Your Questions

Q

Mr Cornwell, I wanted to write and let you know how much I've enjoyed your books. I've recently read Heretic and An Archer's Tale and am currently working on Vagabond (Long story on why I've read them out of order, but let's just say that the best description would be 'opps'). I've always enjoyed historical Europe, and while my interests lay more in the German history of the 16th century, the English long bow has always fascinated me. Being able to see it from the eyes of one who may of lived (or at least someone like Thomas) has been immensely enjoyable. I do have one question, however. In the stories, you've mentioned different saints, and while I've been aware of some of them, one in particular escapes me- St Gallus, the patron saint of poultry. I've been unable to find a reference for him in my studies and would love to be pointed in the right direction on how to find more about him, if he is actually a holy figure. St Guinefort is a character in a children's story that I've always enjoyed, and his story is familiar to me, but Gallus is completely new to me. I'm in the Society for Creative Anachronisms, which, in case you haven't heard of us, is a historical recreation society, which attempts to recreate the romantic feel of what medieval history could have been. One of the things I love to do is to tell stories, and the story of St Gallus would be a wonderful story to use when entertaining my friends, but I'd like to have some historic information about him. Thank you for the wonderful books, and I hope to begin buying the Sharpe series when I finish the Grail series. Sincerely, Brian Beezley

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

Can't help you very much, I fear. My source (such as it is) was The Book of Days, a two volume curiousity published in 1864, and which bears one subtitle 'oddities of human life and character'. It's full of weird stuff, and I rip it off mercilessly. It was published by Chambers, totals about 1700 pages, doesn't have an index, so it would be almost impossible to find Gallus again - but that's where he came from (and I'm sure he's mythical because he doesn't make the Penguin Dictionary of Saints and, lord knows, they have some strange ones in there). I like the sound of Creative Anachronisms - story of my life, really.

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, After reading a message on the website from someone who suggested changing the sort of titles you choose for Sharpe books (something about "the campaign where nothing went right") may I suggest Sharpe's Misfortune? Also, have you ever come across a female writer who has written anything remotely in the style of Sharpe, Mallnson, other army or navy heroes of the time? I was wondering because the female authors I've come across writing about the Peninsular War are using it as a backdrop for Regency. The closest is Georgette Heyer with Spanish Bride (the real-life story of Harry and Juana Smith) and An Infamous Army (the ending of which takes place at Waterloo) but again they are romantically-based. One last thing - loved the talk you did at my home town of Poole a while back and still proud of my signed copy of Heretic - thought it would be mean to lug any of your other books along when I knew there would be lots of other people waiting! ;) Vive Sharpe! Marie

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

I haven't - but if anyone else has I hope they let us know.

Q

When is Sharpe going to meet Flashman? Thanks. Peter Day

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

Only when Flash is out of copyright, which will be long after I'm dead, so I think they're doomed to stay apart.

Q

Hi again, Bernard, Do you know if Sharpe ever found out that it was actuallly Hakeswill who murdered Sharpe's friend McCandless? If I remember rightly, he enacted his revenge on another bloke? thanks - Tim Harrison

Submitted January 20, 2004

A

I don't think he ever did find out. I never told him!

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

Hello Mr Cornwell, I was watching a fascinating programme on UK TV recently dealing with the possible illegitimate claim to the English throne of Edward IV in 1461, and this has prompted me to write to you. As I'm sure you know, Edward VI was supposedly the eldest son of Richard, Duke of York and was born in Rouen on April 28, 1442. To cut a long story short, records in Rouen cathedral clearly show that Richard was not with his wife in Rouen at the time of Edward's conception around the 1st week of August 1441 - he was on campaign in Pontoise (several days march away) from July 14th-Aug 28th. Edward was a very tall man who bore little resemblence to Richard and questions regarding his paternity were raised by prominent people of the time (Richard Neville - Earl of Warwick, George, Duke of Clarence to name a few). It was suggested that his real father was an archer called Blaybourne. Do you anticipate extending the 'archer' series to include this period and the Wars of the Roses - with the aforementioned archer perhaps being one of Thomas' descendants? Kind regards Mike Woffinden

Submitted January 15, 2004

A

Never heard the story, but it doesn't surprise me. A.N. Wilson, in his splendid book The Victorians makes out a very cogent case that Queen Victoria (and Prince Albert) was born 'on the wrong side of the blanket'. Still, William the Conqueror was illegitimate, so it started off that way. Thanks for writing - I don't know if the series will get that far, but your information is very tempting.