Your Questions

Dear Bernard, I am currently reading Sharpe's Prey & I wanted to tell you that I am absolutely loving the relationship Sharpe has with Sir Arthur Wellesley. Every encounter they have (e.g.. Sharpe saving his life in Sharpe's Prey) my heart races. I can't wait to see what Sharpe & Wellesley get up to in Waterloo! Just a few questions. 1) Do you have a favorite lead character from your novels? (e.g., Sharpe, Thomas, Derfel, etc) 2)Do you have a favorite side character (e.g. Arthur Wellesley, King Arthur, Merlin,)? Thanks for answering all your fans questions, you're a top bloke! Regards Michael Sydney Australia

In the past I have noticed and enjoyed discussions on your site regarding movies based on historical events. I recently viewed ( again) "The Bounty". Which I really enjoyed. I thought the detail authentic, including the pre-1801 flag, but I was puzzled by the use of the "loot" pronunciation when" lieutenant" was spoken, ie as opposed to "left" tenant. I always thought "loot" was the US pronunciation while "left" was UK. Perhaps you could throw some light on this? Rgds Robert Marsh

Dear Mr. Cornwell, This is one of those "Have you ever thought about writing a book about..." questions! How about extending the Napoleonic coverage to the War of 1812? Specifically, the Battle of New Orleans, where the 95th Rifles were engaged. I believe Sharpe was busy elsewhere at the time, so it could be an independent novel like "Redcoat". A good reference book is "The British at the Gates", by Robin Reilly. He's a former British Army officer, living in New Orleans. I've visited the Chalmette Battlefield and found it fascinating. Anyway, please add my voice to the ever-growing demand for more Starbuck novels. Best regards. Ray Lemke

Mr. Cornwell, Though I have seen it mentioned in other questions and comments on this site I haven't found a clear answer. Do you know if a screenplay is being developed for The Warlord Chronicles? Have you been approached concerning a screenplay for the series? Is there a remote chance of the series becoming a movie? Would you like to see them on the big screen? You must here this a lot but it bears repeating, it would make one heck of a movie, a series that would rival The Lord of the Rings!!! Regards Ryan

Do you know if the producers of the new Arthur film have used your Arthur Trilogy as reference for costumes, names and locations? The few stills I've seen of the production look very good. Mark Smullen

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Thank you very much for posting chapter one of Sharpe's escape. I notice that our Sharpe begins the book in a very bad mood and that got me thinking--I believe he is in a bad mood at the start of almost every book in the series. Has this become a tradition or inside joke for you or is our Sharpe just a very bad tempered bloke? Regards, Joy Parker

My husband and I listen to your audio books (we have also read most of your wonderful books). PLEASE! David Case the best ; but who is the phlegmy voice on one or two of the other Sharpe novels? Can't abide the voice. Unable to listen to the tape! Do you have a say so? J. F. Holmes

Dear Bernard, Previously in the Diary Page, there was a mention of a U.S. book tour in October. I noticed that this item was removed from the Diary page. Will there be a U.S. tour this year? Charles Romeo

Do you do signings at bookshops in the US?
E. Ross

I recently started reading your books last year. I've read a half dozen Sharpe books, the Warlord Chronicles and the Grail Quest Series and love them all. I've just got a few questions for you. 1. Why are there different covers for the UK and US editions of your books? 2. Why are there some different titles for the UK and US editions (i.e., Harlequin v. The Archer's Tale, Sharpe's Waterloo v. Waterloo)? P.S. I also think the Warlord Chronicles would make a great movie trilogy. I actually saw a preview for a new movie titled, "King Arthur" and was disappointed to find out it wasn't based on your books. I was a little disappointed when I saw in the previews they were using arrows and catapults, but at least Merlin looks like a druid, unlike the movie, "Excalibur." Hubert Cheung

Bernard: I'm a big fan and have read all your works. A while back one of your fans asked if you planned on doing anymore maritime works in the spirit of "Sharpe's Trafalger". You replied no because others do it better. I've read all the C.S. Forrester and Patrick O'Brien's works. Are there any other authors with books similar to the Hornblower and Aubrey/Maturin series? Thanks for your time and all you do. Bill Thorpe

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I have been in touch with you before but felt I had to thank you (and Mrs.Cornwell may I add!) for the wonderful book A Crowning Mercy. I have read many of your books and enjoyed them very much. I found this book very refreshing and found it very hard not to sneak off to the loo at work every two hours when the boss wasn't looking to try and finish another chapter. One thing I would like to ask you is how familiar you are with Dorset? I've lived in Wimborne Minster all my life and it seems that Dorset pops up in many of your novels. What about a novel about Jack the Ripper? One of the three main suspects being buried in Wimborne Minster grounds, or the nearby village of Horton where the Duke of Monmouth was caught hiding in a ditch by Militiamen with the seal of England? Or Knowlton Church and earthworks, by far the creepiest place I know. In the meantime many thanks again for so many hours of enjoyment that your books have given me. (Please don't bin Thomas of Hookton!) Regards David A Wimborne, Dorset