Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell
Every so often I square off with one of my co-workers on whether or not it is appropriate to read the ending of a book first. This debate has even prompted me to write a refutation paper on the subject for my writing class. As one of your biggest fans, your input on the matter would be greatly appreciated. Do you believe that the ending of a book (or any story) should be read first, or should the book be read from start to finish absent of any spoilers? And, of course, explain your reasoning.
I know you are a busy man, making any input from you all the more valuable.
Your Fan,
David

I am trying to find out about Rothschild/Wellington story you tell in Sharpe's Rifles--is it wholly fictional, simply inspired by Rothschild/waterloo connection?  Do we know of actual letters of credit btwn Wellington and Rothschild?  Any references you could point to?

Thank you,

Claire Green

Dear Mr Cornwell,

First of all thank you for the incalculable reading pleasure that your novels have provided over the years. On this fine St Patrick's day I was wondering if you could possibly give some inclination as to what the Norns may have in store for Uhtred's loyal friend and brother in arms Finan the Agile, one of my personal favourite characters from all your works.
Is it possible that we may see a voyage to Ireland to take belated revenge on those who enslaved him all those years ago? I was also wondering what became of his wife and children who were briefly mentioned earlier in the series. Allowing for the passing of time his children must be fully grown by now if they still live.

Best wishes,
Tom

Dear Mr Cornwell,

A cousin of mine is doing research into our family genealogy and has traced back on one of my Grandmother's, whose maiden name was Sharpe and claims that an antecedent, whose name was Sharpe, was in the Army and The Rifles and on his discharge wrote his memoirs.  She is claiming that this distant relative and his memoirs was the inspiration for the Sharpe books.  She is currently refusing to put any flesh on the bones of this hypothesis for us.  As I am just embarking on the Sharpe series (I have read everything else) and came here for the reading order I was prompted to ask the question.  Is she right?

I have thoroughly enjoyed everything that I have read and I think most especially the Saxon Stories and offer my heartfelt thanks for many hours of entertainment and the resurrection of my interest in history.

Yours aye,

Dave Green

Dear Bernard.
I can't tell you , how very much I enjoy ALL, your books.  In fact, I am forever looking up to see if there is anything new, or, I have missed one.

However, my absolute favorite books,are about Richard Sharpe, and his 'merry' men..I have re-read all of his 'tales', over, and over again.
I remember hearing from somewhere, a few years ago now, that you may..and I say may, start enough 'update', story, or story's, on what happened to him after the end of the last series..
Dare I hope for such a pleasure?

I now live here, in New York, coming from London/Bedford, UK, in 1981.. I do miss the good ole English pub, and going 'nuts', for my team Crystal Palace FC..

I wish you success for ever Bernard... Take care..

Alan.

Hi Bernard,

I read my first Sharpe over 20 years ago and have read everything you have done since with relish. From Gallows Thief to Stonehenge and all points in between.

I am in the middle now of re-reading Hornblower (just up to The Happy Return) and I wanted to ask if Forester was an influence on your work.

He too dips in and out of different historical periods and seems to be a writer with varied  interests.
Michael Davidson

Thank you for all your excellent series.
What is the translation of the phrase that ends The Pagan Lord?
Seamus Beattie

what happened to sergeant obadiah Hakeswill when he was put in with the tigers?

regards

quinnton Leon Wormald

Dear Mr. Cornwell
Have enjoyed your Uhtred series immensely. Being of Scandinavian descent myself it has been a pure pleasure, and I hope there will be more sequels. Wondering what happened to the horse Whitnere..I hope if there are any more books you will include the Danes overtaking England by Cnut the good or great as they eventually did finally manage it .Thank you Sir, and being Pagan as well, may the Gods bless you.
Your fan,,
Robert Gunn

I really enjoyed the Saxon Stories along with the grail quest trilogy,i would like to know if you plan on continuing to write with these characters?
Robert

 

When will the next book of Uhtred's adventures be coming out?
Alan Levith

 

Wikipedia indicates that you will release an 8th book in the Saxon Tales - The Empty Throne - in 2014. Is this true and what part of 2014? I have read fifteen of your books- everything up to the Sharpe's Series- and I have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Thank you so much for each and every one!
Ida Foster