on from the first two. I tracked a copy down, and found out that it was not. Is there likely to be any more books set around Lazen Castle? Steph

No mention here of a book I found recently with your name as co-author with Judy Cornwell (pseudonym - Susannah Kells) titled "A Crowning Mercy". Brought it, read and enjoyed it. Any intention of more books set in the Cromwellian period of English history? David Coote

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

I doubt it - not unless my co-author (Susannah) persuades me.

Q

Thanks a lot for clearing up my confusion in respect to Sharpe returning to Wapping. I have one more question for you, what ever happend to Angel from Sharpe's Honour. or is one of those Situations where I'll be forced to use my imagination? thanks a lot - Chris Horgan

Submitted January 13, 2004

A

I can't remember. Did he die? If not, it's over to your imagination.

Q

I am a big fan of your Arthur trilogy and the Grail Quest Series. I was wondering if you are planning to write novels about World War II? If not, I was wondering what other story plot ideas you had in mind? Matt

Submitted January 13, 2004

A

No plans for that, but I do have other things in mind. I don't wish to say too much for fear someone else will then write it first.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell First of all I would like to thank you for making my Dad's Christmas. I bought both Sharpe's Skirmish and Sharpe's Christmas via the Sharpe Appreciation Society. He had no idea that these books existed (not having access to the Internet), so it was a wonderful surprise, especially since you had taken the trouble to sign them both. I am now waiting to see him again so that I can read them myself! I am writing to ask whether there are any plans to release Sharpe's War on DVD. Dad did record it for me, but neither of our video recorders were up to the task of watching it! Both are older than Sharpe I think. It would make a wonderful Father's day present for him, not to mention a "to me from me pressie" Looking forward to reading the rest of Sharpe's Escape. Any plans to come back to Lincoln to publicise this? Yours Helen Heywood Friends of Lincoln Castle Longbow Group

Submitted January 13, 2004

A

We don't know yet about the plans for 'Sharpe's War' on DVD - but we will be sure to post the information once we get it. I'll also post the itinerary for the Sharpe's Escape book tour to the Diary page once we know it.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, best wishes to you and your family and I wish you a happy new year. I noticed on your diary page that you were planning a Canadian leg on your tour promoting Sharpe's Escape this spring, any information on where you will stop, or when that information would be available? Also, as an author who has read C S Forester's Hornblower books what do you think of the recent TV miniseries based on them that have been made over the last few years? All the best and thanks again for the great stories. Zachary Mallett

Submitted January 13, 2004

A

This is probably a terrible confession, but I don't watch TV, so I haven't seen the series. I don't know when we'll get the information regarding the Canadian tour, but I will be posting it to the Diary page, so check back on occasion.

Q

Hello!! Just finished Trafalgar - BRAVO!!! My favorite Sharpe so far!! Being a huge fan of Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin, I feel that your Trafalgar is every bit as good a sea story as anything by Forester or O'Brian. I was wondering, in planning the storyline for Trafalgar, did you consider having Sharpe onboard the Victory during the battle? If so, what changed your mind? Best Regards, Tom

Submitted January 13, 2004

A

I never did consider having him on the Victory, because then I'd have been restricted to tellling only what happened to that ship (which, God knows, was exciting enough), and I wanted a bit more freedom - so invented a ship.