Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I have never written to an author before although I am an avid reader. I read your Arthur books a few years ago and loved them! Recently found the Sharpe T.V. series at the library and picked it up for my four teenaged sons. I am hooked! Just finished the first three India books and have been searching the net trying to find out what order these books are in! Thank you so much for posting it. I'm off to the Library to pick up Trafalgar now but I just wanted to thank you for this series. I do have one question however. Why do the women in the books so far (and his second wife in the show) betray him? Not to be overly romantic but what woman doesn't want a man with a true heroes heart whatever his faults. I must admit that my boys are shocked that I find him a wonderfully heroic figure when he often seems morally bankrupt. We have had some great discussions about what shapes the people we become and what responsibily we have in aiming beyond our upbringing. (My children are adopted and all have come from horribly abusive situations.) This series has also spurred an interest in them for European history and we have begun a timeline and maps to trace this time period. Again Thank You! Deborah

I've been seeing references in the "Your Questions" section regarding an article in the Daily Telegraph about your upbringing. For the benefit of your U.S. fans who would like to know more about you, do you know how we could access a copy of this article? Thanks so much! Beverly Fontaine

Bernard For the life of me I can not remember where I read it...but is there an autobiography or biography of you that is soon to be or as been published? As I have all your books and I can clearly relate to your religious philosophy (as expressed in the Grail Books). I do not want to miss this one&my concerned is based on the fact that sometimes in the USA we do not have access to your books until well after the fact. Furthermore as a professor of history at a small college in Mississippi , USA; I require my students to read any of the three 'Arthur Books' and write a paper on the book explaining several facets of literature and history. Thanks John Switzer

Hi One time you commented that you learned alot from John Keegan's face of Battle. I went out and read it, and then I read several more of his histories which I found absolutelty engrossing, especially The History of Warfare. Keegan analyzes narratives of battle in the Face of Battle, has he ever commented on your stories? Thanks for keeping up this site - it is a pleasure to read. James

I'm just reading The Last Kingdom, obtained at Costco. I bought the book because I recognized the Viking ships, of course, but looking inside saw the names Alfred the Great, Ragnar Lodbrok, King Aella, and so on. Now I've gotten to to p. 62 and see Ivar the Boneless.!! These people are all our ancestors!!! How did you find all this info on them??? I have a cousin who has recently compiled all our genealogy from these people, and they are all included!!! I'll gladly share my info with you, if you'll tell me how you learned all these details to write these great novels!!! Margaret Carole Bendler Jacob

Dear Bernard, First thanks for all your wonderful books, I am literally counting down the days until 'The Pale Horseman' is released. Now a question or two (sorry!). Which battle fought during the Napoleonic wars was the most significant/crucial for the British and allies (especially out of Trafalgar and Waterloo)? Which one did you like writing about? Thanks for your time and keep up the great work!! Thanks, Ben.

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I recently saw the movie The Four Feathers, and during the opening credits it states that the white feather was a symbol of cowardice in the British Army. Would you happen to know when/why this was started? Was this also true during Sharpe's era? Thanks, and I also want to state that I enjoy ALL of your books, especially the Arthur trilogy.
Axel

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Although you so often hear it, I will add my voice to those who have proclaimed you among their favorite authors. I have read most of your books, first becoming aquainted with Sharpe on the occasion of a birthday gift from my librarian mother many years ago. An association she inferred, I am sure, from my fondness for Hornblower in my childhood. What really sets you apart, however, is your fine attention to detail - historical, cultural, visual - and how it so completely engulfs readers in your character's trials and triumphs among historical events. Events often heard and wondered about in dry abstraction, but here lived with a wonderful wet immediacy. You are often compared to O'Brien or Forester. I won't say one is better than another. I will say that you are the only author which I will not hesitate to purchase off the shelf of the local bookseller; knowing full well that I am in for a grand time, and will probably learn something in the bargain. That said, two questions: Are there differences between the U.K. and American editions of your books - the one I know of is the title to "The Archer's Tale" - but have there been other differences in text? and Are you read much by the French? Do the poor French have any authors willing to cast them as anything other than the hapless recipients of Britain's might? Many thanks for many hours of brilliant storytelling. --Andrew Cox Stavros

Hi Bernard, Just a quick question if you don't mind. I've noticed that in almost all your series that there is some narrative on the local bird population, plus there is Harper's well known love and knowledge of birds. I was wondering if bird watching was a passion of yours? If it is, and following on from other invitations you have had on this site, then next time you are over in England give me a shout and I'll take you to view the Osperys on Bassentwaite Lake as I'm a keen ornithologist myself. Regards Ed.

Dear Bernard, Whilst browsing through Hatchards website I noticed that you are due to appear there on the 4th of October to sign copies of your new book the Pale Horseman. Can you confirm that this is correct and whether this will form part of a UK book tour? Apologies if this appears premature, however, I have enjoyed your booksignings in the past and want to ensure that I don't miss out. Many thanks and best wishes, Steven

Hello Mr Cornwell- I'm a big fan of your Sharpe books and an currently reading The Last Kingdom- also excellent. Anyway have you ever considered writing about how Sharpe gets conscripted into army by Hakeswill(who I believe you mentioned in Sharpe's Tiger was the man who signed him up?) back in London before Sharpe's Tiger? Could make a interesting book/study as you like writing about Hakeswill!! Yours Richard L, Shropshire UK