Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell,

Let me first congratulate you on your fine books, and express my appreciation for the many hours of reading pleasure they have brought me.  I first started by reading the Saxon series about 3 years ago, and have since read almost all the rest, including recently rereading the Saxon series before reading The Pagan Lord.  Also thank you for taking so much time to answer readers comments and questions.  With the hundreds (thousands?) of emails you read and answer it's a wonder you have time to write books at all.  I do have a few questions though, so at risk of delaying your next book here goes.

Forgive me if the first one is rather picayune, but I noticed in all your previous books you refer to the formation used to break a shield wall as a "boar's head", but in the latest you call it a "boar's horn" which I found odd since obviously boars don't have horns.  Comment?

Second, in the Arthur series the primary weapon of the average soldier is the spear, which makes sense when trying to arm a lot of soldiers in a poor society.  In the Saxon series spears are mentioned but they seem to be either thrown or used in smaller numbers by specialized troops and swords and axes are the primary weapons used.  Does this reflect an actual change in battlefield tactics during that time, the availability of more and better arms, or is it just a different emphasis for dramatic reasons?

Lastly, I have seen several documentaries about the Viking period and more than one have mentioned a Viking leader who was considered strange because he forbade the killing of children, though no other details are mentioned.  I have tried searching the internet for more information but all I can come up with is the possible name Hlafrig the Child-Sparer or Child-Lover.  Have you in your research ever come across any information on this person, who he was and where he came from?  Or if he was a real person at all?

Thanks again,
Greg Bixler

Dear Mr Cornwell,
I have enjoyed reading your books since I was about 11 after seeing an episode of Sharpe on television.  I would like to thank you firstly on contribution to the writing world.  Secondly I was wondering if you ever considered writing about the seven year war and the struggle between the English and the French along with several different native Indian tribes to conquer what is now Canada?  If not could you recommend any books on that period?
Thanks
Stephen

Dear Bernard,

I have been reading a couple of G A Henty books on Penisula war and have to say Sharpe's promotion is very tardy. The main character joins his regiment as an ensign in Ireland and eight months later he is a Colonel of a Portugese regiment. So maybe Sharpe should have joined the Portugese instead. While Henty's main characters are pretty unrealistic even for an adventure books his historic bang on. For all the money spent on the Penisular Campaign very little was actually spent on the army. The Portugese and Spanish junta were given millions and did very little to free their counties from French occupation. Then the British Government in it's wisdom had an army in Sicily. For Wellington I think beating the French was the easy part.
Andrew Walker

Hello Bernard,

just to say your books got me back into reading after years of not reading at all so a huge thank you for that, also I love history and that's why I love your books.
I know you get this all the time but I would love to see another Rider Sandman story, maybe another sailing thriller as I enjoyed them more I thought I would, and obviously another starbuck I love that guy!!
Sorry to drone on, but after The Empty Throne and your book on Waterloo what will you be writing next?? and if you could forget all other commitments what era of history would you write??? I would love to see either Crusades, ww1, english civil war or maybe battle of little big horn that era
again sorry to drone on and on but you are amazing please please keep writing many many thanks
Jonathan Ashman

Dear Mr Cornwell,
I have read all Sharpe books and am just about to get the Pagan Lord. Reading about Uhtred (my favourite) and Derfel,  I´ve always wondered whether you have read and been influenced by Robert Merle´s Fortune de France, since I find some similarities in your styles and plot construction when you write in the 1st person. (The series would definitely deserve a mention in the to-read section).
Wishing you plenty of inspiration.

Juraj

Mr. Cornwell,
Thank you for this forum, it's refreshing to correspond with an accomplished writer that has managed not to bloat himself with the trappings of fame. As a historian, I wanted to say that I appreciate your verbal archery, that is hitting close to the mark and piercing the bulls eye with your penchant for weaving believable yarns within the framework of actual history. Most would say (and have said) that it is your talent for describing battles etc. that excites them but I truly enjoy your dialogue between characters. Your agonists are realistic and reflect actual caste differential and their gift of gab is a thrill to read. I just finished 1356 and around the midpoint I found myself in excruciating pain waiting for Roland and Thomas to reunite! That's when I knew I loved your story. So bravo, wise chap and pray, tell me (when it's convenient), how do you construct your dialogue? I am a fledgling composer at present and I find that I just wing it. Do you? Or is
it really more complicated than that? Thanks again and I look forward to your reply. Erin go Bragh!
Holden Cleveland

Hi Mr. Bernard Cornwell

I'd like to known if the Saxon Shieldwall can hold a French Cavalry of the XV century. Thanks
Tunicão

Mr. Cornwell,

over the years as you have found time, have there been other writers of historical fiction that you would highly recommend. I must confess that I have just now discovered your books and am reading "The Last Kingdom." My favorite author of historical fiction was Dorothy Dunnett. Thank you very much.
Frank Trotter

I have read almost all of your books and have enjoyed them immensely.  Because of your vast knowledge of battles and warfare that occurred in early England, a Roman series would be a great addition.
Steve

Dear Sir,
I have read and re read most of your books and find them extremely entertaining, hold very true to the time period. I was wondering if there is any chance of a follow up book with Rider Sandman? Would also like to read more about Thomas.  You have a way to make history come alive, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to read and own so many of your books!
Thank you...
Francis Carver

 

 

Dear Mr. Cornwell:
I am, happily, one of your many readers.  And, at the risk of repeating what I am sure many others have said, I have been delighted with all your books. At the same time, I have since been spoiled in my expectations, to the point that most other authors are unable to keep me captivated and leave me disappointed. So now, I am compelled to re-read your books: Sharpe (3x), Grail Quest (3x), Warrior Chronicles (3x)!  This has actually proven quite entertaining since I have managed to glean, in bits, that which may have not been appreciated previously.  I would also like to suggest, if I may, that you consider expanding some of your characters (e.g. Rider Sandman) by writing about them further with another book?  In conclusion to my rambling, thank you for this opportunity to express my gratitude and permit me to wish you greater success (if at all possible) in all of your, as yet unwritten, literary creations.
Most sincerely,
Tony