Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell -

I have been an avid reader of yours for years now, since The Archer's Tale hit the shelves. So, upon discovering the Thomas was again to be featured in 1356, naturally I picked it up.

I also happen to be a Stephen King fan, or more specifically a Gunslinger/Dark Tower fan.

My question to you is, and this is just to satisfy my own curiosity, in 1356 chapter 6 last line, 'Roland to the dark tower came,' is this a Browning reference, as I assume it is, or might you also happen to be a Dark Tower reader?

Thank you for your time!

Scoti Hahn

A

‘Roland to the dark tower came’ was a really a homage to Shakespeare who uses the line in King Lear!  It was then used by Robert Browning in a poem called Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came (which is the exact Shakespearean quote).  So I suspect Stephen King and I both borrowed from one or the other or both.


Q

Dear Bernard
I have read all you historical novels and am really looking forward to September and the release of The Pagan Lord.
You have covered so many of my favourite chapters of history. And I was thinking where you might (or could) go next. The Sharpe's, Thomas's, Uhtred's, Logan's and Starbucks of this world would suit a Pirate's life very well I believe. They are all buccaneers of their time, love fighting against the odds and following now laws but their own. And the period and location we associate with pirates does give a character and writer amazing freedom to go anywhere! I loved Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey series for that reason, the sea is a cruel mistress! I know Pirates are a bit in fashion now but you could work your magic and create another legendary character better than any present ones!
I would enjoy reading any new works, as long as they do not stop you from taking Uhtred back to his impenetrable fortress by the sea!
All the very best to you.
James

A

I do toy with the idea of the buccaneers! I enjoy reading about them, and they do have an enormous appeal, but I have so many other books I want to write . . . .so - well, it might happen!


Q

Mr. Cornwell
First, I'd like to say thank you for writing all these books you have written, as of now I have read Azincourt and the Warlord Chronicles and man, they are awesome! Just started the Saxon stories and I'm loving it already!

But, I heard you will write a book about the battle of Waterloo? That would be awesome, I know you have a Sharpe book about the battle, but the Sharpe series, and that book specifically, are too far ahead on my list (Gotta read all the saxon stories and some other books from my homeland {Brazil} first)

So will the Waterloo book be historical fiction as well, just like Azincourt? And will it be only about the battle, or more about the main character with his own plot and story intertwined with the battle, like  Azincourt. Azincourt is one of my favorite books, specially because it connects history with the main characters so well,

And finally, are you planning on going to Brazil to do some books signing?
Sincerely,
Wulfburk

A

The Waterloo book will be non-fiction and I am working on it now.

I do hope to be back to Brazil one day!


Q

hi Bernard

I'm a great fan off yours and especially like the thomas hookton novels , and uthred saga......... my question ,have you read any game of thrones books , and if so have you have you seen the tv series , do you like them ??? does it give you thoughts off your own stories making it to the screen ( i know sharpe has already ) and if so which of your characters would you like to see it happen to !!!!
Patrick from Belfast

A

I have read the books and I think they are quite splendid and wonderfully imaginative!  But I have not watched the tv series.  And I have not really given the idea of more films of my books much thought.  Too busy thinking about the writing instead!


Q

Mr. Cornwell,

As an Englishman living and working in America, I read with particular interest and fascination your recent work 'The Fort'. While I have no doubt that you receive suggestions for further books that could fill many lifetimes, I offer up the following in the hope that it may add weight to the voices of others. Is there any chance of another book, or perchance a series on the life of Sir John Moore?

Regards,

Justin Freeman

A

I have thought of Sir John Moore, but I'm afraid it's not high on my list right now.


Q

Hello, Bernard.

I'm fascinated for your books! I love read every page of his book.
I have one question about "Saxon stories", when will it be released? I look forward to reading the next book.
A big hug from your Brazilian fan, Leonardo!

 

I have found the Saxon Series really good, I have read them, again and again, will the series be turned into a film?
What happens to Uhtred? How does he get Bebbanburg back?
Oliver Townshend

 

Hallo Mr. Cornwell, I`m verry intersted in your books especially Uhtreds storys. I`d like to know when I can buy the next story of Uhtred??
Please give me an answer.
Best regads
Ulrich Widmann

Bernard,
Will there be a sequel/sequels to The Death of Kings?
Thank you
Regards
Tom

A

The next book of Uhtred's story is The Pagan Lord.  It will be published later this year and is available for pre-order now.  Click on this link for more information and to read an excerpt of the book! http://www.bernardcornwell.net/books/the-pagan-lord/


Q

i was wondering if you were going to get the stonehenge book made into a film or tv series, i think it would work well and you must have some contacts from the sharpe series who would be willing to look into bringing stonehenge to the screen.
kind regards
dan

 

 

Dear Mr Cornwell,
I live in Egypt and stock up on books (including yours of course) when I visit the UK each year.
My question is: Is there any chance that the Saxon Chronicles could be made into a series (or film)? In British history at school we focused a lot on the Tudors, Stuarts and Victorians etc - but reading your books has made me aware that the Saxon period & Alfred the Great was far more crucial and equally fascinating if not more so.

Kind regards,

Carole Escoffey

A

I guess there is always a chance, but I honestly don't pay much attention to it (that's my agent's job!).


Q

Mr Cornwell

I am just writing to ask when do you think the next time you will be in the UK (or even up in Scotland)? I have just recently finished Stonehenge and loved it, my fiancee however has read almost all of your books (with the exception of the Sharpe series).  I can easily say that you are her favorite author and it would mean the world to her if she where to meet you in person

Gordon

A

There's a chance I'll be in the UK in September for the release of The Pagan Lord.  Keep an eye on the homepage of this website for the itinerary to be posted there.


Q

Mr. Cornwell,
I was just wondering if, when you read a book that you really enjoy, do you devour it as quickly as possible or do you ration yourself to prolong the pleasure? In another vein, thinking that a lot of your research reading is done with actual books that aren't available in e-form, do you read other  books using an e- reader?  If so, how would you compare the forms? You can probably tell I've just begun to avail myself of this new -fangled  idea. Lastly, pertaining to my previous email, I just want to add that I am housebroken and I don't bite.Thanks.
David H.

A

I devour it as quickly as possible!  And yes, I do read on an iPad, which is terrific for travel, or for reading in bed, but it has its drawbacks – it’s hard to make notes, etc. The worst thing is that you very often have no idea what book you are reading! You don’t see the cover twenty times a day. Right now I’m reading a biography of Robert Oppenheimer and couldn’t tell you the name of the book or the author, which is bad. I once received a furious message from a reader who was disgusted with my new book, he lambasted me for my bad taste, and a delicate enquiry discovered that he was reading another author entirely on his Kindle but just thought he was reading one of my books! (And I am glad to hear you don't bite!)


Q

Bernard.

In your Warlord Chronicles and stories about Uhtred. You are very critical and at times vicious to the clergy. Have you had any adverse comments from the religious community ?. Also are you like me, a Pagan sympathiser ?. I have just bought all the Uhtred books and am reading them in order and have just started Sword Song. Uhtred is a brilliant character even better than Derfel. Can't wait till September.
Derek Bond

A

Once in a while I fetch grief from an indignant Christian, but not often and not many. Am I a pagan sympathizer? To a point, but only insofar as a pagan religion is tolerant of other faiths. The Romans were good at that. Christianity is pretty good at it now, but wasn’t then, if you understand me.