Your Questions

Q

I just finished The last Kingdom and I recalled the movie the vikings (1968) Aella in the movie was fed to the wolves while In your book he died in battle but I thought he was killed via the spread eagle?

Kyle Prince

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

It was not an uncommon name, so I suspect that the Aella in the movie was entirely fictional, and many scholars believe that the whole idea of the spread-eagle is also fictional! I doubt anyone knows precisely how he died . . the chronicles simply aren't that specific.

Q

I've got two questions about Uhtred which are pretty much linked to each other: The first is: Across the Saxon Chronicles, Uhtred never really describes his own facial features. His statue, hair and beard are mentioned, but I can't remember any description of his face. Do you have a distinctive idea what his face looks like? If yes, would you share it or do you prefer the readers to keep their own mind-image of Uhtred?

This is linked to the next question: While reading your books it is almost impossible to not visualize scenes as they would appear in a movie or novel. Have there been any plans or ideas of transforming Uhtred's life into a movie / series / graphic novel so far? Would you be open to look at graphic novel sketches that users send you and, if they please you, to go a step further by supporting an artist in creating a graphic novel adaption of the Saxon Stories? Note: I personally think they would offer awesome visual possibilities for an artist :) Keep up the great work and I can't wait for Bebbanburg to be captured. I hope dearly that you share this feeling.

Ulric

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

I do like the reader to have their own image, but perhaps I should give some clues in the next book? Thank you!

I remember once hearing talk of a graphic novel (maybe the Arthur books?), but so far it hasn't happened. Films? Movies? I earn a living by putting words on shelves, not pictures on screens, so I really don't think about the possibility - my agent does, but I don't.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am intrigued to read in your Wikipedia entry that you have taken your mother's maiden name. This is quite an unusual surname which seems to be based in East Anglia and Kent. My maternal grandmother was a Cornwell born at West Langdon, in Kent, which is near Deal. If you have done any searching of your family tree, do you know where your mother came from? It would be fun if I was distantly related to someone whose books I have read and enjoy. Regards from Monteton David Norris

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

I was given my mother's surname! At least on my original birth certificate, on account that I was a real bastard. So far as I know the branch of my mother's family were all resident in East London and she thought they had probably come from East Anglia . . . but none of the family seem to know for certain. John le Carre, of course, is also a Cornwell . . .but as far as I know no relation, but perhaps he comes from Kent?

Q

I just finished reading Death of Kings and I really enjoyed it. I'm wondering will Uhtred regain Bebbanburgh when Athelstan marches north to the Battle of Brunanburgh? If so, Uhtred will be very old. Of course He does live a very long time. Reading your book, has sparked my interest in Athelstan. I think he would be a great subject for historical fiction but I can find very little about him. He was a great warrior King, and yet chose not to produce and heir in favor of a younger brother. I don't see how a novelist could resist putting his spin on that.

Ann Madonna

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

I have a suspicion he'll regain Bebbanburgh before that! I hope so! And Athelstan will be very very important to the future series, I promise! A new biography of him by Sarah Foot (Athelstan: The First King of England) was published last year - and I recommend it!

Q

Hello, Herr Cornwell! I've read all the Sharpe's books and I just moved on to the Starbuck Chronicles. I finished Rebel and I ****ing loved it. Truslow is awesome, and I'm so glad Adam didn't die, but I fear for him in the future. Anyways I was just wondering what revolver you were picturing when you described the ornate, English, ivory-gripped one that Starbuck took from what was left of Ridley. I like being able to see pictures of weapons I read about for some strange reason. Thank you, and yes I do understand you aren't German (Herr Cornwell). Also thanks for all of the Eire appreciation in the Sharpe books.

Joe Calderon

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

Oh dear, I wrote those books so long ago and all the research is in storage . . . I wish I could remember (I do remember doing the research and it was a very particular weapon), but right now I can only apologise - sorry, don't remember!

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, During your conversation with George R.R. Martin, you mentioned that you typically don't know what's going to happen next; until you write it. That being said, I was curious if you currently knew by what means Uhtred would take Bebbanburg. I'm not asking for any detail or spoilers but I was wondering if you had already worked that out. Your loyal fan, Chris

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

I haven't! I do think about it . . . but so far I haven't needed to make any decision (or even think about it seriously). All I'll say is that he will succeed!

Q

Hi Mr Cromwell, I am a Northumbrian fella based at a University over in China.Just a general question of arcane history do you have opinion on the origin of the Cherchen mummies found in the Talikmakan basin region?They are mostly pre-Celtic in origin and their burial sites predate the existence of the Silk road,but they are found in that location.They were found with abundant textiles,but the environment is extremely inhospitable.What do you think they were doing in that region and why the elaborate burial ceremonies in a middle of a nowhere desert?My own theory is they were early textile traders who founded a small kingdom within present day China...but alas little solid evidence of this! regards IR,Jiangxi,China.

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

You'll have to forgive me . . . this is the first I've ever heard of the Cherchen mummies . . . so I have absolutely no opinion. Sorry!

Q

I noticed in Sharpe's Sword that you repeatedly referred to Leroux's sword as a "Kligenthal" when in fact it comes from a town in France named Klingenthal which is German for blade valley. Was this simply a mistake or what? Thank you, Bertram.

Submitted February 5, 2012

A

Sounds like a mistake to me, but I wrote the book so long ago that it's all quite vanished from my memory!

Q

I just first want to say, I have greatly enjoyed all of your books that I have read. I started with the Sharpe series, then Starbuck,and now Uhtred. All have been great. I would like to know when the next Uhtred book is coming out. And according to the Aztecs we have until Dec. 21st 2012. Love to know the ending before we go. Truly just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your books. Thanks for writing.

Earl Burt

Submitted February 4, 2012

A

Not this year, perhaps next?

Q

I am a college freshman who wants to write historical fiction. You are one of my biggest inspirations. I am currently in the idea stage, but I doubt you really care too much. My question is whether your new Thomas book is going to be about the Battle of Poitiers considering it only takes place a handful of years later?

Caleb Kesterson

Submitted February 4, 2012

A

Poitiers is correct. Best of luck with your writing!