Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard, Am I mistaken in assuming that the title of your novel The Pale Horseman is a play on the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse? Death is often referred to as the Pale horseman, and rides upon a Pale horse. If yes, does this mean that Uhtred embodies death in the Saxon stories which would in a way fit his character or am I very much mistaken? Kind Rgds. Phil

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

You are very much NOT mistaken! It was a reference to the fourth horseman, though I guess it was the Dane, not Uhtred, who was that horseman, and I never really wanted to draw the parallel too far. I think we were desperately casting round for a title and that one kind of stuck!

Q

Hi Bernard, I very much enjoyed the Arthur books (I understand why you say they're your favorites) and the Saxon books. I very much look forward to Sword Song (or whatever it ends up being titled)...wish it was out sooner than October! My question: as you can tell, I'm a fan of pre-medieval / Dark Age British history. Just wondering if you've ever considered doing some books set in the time of Roman Britain? I think you could really do justice to the period. (skip Boudicca though, everyone and their dog seems to want to write about her these days!) Rob Edin

I am currently reading the starbuck chronicles, having already read the Sharpe series, grail quest series, Arthurian trilogy and all of the currently released books of the Saxon stories. I was wondering which era of history you will write about next, and will you ever consider writing as far back as the Romans or Greeks? William Swain

Hi, i have read all your series of books, and was wondering if you would ever consider writing a series in the classical age - such as in the peloponnesian war, persian wars or during a Roman campaign??

Also can you recommend any websites/books for finding information about the casualties during a specific war - I know its quite specific - and lastly is there a website which lists peoples names from the different period for use in future books I may attempt to write. Thanks, can't wait for sword song, Will

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

I've mde a rule (rules are made to be broken, I know) that I will never, ever, write a book about the Romans and Greeks. One reason why is that I can then enjoy fiction about the Romans and Greeks without ever worrying that it will have an undue influence on me - and I particularly loved Robert Harris's Imperium recently, a book I probably wouldn't have read if I was thinking about a Roman setting myself.

I honestly don't know of a website such as you describe - I take my figures from published books (which is probably the source that any such website would use anyway!). As for the names? Again, to be honest, books are much the best source!

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I just wanted to say how much I love your books. I am a tremendous fan of history as I have been to many fascinating places like Waterloo. I was wondering when will Sharpe and Harper march again? I know it's an ignorant question but I read that Wellington blamed the Prince of Orange's military blunders on his inexperience and not his ability to command and that he was later made a field marshal in the British army, why is he portrayed negatively in your books? Cameron Stewart

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

Because I think he was to blame for the various errors that were committed under his command, and he was certainly not rewarded with the rank of Field Marshal because of his abilities, but because of his royal status. And, yes, the errors might have been committed through inexperience, but so what? Men died! He only was given command because he was a prince - a diplomatic, rather than a military, necessity.

Q

Hi In the Starbuck Chronicles you indicated a regiment formed by a private citizen. I am in an argument questioning if this were true. I would like to know where you researched the idea. Thanks, Marvin J. Little

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

Because it happened! At the beginning of the war several extremely wealthy southern citizens used their own money to equip and raise regiments, which often bore their names.

Q

Bernard , I really thank you for all of your books, but especially the Saxon series. I just love Uhtred, you've captured an imperfect person (as we all are) living in a violent time, but he is basically a good man, and (i think) honorable. I don't really think you are anti-Christianity, just anti the religious system of those times, and you show us the hypocrisy of most of the church leadership, and that's what Uhtred (and Bernard) don't like. And yet, Father Beocca illustrates the few sincere christian leaders. And I thank you for showing Beocca's courage in confronting the demons in Ragnars sister and setting her free, that was a master stroke. Including Beocca helps balance out the greed and un-christian lifestyles of the church leaders. I think you, like me, have a problem with organized religion, not a problem with God.

On Another note, I appreciate your subtle humor that's sprinkled all over your writings; example, when Uhtred asks a priest if there are women in heaven, and he answers :yes lord, the women saints etc" and you say, the priest smiled, pleased that Uhtred was taking an interest in theology, then Uhtred says "no, I mean women for us to hump" . I laughed for 10 minutes after that. Just wanted you to know many of us appreciate and look for those subtle humorous dialogues you inject throughout these books. Believe me, it's not lost on us.(I give one example of many). Thanks so much, I feel like Uhtred is a friend, I love the guy, and cant get enough of this series. I was ecstatic to learn it was not going to be a trilogy, and many more are planned.

So far, I've read all except the Arthur series, and the Sharpe series, they have not 'grabbed' me yet as all the others have. Are they stylistically different? or is it just me in the right mood at the right time? I know you get praise etc blah blah blah, so I wont bore you with more, I just give a heartfelt thanks to God or whatever forces gifted and shaped you into such a unique vessel to bring such enjoyment, life changing even, to so many. Thanks, Bernard Mark Gonzales Atlanta, Georgia

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

Well, that's nice of you! I like Beocca, and Father Pyrlig. You're certainly right about organised religion, but God? I have no more problem with him than I do with Father Christmas!

Not sure. The Arthur books are stylistically different, inasmuch that they're first person (which imposes a different voice, and a different method of narration). The Sharpe books? I have no idea! There's no law, honest, which says you have to like all an author's books! But if you want to try again I'd recommend Sharpe's Trafalgar.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, A few years back I stumbled across your book, The Archer's Tale in a local library. I am not sure why I chose to read it, but I am incredibly glad I did. Ever since I read that book, you have become my favorite author to date. I now own the Grail Quest, the King Arthur set, and now the Saxon Stories. You are the only author to produce a book, (The Archer's Tale), that I enjoyed reading twice. I just want to thank you for the great stories mixed with historical facts. I also enjoyed "Stonehenge", in that it gave me a perspective I would have never thought of on my own. I am currently serving as a 1LT in the Army and find your Sharpe series quite inspiring although I do prefer your stories of archers and blades. I just wanted to ask one quick question. I am currently reading the Saxon Stories and I recognize a few names from the Arthur Books. I was wondering if there was any relation. Thanks again for the wonderful books and please keep writing. Sincerely Austin T. Starken 1LT, IN

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

Not really, except I was probably using the same sources to find names for the Saxon characters. And some of the British (Welsh) names might be familiar because they are named after the famous characters of the Arthurian cycle - but no, no relationship is intended.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwall I am currently looking at historical accounts of Sheffield - particularly the Norfolk Street Riots, 4th August 1795. After reading about the story of how the Volunteers 'dispersed' the crowd it struck a chord with me and sounded similar to part of Sharpe's Justice from the series. Was Norfolk Street a source of data that would have been used to underpin this story? Many thanks Shona Blackwell

Submitted April 20, 2007

A

Honestly don't know because I had nothing to do with the writing of 'Sharpe's Justice' - that was entirely devised by the script-writer and I was out of that loop!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a student living in japan, and I wanted to thank you for writing such great pieces. I have all the Saxon stories twice each and I have enjoyed them more every time. Although the books are not being translated in Japanese, I wish I could have read them in my native tongue. I cannot wait for the next book to come out, can you give me a slight hint of what the book will be about? thank you, Sy

Submitted April 19, 2007

A

The next one? Basically about the capture of London and the struggle for control of the Thames Estuary! Quite a lot of my books are translated into Japanese, so I hope these are too!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, As someone who has purchased, in hardback, all of your books (I thought) I was surprised to see listed on a website called Fantastic Fiction, which purportedly lists every author and every book (ever?), two books credited to yourself that don't appear on your own website. They are "The Hidden Hand" and "The Snarl of the Beast". Both, evidently were published in 1992 and, my guess would be that they are US editions of books published in UK under another title. Would it be possible for you to confirm either way? On a personal note may I say that I love reading your books and am awaiting the next "Alfred and Uhter" (Sorry, sounds like a vaudeville act!)which I have pre-ordered. The only other important question, to me, is when may we expect another "Sharpe" and possibly (?) another "Starbuck".Sorry - too many questions but as I am as old as you are I just appreciate your gift of a "cracking good yarn". Thank you. David Barnard

Mr. Cornwell - I know that you have been around for a while... however.... I have only recently discovered you!! My gosh, where have you been!? :) I devoured the Grail Quest series in no time flat. After Thomas of Hookton, I did not believe there could be any other character or plot so vivid or engaging. I marched on, directly through Mr. Starbuck's meanderings (I am a U.S. Civil War buff), and now I find that I'm down the list to "Sharpe's Battle"... and I always get the next book when I am half finished with the last. I don't have many to go! My dilemma.... is there life after Dick Sharpe?? What am I going to do? I've become addicted! I even watched one of the Sharpe DVDs, but I had to go right back to the written word. As great as Sean Bean is, I have to keep my version of Dick Sharpe in my mind (pun sort of intended). I looked through your FAQ and the forum but did not see plans for more of either Thomas of Hookton or Richard Sharpe. Can you please, please bring them back??? Thanks for your wonderful books! Roger Hotelling Snohomish, Washington, USA

Submitted April 19, 2007

A

I have never published books titled 'The Snarl of the Beast' or 'The Hidden Hand' - those listings are incorrect.

There will be more Sharpe - and Starbuck - but right now I can't say when, because I don't know! No plans for more Thomas of Hookton.

Q

Just finished "Lords of the North". Loved it as well as the whole trilogy. Will you be continuing the saga? You stated in the last line of the "Historical Notes" that "He will need Serpent-Breath again". I hope this implies we will hear more of Uhtred adventures? Best wishes. Walter Chop

Mr.Cornwell I'm such a fan the Saxon stories. I was just wondering if you could get back to me on when the next book may come out or if you're writing another book to the saxon stories? Those are the best books I've ever read. If you could back to me on the progress and such email me I guess and please give me a update. I love your books so much the characters are stuck in me I've come to know and love them from The Last Kingdom through The Lords of the North please get back to me Mr.Cornwell your biggest, fan Bleu Marceaux

Dear Mr Cornwell, You tantalisingly mentioned in your reply to Charles Hamblen on 13th April that the next book about Uhtred will be entitled 'Sword Song'. Do you have a planned publishing date yet? I can't wait to find out what happens next! Best wishes and keep writing!

Robert Hartley

Hello Mr Cornwell. I'm a very big fan of yours. I've enjoyed the Sharpe books, the Arthur trilogy and most recently the Saxon books. I was just browsing your bulletin board and saw that you plan to publish the Sword Song book in October and I am very pleased about this. I was just wondering if this was going to be your last book about Uthred and his doings or if you had plans to write a little more about him? Thank you Chris

Hello Can I just say how much I have enjoyed reading all your novels. I have just finished the Saxon trilogy and am hoping that it won't be long till the fourth book will be available? Thank you for many hours of enjoyment reading your novels.

Andrea Sanderson

Sir, I just finished reading The Last Kingdom, The Pale Horseman, and The Lords of the North. I would like to know when the next book is coming out that will continue the adventure of Uhtred? I am really hooked and have fully enjoyed these books. When can I expect to pick up the adventure again?? Thank you for your time....Cal Chilton

Mr Cornwell, I have at present read all your novels, and, due to having a gaping whole in my life where your books once belonged I am compelled to ask you when Sword Song will be published?

dear Bernard Cornwell,I really enjoyed reading the,last kingdom, pale horseman, and lords of the north, please I ask of you to write more on saxon books following the previous ones. I love your books and if your ever in San Diego please let me know. David Scott

I just finished Lords of the North and have read all of the Saxon Stories. Are you writing more books in this series? If so, please hurry up! Thanks. Bob Wehling

hello I started reading your books last year and found them great. I have read the grail quest and the saxon stories which I am currently reading again, which is why I am emailing. I would just like to ask if there will be any more books in this fantastic story line? Please email me back soon because the story is good and as you probably know finishing a good book has both a good feeling and a bad one. thank you. Ewan Caulfield

Hi there, I had never read any of your books untill very recently, when away for business i was grabbed by the cover of The Lords of the North. I bought it and from that moment could not put it down. I went straight out and bought the other two Alfred books. I thoroughly enjoyed them all. I could not stop being whisked off to this other world, made all the better by knowing it was once a real world. I cannot give high enough praise for the series so far. This leads me on to my question which is when will the next Alfred book be published? because i cannot wait. Yours, Dominic Long (New fan) Lincolnshire

Submitted April 19, 2007

A

Sword Song, the fourth book of the Saxon stories, should be available in October of this year. It will NOT be the last book of this series, I expect to write at least two or three more.