Your Questions

Sir,

I am impressed that you have the patience to be so accessible; Thank you!

 

I stumbled into your books because I am an 'amateur' historian and the titles drew me in. I usually don't have time for fiction but lock down changed that........and I enjoyed so many glorious Cornwell yarns....

 

I, perhaps like you, seek answers to the 'great questions' and many illustrious commentators assert that the answers can be found in history. So I compiled a comprehensive time line of the most important events in history. (And no, I don't want you to read it!).

One area that is very difficult to nail is the period of sub-roman Britain and Anglo-Saxon settlement (and ending in 1066).

It even appears to me that there is currently much 'revision' of what we know about this period. This is always a worry!

It is clear from your books that you must have a good understanding of this period and I would be grateful if you could signpost me towards a book (or books) that can give me a working grasp of the significant characters and events but, ideally without too much minutiae.... I can imagine that this must have been a fractured period but some historians like to bulk out with unwanted trivia which obscures the MEANINGFUL bits. So a concise history please!

 

To give an example of the way I like to cut to the quick; an understanding of the hundred years war (IMHO) requires only this sentence; It marked the end of England's ambitions in Europe and precipitated the wars of the roses which united England in 1485 and allowed England to move (and expand) into the modern period. Everything else is just dates of battles!

 

Ok - red pen me!

 

Thanks again, Sir.

With all good wishes

Marcus Harriott

Good evening Mr. Cornwell,

I wanted to take a moment and thank you for the amazing series of The Last Kingdom. I am currently at “The Pagan Lord” and it’s the first time I’ve been indulging a book so intensely!

My question to you is this:

I recall you mentioned you a descendant from Uthred himself. I was wondering how did you find this out? As you can see, my last name is Beben and I’ve been curious for a long time to know where that comes from and if I am descendant from pagans or a specific War Lord. Is beben from the word Bebbanburg or is that more wishful thinking I appreciate any advice you have in helping me find my way towards my past I wish you a lovely day!

Signed,

Adriana Beben

Wasp Sting's admirer

Mr. Cornwell,

Out of curiosity, what do you envision is the time frame between the end of The Winter King series (Derfel as an old monk) and the beginning of The Saxon Stories (Uhtred as a child)?

Thank you!

Caroline

Will you be doing any book signings when the new Sharpe book comes out? I bought Sharpe's assassin the day it came out and was the first book I ever read and ever since I haven't been able to put a book down, my father made me watch Sharpe as a child and I can't say I was a fan but now I'm a father myself I found myself becoming my father and enjoyed rewatching the complete series with my own children. I've nearly finished the Sharpe collection and look forward to reading the warlord chronicles too, finally I recently had a tattoo of Sharpe, my mom wasn't pleased as in nice script underneath it says "bastard"

Tom

 

Dear Mr.Cornwell,

I write to thank you most warmly for the Sharpe series.

I first read them 20 years ago and was transfixed.

2nd time was about 12 years ago - similar.

I am now working my way through again and they are as fresh as paint. I have just finished (at 2.30am !) Sharpe's Trafalgar. As ex RN, I found it a most moving work.

They all remain quite unputdownable (if there is such a word !).

What is also immensely impressive is the extraordinary amount of work that you quite obviously put in on research.

Sharpe's Waterloo caused a friend and I to take a battlefield tour there which was wonderful.

So wonderful, in fact, that a couple of years ago we took our wives who were equally transfixed.

On that occasion we stayed in the newly refurbished 2 room apartment in the Hougoumont Farm which was delightful.

We also enjoyed a great evening in your audience at Daunt Books in Marylebone near us about 3 or 4 years ago. (although probably longer ?)

Can you tell me, please, if you plan any more appearances at book shops/launches in the UK in the foreseeable future as we would very much like to be there ?

Once again, warmest thanks and immense congratulations on such a magical series.

With best regards

John Anderson

 

Dear Bernard

I saw this article on the Canadian Voltigeurs that you might find of interest to read. A fascinating Unit. A British Officer said they had no love for the British but had even less love for the Invading Americans http://www.centotredicesimo.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Quebec-Voltigeurs-M.I..pdf

Time line wise you could get Frederickson over there. You could definitely get him to Lundys Lane, Fort Erie and Cooks Mill if you wish.

Geraint

P.S If you've not read it, I can recommend A Triumph of Banners by John Fortescue on the War of 1812.

P.P.S Whats your thoughts on US General Jacob Brown, how good was he do you think ?

Would love to read a novel by you on the battle of hastings. anything in the works?

Mark Goldstein

Hi Sir,

Just wondering if you’ve ever considered writing about the knights Templar? It seems to be within your scope. I’d enjoy your take on this controversial and mysterious bit of history

John Madden

Hello!

I know there was a BBC series about Sharpe made years ago, but with the incredible success of The Last Kingdom, is there anything in the works about a new series based on Sharpe?

By the way... I loved Sharpe's assassin!

Brian Cappello

Dear Bernard

With the recent re-release of Christopher Duffy's book Eagle Over the Alps on Suvorov's Incredible Italian Campaign. I wondered what your thoughts were on his ability as a General and if he and Napoleon had gone up against each other what the Result would've been ? Also what would Sharpe have made of Suvorov given he seemed as mad as a box of frogs but brilliant for all that. And as for what happened at Praga showed, he was ruthless

Regards Geraint

P.S If you've not read it Eagles Over the Alps is definitely a book worth getting if you have not read it.

 

Dear Bernard

I saw this article on the 95th Website about New Orleans that might be of interest to read.

https://www.95thrifles.com/new-orleans

 

The American Rifle Regiment in 1812 used the Harpers Ferry Rifle, I wondered if you'd ever fired one and if so  which you preferred that or the Baker ?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harpers_Ferry_Model_1803

Geraint