Your Questions

Good day, Mr. Cornwell.

I will try to be short for fear of taking Your time. To say simple - Your books gave me back pleasure of reading. Every book I picked up seemed dull, predictable, boring. Until the moment I accidentally saw first episode of The Last Kingdom. Hmm, I thought, maybe I should give it a try.... And here I am with all The Last Kingdom series, Warlord Chronicles, Grail series, almost all of Sharpe ( I never before thought that I would love Napoleonic period) and few others. Thank You so much for giving world those amazing stories and I could say that Uthred have become one of my favorite  literature character. As someone who has grown up without father, I always have looked up for father figures in books or TV, and personality of Uthred who is son of Uthred ( sometimes Osbert) have helped me to get through tuff times.

 

So if You would take some time and accept my small wish - I compose viking age styled music from time, and I decided to do piece called "Wyrd bið ful aræd" to say thank You in a way I can. Simply, this song is for You:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbcF1uL1GDc

"Fljúga Hrafna - Wyrd bið ful aræd" .

If, by some miracle You actually liked it, I would like to do my dedication in this way for every book in Uthred Saga (to celebrate the fact that I'm going to reread all of it and yes, I already miss Uthred)  if only I get Your permission and blessing. If not, I fully respect Your decision to say NO!

In any case - thank You again for wonderful books and fantastic joy they gave me.

 

I wish You all the best, good health, happiness and still productive years.

 

With best wishes,

Martin Tiltnieks

 

Dear Bernard

I hope I find you well.

(Sadly) I have just finished War Lord. I say sadly as I will miss the exploits of Uhtred & Co having followed his path from the very beginning from The Last Kingdom to Warlord. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole Warrior Series (and others you have written).  As Uhtred has now become my favourite historical fictional figure, taking over from Horatio Hornblower(!), I was pleased to read that you did not "kill" him (or dear Finan!) off at the end of your book.  No doubt I will read the whole series again as there is so much to take in.

I also found your comments at the end of the book about the period of great interest.

Sad to read despite all his efforts poor old King Athelstan only lived 3 years after the great Battle of Brunanburh and Anlaf returned to rule Northumbria & Mercia for a short period before King Edmund drove him out. I wonder what Uhtred, if he had survived (or his son) would have made of that?

One fascinating fact. If Uhtred fought with Alfred at the Battle of Ethandun in 878 and he was around 20 years of age, by the time he finally fought at Brunanburgh in 937 some 59 years later he would be almost 80!

You and I met very very briefly at the Winchester when you attended their History weekend a few years ago. You signed my copy of "Waterloo" - which I am happy to say I have read once again. At that time, I suggested a character for a new series of books for the future you might consider – William Marshall. He had such a long and eventful life that you could easily do another long series as you did for Uhtred – only this time it would be more factual than fictional. It would even be better if it were written in the first person like Uhtred as it would be fascinating to read what he thought of the 4 Kings he served and the turbulent time he lived in.

I wish you well and thank you the books you have written (and continue to do so) which have given me hours and hours of enjoyable reading.

Andrew Weldycz

 

Dear Bernard.

I am reading your books again after a long break and so pleased to be carried away by the powerful stories and vivid descriptions.  I can't think of a more inspiring and exciting historical basis for a novel than the siege of Harlech..  What do you think?

 

Dear Bernard

I know this is cheeky and you'll probably say no but I have to ask.  Have you ever considered writing a series or a book about Davouts battles and Campaigns. He was a brilliant Military Commander and it would avoid meeting Sharpe too

Regards

Geraint

I was determined not to be this person.  I have read all of the questions and comments on this site and have seen over and over people asking for more Nathaniel Starbuck, and over and over again your reply that it was not likely.  So much so that I only read them out of desperation for more of your books having read everything else.  I wasn’t even going to read them because I didn’t want to find myself here begging for more.  That being said and knowing the answer to the question of if you will ever bring him back, I would like to know why you are no longer interested in continuing that series. I have many theories.  One being that it is kind of politically incorrect at the moment to have a confederate hero.  I am somewhat conflicted myself having grown up in the south where there was a lost cause love for the southern cause (of states rights).  To now being a fully educated and informed adult realizing that it was a cause better lost than won, and that romanticizing the southern plight has only lead to a prolonging of problems within the nation.

Thank you for your time,

Whitfield Brackett

 

 

Hello Bernard,

I have to ask a question that you are probably tired of answering , are you planning on finishing the Starbuck Chronicles? The series is some of the best I have ever read about the American Civil War and although I know it has been 25 years since the last book in this series I am have just now finished the first 4 books. Great stuff to say the least.  I have read every single book series that you have written (all within the last year) and you are now one of my all time favorite authors , not trying to blow smoke just telling my truth.  I do see that you have another Sharpe book coming which is fantastic news , I watched the TV movies a couple of times before reading the books (which were as usual when comparing a book to a movie or TV series so much better) and eagerly await the new one.  I also cannot wait for the new Uhtred book (The Saxon Stories) , I am assuming that it is coming sooner than later?

But back to my original question , will you be completing the Starbuck Chronicles? I and am sure many others truly hope you do. They are brilliant!

Sincerely,

Robert Nelson

 

You really need to write another Nathaniel Starbuck book.  One of my favorite book series.

Paul Kroth

 

Do you intend to let us know what becomes of Nate Starbuck?  I've been immersing myself in American Civil War literature, particular historical fiction, because I (unfortunately) see many similarities to that era and the present times, and after reading the Starbuck Chronicles to date I am left wondering what happened to him. I really appreciate your portrayal of him: not a comic book hero, but very human, yet heroic at the same time. I, for one, would really enjoy it if you chose to return to the series and continue it, but I also understand the tightrope any author would be walking in the current climate if writing anything that even resembles the slightest praise (or even a lack of condemnation) for anything "Confederate".

John W Theisen

 

Hi Bernard,

I expect you stopped reading at the subject as I do not suspect but know that you have been asked this question a hundred times before... nay a thousand. You could give me the same three word answer you give them "Rule nothing out" However, just between us you do know if you are ever likely to return to him. You may not want to commit yourself but as I am just a nobody fan who has read everything you have ever written and have been doing so for what seems like most of my life and will continue to do so for what remains of  that life it would not commit you to anything to tell me your gut feeling on the subject. Indeed I would understand when the "my=use" has gone it has gone. There have been many wonderful stories since and I pray many more but I would dearly love to know if I can maintain a brief hope or if I must resign myself to the fact that Nate has ridden his last.

Thank you for you consideration and may I once again thank you for many many hours of adventure and history.

Yours sincerely,

Stuart Dangerfield

 

Dear Bernard

Now that you’ve completed (?) the Last Kingdom books (which are even better than the Sharpe novels, though the Arthurian books remain my favourites), when are you going to return to the Starbuck series? They seem very truncated! I’ll also be interested to see how you deal with a hero who inevitably must end up on the losing side.

Thanks for all of your work, most of which I’ve read more than once.

Cheers

Nigel

Good afternoon (or morning, noon or night)

I hope this message finds you well.

My girlfriend and I are currently taking a break from the Last Kingdom series to read The Grail Quest (for the second time). She sits atop the kitchen side and reads aloud while I cook. It is a delight. We also recently purchased Azincourt and The Winter King. And Sharpe ... well, I need say no more. It is safe to say we are huge fans and would just like to thank you for the good times.

The reason I write is actually to understand the use of 'hoof' and 'hooves'. A trivial matter, but It seems we come across both in your books and it is always pointed out between us, so I figured I would write to the man himself to get some insight - if indeed there is any.

We absolute love Thomas and his journey. His growth, success and turmoil, and the relationships with each character through out are so nicely balanced. Offering just the right amount to move him forward or back at the intended pace. Sir Guillaume and Robbie in particular. We would actually have loved to have seen this on the screen too - my girlfriend always jokes I should write the screenplay. I have, however, absolutely no experience or ability that would enable me to do this.

Its always an education, the historical notes are equally appreciated and we look forward to reading more.

I hope you have not set aside anything too important to address our musing, but I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Chris

Dear Mr Cornwell

I was wondering if you found it difficult to return to the character of Sharpe after so long? Have you enjoyed re-establishing the link? Also now that you are back there, are you tempted to write more books about Sharpe?

Alan Corken

I read in the end pages of 'The Last Kingdom' that your ancestors lived in Bamburgh Castle and by coincidence wife's family also lived there in the distant past. May I ask what era that your family were there? We have employed genealogists of varying skill to try and unravel the details but without a great deal of success, except that one character managed to escape from Newgate prison having been guilty of supporting the Jacobite cause in Northumberland. My wife looks distinctly Scandinavian and her dna suggests that her ancestors were Danish so I do hope that her ancestors were not responsible for your ancestor's loss! I look forward to receiving any details which you may have.

Many thanks and Kind Regards

Robert Hall

We know Sharpe will not fight in the War of 1812.  Have you considered doing a book about CPT Frederickson's adventures in the War of 1812?

Steve Greaf

I love all your books but find myself reading Waterloo time and time again. I have a question, why when the French cavalry charged the anglo-dutch squares did the French not support with Infantry? With the British in square the French could have advanced right up to Wellingtons ridge without any bombardment at all? This would have surely won the day.

Trevor