Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I have enjoyed most of your books, but I wonder if you could put my mind at rest. In Fitzroy MacLean's 'Eastern Approaches' (wonderful book by the way) there is a description of the 'bespectacled and cunning' French Communist, Jacques Duclos. Is your Major Ducos based on him in any way, or is it nothing more than strange coincidence? For the reader that requested Sharpe against the Thuggee, I would like to suggest 'The Deceivers' by John Masters, who was an officer in the 4th Gurkha Rifles. It is part of a series about India told through the adventures of the fictional Savage family. Alas, not in print anymore, but a second-hand book shop ought to turn up an old Penguin paperback (if they haven't all fallen apart). In fact, anything by Masters is well worth reading. Allen Hansen

I was rummaging through the web sites selling books and I noticed there was one listed under your name with the title, "Gallows Thief 2". Is this a mistake (also they had Sharpes Escape down as well) or am I the one to stumble across this closely guarded secret. If this is true or not can you let me know. Thanks. William Carter

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

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

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

Mister Cornwell you are a legend. I read the Winter King (By far your best book) as a 15 year old and was tranfixed. Since then I have gone on to read as much of your works as possible and joined the growing number of fans you have here in Australia. Your books have in many ways inspired me and, as many who love books do, I have began my own novel. That all aside my question is this: The Sharpe books (i have only read the first few) seem to follow a distinct pattern such as loosing/finding jewels/woman etc. Do you agree and if so is it intentional? Mike Tyler

Dear Mr. Cornwell- While reading the Grail Quest series, I was quite taken with your description of medieval swordsmanship. Though Thomas has obviously had no professional training, did you research this aspect of medieval culture through documents like the Talhoffer manual? I own it myself (a must for a reenactor) and was totally blown away by the number of wrestling moves involved. I'm sure these were rarely used in actual melee (when dropping your sword was a very bad idea) but I was still curious whether you took a look at them. Thanks for your time, Rob Rath

Firstly I would like to say I love your books. I got hooked on Sharpe when I was at school whilst watching the series and after reading Sharpe's Eagle was let down by the series then after. However I do have all the films and almost all the books (but I must say the books are a lot better lol) and as the Napolionic era is what I study and collect (mini figures etc..) I am a fanatic of Sharpe. I agree with you about the Warlord Chronicles, they are fantastic and I am just about to finish Excalibur which is exciting and saddening because once I have finished I know it will all be over. It would be great if they made a movie trilogy but I would hope it would be done as an epic and not as a tv series if it is ever undertaken. I have also read Harlequin and am looking forward to the other novels in the series as again this is a period in history I love and your novals allow your readers to live a part of that period. I have also read a few Starbuck Chronicles, but will return to them in good time. I must say that Stonehenge threw me back as I got totally confused with names and so have laid that one aside for the time being as well. I am attempting to write a novel at this present time (don't worry I won't take any storylines from your books, I look to history especially medieval and biblical for inspiration) and just wanted to let you know how your books have inspired me and given me great Joy. I would like to know if there are any illustrations or paintings that accompany any of your series? and if so how can I get hold of them if it is possable for me to do so? Once again thank you for your excellent books and I hope you will continue to write for many years to come. Ben Edwards

Will 'Sharpe's War' be seen in the US on the History Channel? I contacted A&E about this and did not receive an answer. Thanks. John Stevens

Do you have any information on when or if HistoryStations in North America will be showing Sharpe's War? Thom

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