Your Questions

Q

Are you any relation to the author David John Moore Cornwell, better known by his pen name of John Le Carre? What do you think of his books? Jonathan

Submitted August 31, 2005

A

Not that I know of . . . nor of Patricia Cornwell, nor of John Cornwell. Lots of Cornwell writers . . . I suppose it's possible we're all distantly related, but if so, I don't know how. And I am a huge admirer of John le Carre.

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell. First of all I would like to say I am a huge fan of your. You are a marvelous story teller, I am particularly fond of you books on Arthur. They are great books. Well Mr. Cornwell I was wondering if you had thought of trying to get "The Winter King" and company made into major motion pictures? My father and I believe, with the right director and some decent actors, they could be hugely successful films. I have actually been going through the list of characters and matching actors that may fit that nitch. Well Mr. Cornwell...I was just wondering if you had thought of doing this or if was a possability in the future? Keegan Butters

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I've read most of the frequently asked questions on your web site. I noticed a couple that broached the subject of your Authur trilogy being made into a movie. Your answers were very brief and negative on the subject. I've read many of your books and am particulary impressed with the Authur books. In my opinion, they are the best Authur stories that I've ever read or heard of. I cannot begin to describe to you how good I thought they were. After I read them I began thinking about JRR Tolkein and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Peter Jackson took Tolkein's trilogy and turned it into a cinematic master piece. I think that he could do this with your Authur trilogy. Have you really considered this? I hope you will. Scott Young

Submitted August 31, 2005

A

I'd be happy to consider it. The question is, will Mr. Jackson....?

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I met you shortly after you published Rebel (in Boca Raton, FL). I've read and listened to (via Audible.com and my iPod) the Starbuck Chronicles. I'm disappointed that the Chronicles end with the Battle of Antietam (or Sharpsburg if you're a Rebel). When, if ever, are the adventures of Nate Starbuck to continue? Respectfully, JEJ

Dear Mr Cornwell Am 71 years old - would love to see the next book in the Starbuck Chronicles. There are many of us looking for another book - we have waited so long. Kenneth Crawford

In doing my genealogy I have found I have a strong interest in the Civil War. Your Starbuck Chronicles were wonderful. I like your style of writing and the historical facts you weave into the story. The 4th book was published on 1996. Will there be more in the series? Thanks for your response. Jan Bechtel

Hello. Is there any chance of Starbuck making a comeback? Neil Brockie

Submitted August 31, 2005

A

I do hope to get back to Starbuck one day, but it won't be this year (and probably not next).

Q

RE: The Archer's Tale -During the battle of La Rouche Derrien, history records Charles de Blois was captured there. Q. You have him a few weeks later in Rennes, raping 'Jeanette' & not captured in La Rouche Derrien... Did I not read it right & miss something? I only ask because in the 'historical notes' section this was not mentioned & I am unforgivingly curious. Thanks, Louise

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

There were two battles at La Roche Derrien! He was captured in the second one - not the one in Harlequin/The Archer's Tale.

Q

Was there ever really such an occurrence as Wellington being rescued in India? I know that he defeated the Indians with 7000 men and 40 cannon, but I'd never heard of him being saved. Of course he probably wouldn't have wanted it to become public, if it was an actual event.
Morgan Dunn

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

The rescue was made up - but not the event which precipitated it - which was Wellesley (as he then was) being unhorsed in the enemy lines at Assaye. It was probably the closest he came to death in all his long military career - and he never spoke about it as far as we know, so we don't really know what happened.

Q

Have you ever considered writing a novel on the nineteen century four way conflict? It was between the USA , Russian Empire, Mexican and British Empire over Alaska, British Columbia, California, Oregon and the Puget Sound Region. It was secretive, bloody and mentioned by Jack London in "The Sea Wolves". Fritz Ruben

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

I've never considered it. Sorry. Sounds too complicated for me, but who knows? Never say never.

Q

hello Mr Cornwell, again this is to do with Sharpe's promotions. I was wondering why in S. Waterloo he sees that his pension was that of a lieutenant, but in S. Company he is given a full, ie non beveret, captiancy for taking the breach at Badajoz, or in S. Siege he was promised a Majority in his Batalian. Also, how come in S. Revenge he didn't serve with his regiment as a Major which he was promised? When in S. Eagle he is attached to the South Essex when it is a batallian of detachments, is he still a rifleman, and what about all the other men that were brought into its ranks, did they keep all their old uniforms? Chris

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

They kept their uniforms. Which is most unlikely. Like Sharpe's promotions. But this is fiction.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell Your books are brilliant. I think I have never read anything as enthralling. I am not altogether sure whether I will ever read another paragraph about Arthur without comparing it to your history. My burning question is this. In both stories I have experienced (that of Uhtred and Derfel) I am delighted by your perspectives on Chritianity. I am a History student, and particularly fascinated by paganisim. Do you, Author, believe Christianity to be a primary cause for the downfall of Britain? Certainly, I do not mean to ask something too personal, but as theology's effect on society has always had a huge impact, I am curious of your take on its effects. Thank you Craig

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

I suspect the primary cause of the fall of Britain (I assume you're referring to post-Roman Britain) was disunity - too many small kingdoms, no great leader (Arthur being the exception), and too much time spent fighting each other instead of the common enemy. I like Gibbon's thesis that Christianity disarmed (unmanned?) the Roman empire, but I'm not convinced by it and don't see it being applicable to post-Roman Britain. Indeed I suspect that the Christians were among the most warlike of folk - as we see today religion is a great spur to mass slaughter. I suspect that the appeal of paganism was that it justified some fairly bad behaviour - the Norse gods were not saints and evidently didn't expect men to be either, and that's quite comforting if you're Uhtred. On the other hand most folk want order and rules, and Christianity, with its grim ingredient of puritanism (today, in an irreligious age, we call it political correctness), offered that security.

Q

Bernard, I cannot claim to have read all of your books but I have read 75/80%. The Sharpe series and all of the trilogies are truly brilliant but my favourites are the single novels such as Gallows Thief, Stormchild and in particular A Crowning Mercy and Fallen Angels. The two 'Lazen' books are two of the best books I have ever ridden. I wondered where you put them in your own personal list? Are they up there with your favourites? I know you are currently working on the 'Alfred' series at the moment but do you plan to write any more thrillers or 'single' novels in the future or do you see all your future plans in three parters or more. One last question - you receive a lot of praise, compliments and good wishes via this site. Do you read them with pride or has there been that many that you have grown immune to it all by now. Thankyou, Barry Evans, Kirk Sandall, England

Submitted August 26, 2005

A

I don't know - they're sort of midlist with me, I think, not that I think about it much.

I'm not sure about any more thrillers, though it might happen, but I am planning some more single novels - all of them historical.

I read them with utter trepidation, hoping they're true, but fearing that, as Wellington said when he stopped some men cheering him, that cheers can so easily turn to jeers.

Q

Bernard, I understand you are going on a book signing tour in October for the release of The Pale Horseman, please could you advise me of the dates and venues for the tour? Also will you be willing to sign other copies of your older books at these dates? All the very best from someone who enjoys all your books and waits eagerly for the next rendition. Regards, Russell Keeble

Submitted August 25, 2005

A

I will be on tour - and you can now find the complete itinerary on the Diary page of this website. I am happy to sign copies of other books, but I do ask that you wait at the end of the line if you have more than just a few books. Also, policy differs at different shops, so it's always best to check with the particular bookshop before bringing in a load of books.