Your Questions

Q

Dear Sir, I have just completed reading the 3rd book in the Saxon series and I must say that now I await the 4th (if there is to be one, I HOPE) but at least now I may be able to get a little sleep, as I was unable to put them down, Just a small note did Uhtred ever in your mind set foot on the Isle Of Man, as we have a very stong Viking connection? Once again may I thank you for providing myself and I dare say many others with superb reading material. Stephen Woodward

Submitted October 18, 2006

A

There will be a fourth book - and more! He has a long way to go . . . and I've always thought he might get there - but at this time I really don't know. I'm sure he'd like to go!

Q

Dear Bernard Cornwell, I am currently reading your latest book, "The Lords of the North" and noticed an historical error. In the second chapter, Uhtred and King Guthred are discussing monogamy. The year is 878, and Uhtred states that the church is very strict about Christians only having one wife. But the Pope didn't decree monogomy until the 12 century. I may be wrong, and cant find the references now that i need them, but I was a soldier in the light infantry and have read every one of your books since I was introduced to Sharpe at basic training, so I would be quite happy if you proved me wrong. Nabs

Submitted October 18, 2006

A

I'm not entirely certain that we're not confusing monogamy with celibacy? I know the rule on celibacy was adumbrated (is that the right word?) in the 12th century, but priests normally were married in the 9th (not monks, but priests), and the pope did have a bee in his triple crown about them having more than one wife. I think it's ok as it is!

Q

I need to know the line in latin from the grail quest series, "my cup makes me drunk" I've tried english to latin translators but it doesn't seem to be working. Alicia

Submitted October 18, 2006

A

It's from the Latin version of the psalms - the Vulgate - 'Calix meus inebrians' I think there's a verb missing - Latin can do that to you at times, but if any classical scholar reads this and rolls on floor laughing then please be kind with your correction.

Q

Mr Cornwell, I am much enjoying your Saxon series of books so far and I am looking forward to the next one. I particularly enjoyed your battle descriptions. I notice so far you have made no mention of the presence of berserkers or Ulfhaednar in Viking armies. Are you of the view that these ferocious warriors are more inventions of the saga writers than being a historical reality? Peter (from Chester, UK)

Submitted October 18, 2006

A

I mention them in the note to The Last Kingdom, and I am a bit doubtful . . . though some recent work suggests they might have existed, though not quite in the form we think of berserkers. I'm playing with the idea . . . . . .

Q

Hello ,Mr Cornwell enjoy your books so much I buy them in hardcover and soft. Hardcover to read at home and softcover when I travel. I find it odd at times I cannot find your hardcovers at certain bookstores in Toronto. In the lords of the north the Bolti twins make a quick killing of the slaver. Will these two show up again? They seem to spring out of the pages. Look forward to your next book. Nicholas Langrick

Submitted October 18, 2006

A

More than likely!!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a great fan of your writing and through the Sharpe books you have ignited a dormant interest in antique weapons, but may I ask an unrelated question, in the Pale Horsemen, english version, is the picture of the hill fort just that, a picture drawn or is it an aerial photograph? Graham Reinelt

Submitted October 18, 2006

A

It's taken from an aerial photograph - so it's accurate - the place really hasn't changed much from Alfred's day (except for the road and the small car park).

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a A2 level student and I am conducting my history coursework on Wellington. The question that i am trying to answer is 'To what extent was Wellington more successful as a soldier than as a politician?' I was hoping that you could give me your views on these two parts of his life and recommend some books for some historical debate as you are a credible historian. If you would take the time to do this I would really appreciate this. By the way love the Sharpe books. Thanks for taking the time to read this form.
Geoff Warburton

Submitted October 14, 2006

A

MUCH more successful as a soldier than a politician. I suspect the book you need to start with, and it's very readable, is Christopher Hibbert's Wellington, A Personal History. Should get everything you need there. I adore the man, but it seems to me he was on the wrong side of virtually every political argument. Politics is the art of the possible, and depends on compromise, and the Duke was not very good at it - he was too used to making up his mind, giving orders and expecting them to be obeyed. Read Hibbert - you'll enjoy the book.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell! I'm from milan (i'm learning english in these period). In this days i'm finishing your trilogy about the Grail: very compliments! these story's very exciting. I've a question about your description about the church in those years (1300). Why did you introduce only bad personages about the church?? I think in those years there were many bad Christian (for guilt the confusion in the church) but friars, within the confusion, have carried us the true of Christ. Davide Tesoro

Submitted October 14, 2006

A

There's a very good Christian in those books! A saintly man! The Abbot Planchard. But I agree most of the rest are awful . . . . . . . . . . I think you have to endure that from me. Sorry!

Q

Hi. I have just finished Lords of the North. Fantastic!! I felt I was there with Uthred. You make it so real.When can I expect the next saga? I am now in my early seventies and have been a reader of historical novels for about 55 years. Yours are the best.I am also a great fan of Sharpe and collect all the books. I come from Enniskillen Northern Ireland and my ancestors both paternal and maternal fought with the Inniskillings in the Peninsular and at Waterloo under Lord Cole. Thank you for giving me an insight of what it was like for them. Albert John Rogers

I love your work with the historical fiction (the arthuur books and the saxon stories) Can't wait till the third book with Uhtred finally makes it here. I would like to know if you are planning any other books like those in the future. I love the imagery and action you create through the eyes of someone that was there. Can't wait to here more from you in the future. Dave

Mr Cornwell, over the last few months I have had the great pleasure of reading: The Pale Horseman,the last Kingdom and Lords of the North, all excellent reading and I wonder if you have plans {or have already written} for further stories of Uhtred? The Archers Tale is another of your brilliant books and equally I wonder if you have plans for further stories of Thomas? Congratulations Sir, all wonderful books, more, please! Douglas Bragg

Submitted October 14, 2006

A

The fourth book of the Saxon series should be ready for publication in October 2007. No plans for more stories of Thomas of Hookton at the moment.

Q

Sir, I just finished reading Sharpe's Fury. It was a very enjoyable read. The only thing that kept it from being a "quick read" was my work as a corrections officer. I've been a fan since PBS's Masterpiece Theater started showing the Sharpe saga. Is there a current view of returning to the Gallow's Thief? Sincerly, M.J.Matusek, Kingman,Az USA

Submitted October 14, 2006

A

It is possible there will be a sequel to Gallows Thief.