Uhtred seems to share a lot of the same history of Thorkell The Tall. Any connection?
Randy Jackson
The only connection is a shared period of history . . . nothing else that I know of!
Hi Bernard, I have recently finished the last book in the saxon series and have to say its one of your best so far. I have read most Sharpe books, Stonehenge, the grail series and others. I'm not an avid book reader, it takes me a couple of months to get through a book but I know your's are always compelling. So my question, no spoilers please but is there going to be another Saxon book? And is Uhtred going to have other twists and turns on his way back to Bebbanburg (apologies for spelling). I would like to see him go back to Denmark before retaking his home, and hope this hasn't ruined the possibility of it happening. Keep up the fantastic work! Mark Jackson.
There will be more to Uhtred's story!
Mr. Cornwell, I am siting I the business class lounge for British Airways on a trip to Heathrow and on to Scandinavia. I am hoping to buy your next book in Heathrow. I am headed to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslow,Jutland.Any Viking suggestions?
What do you think of Fischer's book about Paul Revere 's ride . I agree that he did not do so well at Castine, but he does not seem to be the despicable character you portray him to be in The Fort.
John Ayres
I just finished listening to the audio version of "The Fort". Wonderful book, as all are. Paul Revere comes off very poorly. Is this historically accurate? I know that he was absolved of charges, but that always doesn't mean much.
Neville Edenborough
You're probably well into your trip by the time this reply reaches you, and it's not a very helpful reply because it's been years since I was last in Scandinavia . . . . I did visit the Gokstad Viking Ship museum, which was wonderful, but for the life of me I can't remember where it was! But you're in the right place to get really good guidance!
I liked Fischer's book! It was not intended, of course, as a biography of Revere, but a look at patriot activities leading to the Revolution and I'd refer you to his interesting essay in the appendixes which describes just how inaccurate Longfellow's depiction is. Despicable? No, not despicable (though plenty of Revere's contemporaries despised him), but not suited to be a soldier. Every incident concerning Revere in The Fort has at least two sources, and there's no doubt that his behaviour on the expedition was atrocious . . . . he even gets a reprimand in General Orders! My reading of him is that he never should have been given any sort of military command (unless it was the overall command, he might have made a very good general!). He was a fervent patriot, a great metal-worker, a successful businessman, a loving father, but he was also quarrelsome, resentful of orders, and definitely not cut out for a soldier's life!
Dear Bernard, It was through your website that I discovered two particular authors whom I now adore. Some years ago, George MacDonald Fraser, and more recently, William Trevor, whom I now simply can't get enough of. May I be so bold as to ask who you're reading right now, for pleasure? Thank you. Paul Reid, Ireland.
I'm reading Mark Ormrod's new biography of Edward III (called, unsurprisingly Edward III). It's massive and very very good. I usually read history for pleasure . . .
I'm A great fan of yours Mr Cornwell And I can't wait until I read The Death of Kings. (I've got to read The Burning Land first). you are my favorite author and I can only hope that you continue to write fantastic novels. I was looking through your site the other day and you said that you are a descendant of Lords of Bebbanburg? I am very interested in how you found that out. I have tried to research my family history countless times and have got absolutely nowhere. I was hoping you could give me some advice. Tobias
What I know was discovered by a member of my birth family (I only met them about six or seven years ago). They were fortunate in being a prominent family . . . in Saxon times they were, first, kings of Bernicia (now lowland Scotland) then earls of Northumbria (thus the connection with Bebbanburg), and even after their fall (thanks to Cnut) they remained as county gentry in north Yorkshire . . . and the surname is distinctive enough to make them quite easy to trace through a tangle of records. But I did not do the tracing so I'm afraid I don't have any advice to offer - sorry!
I recently read all of the Patrick O'Brian novels, then started on your "Sharpe" series, and I must say, I have had a great time reading them, and learning so much about the Napoleonic, or "Regency" era of history. I have always been a great student of history, but for some reason that period slipped past me in my studies. Because of the O'Brian novels, I have joined the crew of an actual 137 foot two-masted gaff-rigged schooner, much like the tender of the H.M.S. Surprise, the "Ringle." The ship I serve on is the tall ship, "Bill of Rights" harbored in Oxnard California. Now, as I said, I am an avid student of history, in particular the American Civil War, and having grown up with the actual Chancellorsville battlefield literally in my back yard (just outside of Fredericksburg, Virginia) (no kidding, we had trenches running all through the woods behind the house where I grew up) I have some acquaintance with the weapons and uniforms of that period. I know about percussion rifles like the ones used in the mid 1800's, but because of your wonderful stories, I have become highly interested in the Baker flintlock rifle, and possibly interested in acquiring a quality working reproduction. I found one for sale online, and apparently, according to their website, they made the ones used in the Sharpe movies, and according to them, YOU actually have one of their rifles. I was wondering if yours is one that fires, and if it is one that has the rifled barrel. Apparently that costs extra, and how they can call a smooth bore gun a "rifle" in their advertisement is beyond me, but I digress...Anyway, I am curious if you actually can vouch for the quality of the weapon? Of course I have no idea if you are even "into" these weapons, or have any interest in them beyond their historical value, but I'd be interested in hearing any opinions you might have on them, especially if you do actually occasionally take it out to the range and get your face sooty.
If you ever find yourself in Los Angeles and want to go for a sail, let me know, we can always use an extra hand! Eddy Houchins Los Angeles, CA
Mine is not proofed so no, it can't fire . . . but as a replica it is superb!
Thanks!
Hello from Spain: Thank you very much for the Sharpe books. I began reading them last september and now I only have the last five to read. I had never enjoyed so much the pleasure of reading. Have you ever thought of introducing a Rifleman who is afflicted with nyctalopia (or it is hemeralopia), a person who can see in the dark? Dan Hagman would be happy...and the readers as well. Thank you very much again. Jose M Ribera
afflicted? I haven't thought of it, indeed I'd never even heard of the condition till I read your question! I'll try to learn more.
Hello Mr Cornwell, just wanted to ask a quick question if you don't mind. Whilst in New Zealand a few weeks ago I met a couple from Bideford Devon in a cafe, I was reading death of kings (which I loved by the way)and we started chatting about Devon as I myself am from Barnstaple. They told me there's a place in Northam called Bloody Corner, there is a stone and a plaque marking the spot where the great viking chief Ubba was killed, just wandering if there was any truth in that? The spot does exist as I googled it soon after chatting to them. Thanks for your time as always Ian
There is controversy about the place where Ubba was killed! I'm sure Northam has a claim, but in truth I'm not certain that anyone is really certain!
Mr. Cornwell, I have read a large number of your books - including the entire Sharpe series - and loved every one! Your research and story telling make history come alive and I have a difficult time putting your books down. I have always wondered - being the lover of history that you are - if you had ever considered writing either a single book or perhaps a short series of books that take place during the time of Oliver Cromwell and Charles I? There seems to be little written about this time period that "ordinary", non-historians would be able to get into. If I find anything about this important time, most of it is very dry. Just a thought. In the meantime, please keep up the great work!
Larry Villani
It's a fascinating period and it has tempted me . . . . but whether I'll ever write a story set in those days? I really don't know.
Mr. Cornwell, As you know you have a lot of fans here in Brazil, and I think all of we would love to read a book written by you with something about our country. About Cangaço, Emboabas War, Mascates War, Farrapos War or Paraguay War& Please think about it for us. Thank you, Lucas. When will you visit Brazil?
I'd love to go back to Brazil...hopefully some day. But I do think your history should be written by someone with a far greater knowledge of Brazil.