Your Questions

Hi, I'm rereading the The Grail Quest. You mention Dorchester and White Nothe and a place called Hookton. I live in Weymouth and its nice to see places that you know being mentioned, but I can't work out where Hookton might have been located had it been real? There's a place called Hooke to the north of the county. I enjoyed your name for Portland or fraggle rock as its known locally The Isle of the Dead in The Arthur Books

Ian Fleming

Hi, Mr. Cornwell. I'm a huge fan from Brazil. I just wanna say: I love your books, especially the Warlord Trilogy, Saxon Stories and Sharpe. Unfortunately we only have 9 Sharpe books in Brazil so far, and still wait for the release of Death of Kings in Portuguese. Currently we already have 25 of his books here in Brazil. But, I have a question for you: Have you ever considered writing a novel about the Battle of Rorke's Drift? It's a great English victory. Big Hug!

Michael Hasfel

Hi, I am a huge new fan of your work! You probably won't be surprised to hear that it was the Sharpe TV series that led me to your talent... I am slowly catching up with you, I've done the Sharpe, Starbuck & Uhtred series & also the Fort. I've never read so much in my whole life! I am completely hooked, and find myself unable to put any of your books down once I pick them up... Prior to discovering your work my reading was somewhat limited - Tolkein and Conan-Doyle mainly, but you have opened up a new world for me! I love history, and your work really brings it to life. Well done and keep up the good work. Long may it continue! Regards Pete Austin Ps. Have you ever considered a 'Rorkes Drift' project? Would love to hear it as told by you...

Hello sir, first wanted to say thank you for your work. The saxon stories are some of my favorite reads. I first found it in the library on cd and soon bought the rest of the series also getting my girlfriend and a couple of my other friends to read them. So I was wondering if you do have a end in mind or how long you might continue writing them?

Also was wondering if you ever heard Mel Gibson talk about his love for viking tales? once again thank you.

Tim Mittman

Dear Mr Cornwell. I have just finished Death of Kings. Fantastic read as always!! Now I have a list of characters from the novel in front of me and am internet-searching their historical background. I was surprised to find out that Osferth actually existed and was mentioned in Alfred’s will, and there’s a big possibility that he could really have been an illegitimate son. Regarding Azincourt, I was always curious what you had in mind when describing Nicholas imagining voices in his head. Was it because of some mental condition or extreme religious brainwashing...or is it meant to be left to the reader’s interpretation? Thank you. (On a different note. I’ve seen a few video-game related comments. Wikipedia states that the game Mount and Blade was partially inspired by historical fictional novels, particularly those by Bernard Cornwell.) Looking forward to your future work especially Uhtred’s inevitable recapture of Bebbanburg!! Andreas Azzopardi

I have collected most of the Sharpe books and am now reading through them. What happened after 'Sharpe's Trafalgar'? I can't find the sequel, or at least what happened when Sharpe finally joined the Rifles and when was he promoted from Ensign to Lt? Also, what became of Lady Grace? I have many of your novels, yet to be read, and have enjoyed all those so far read, particularly the 'Heretic' series. May you and your family have a safe festive season. Regards, GF (John) Johnson

Hi Mr. Cornwell, Love your books. Who is your favourite character of all the characters you have written?

Also i am currently reading Winter King and can envision every page as a great film, what would your thoughts be on somebody making it into a film? would you give your permission? Thanks, keep well and keep writing. Rob

Mr Cornwell, Your fiction has spanned the history of Britain, from the building of Stonehenge all the way to Waterloo and beyond. It is one of many reasons I enjoy your work. One aspect of British history is conspicuous in its absence however. I refer to the Roman invasion and occupation, the impact and influence of which is ever present in your novels, particularly the Arthur and the Uhtred sagas. I realise other notable work is out there, such as Simon Scarrow, of whom i am also a big fan. I was just curious if you would ever be throwing your considerable hat into that particular gladiatorial arena? I also realise that the rightful lord of Bebbanburg still has much to achieve before he can lay serpent breath to rest, so I'm more than happy in the mean time! wyrd bid ful aread! Rob Hatton

I just finished a drawing of Derfel and am wanting to start on Uhtred. I'm sifting through all 5 books (I'm a yank and don't have the six yet, its on order). I'm having a hard time finding a single solid description of his war gear like Derfel gives before his duel with the saxon chieftain on Minnoth Baddon. If it isn't too much trouble correct what I have wrong or clear up what I'm confused about. Tall boots with strips of iron inside: you wont see the strips in the drawing because they are intentionally hidden. Mail hauberk: knee length, I don't know how far down the arms it goes or if he wheres additional forearm protection. Arm rings over the top of the mail. Helmet with mask and cheek pieces. full mask like the saxon helmet on your web page or just a visor over the eyes and nose like a viking helmet? the wolf on his helm is my biggest question, is it a full wolf on the crest (the very top) or just a wolfs face on the crown (the forehead portion) or something completely different.

Dan

I have recently retired after 32 years as a municipal politician. Now for the first time in years I have had the time to read for pleasure and I want to say thank you for helping me to make the transition. I read Gallows Thief and was hooked. Now I am working my way through your books and have become obsessed with them. Canadians are proud of their history but it is, from a world perspective, backwater. I was a former history teacher. In the Canadian History Curriculum, for example, we teach the war of 1812 with almost no reference to the Napoleonic wars. Have you considered writing something with a Canadian Theme. An chance Shape could find himself at Fort York or The Burning of the White House in Washington or With Brock at Queenston Heights? Thanks for helping make my retirement bearable.

Howard Moscoe

Hello Mr Cornwell, First of all, I can't write to you without, (like so many others before me) expressing mine and my father's complete love of your books. They have truly inspired me to take a keen interest in British and European history. I have thoroughly enjoyed all your Medieval and Dark age series', but like so many I go back to the Sharpe stories again and again. 'Sharpe's Siege' being a favourite. Firstly I am interested to know if the Patrick Lassan who appears in the Starbuck Chronicles is indeed meant to be Sharpe and Lucille's son, and will a book ever emerge in which he is the main protagonist? Secondly, how much time do you spend in the UK? do you ever spend holidays here? Or do you only come back for research or Marketing campaigns for new books? I would love for you to do a book signing in the midlands area! Many thanks for taking the time to read this, Keep up the good work! Liam