Your Questions

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have been a great Sharpe enthusiast for many years, and watch all the TV episodes over and again, whenever they are screened (regularly on "Yesterday") but until quite recently I'd never read any of the novels. Being a keen student of military history, especially the Waterloo campaign, I read Sharpe's Waterloo and was hooked! I've since been working my way through the whole series of novels, and hope to be up to date in the new year, as I retired earlier this year and have lots of time to read now! I've enjoyed all the ones I've read so far but have particularly enjoyed "Trafalgar" and "Regiment". The books are excellent! I particularly like the attention to detail which gives the books such a keen sense of authenticity. I hope I am a discerning critic, as I have both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in English Literature and am currently President of the Hull Literary Club - which (I think) is now the oldest active literary society in the country, being founded in 1879. When I've finished all the novels I intend to prepare a lecture for the Club. I have also wondered whether any of the novels not yet dramatised might make the transition to screen at some point in the future? If another actor could be found? Perhaps one a little like the character in your splendid books - more ruthless and unscrupulous than the portrayal to date? All good wishes Keith Parsons

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I'm Brazilian and I really love your books, thank you for sharing such a talent with us! Although I do like all of the periods of history, I'm particularly interested by the High Middle Ages, and from your books that I've already read, the ones from the Grail Quest were the ones that I liked the most. So I would like to ask if you think of writing more novels set in the High Middle Ages, maybe about the Battle of Hastings, Richard the Lionheart's crusade and campaigns in France, the Barons' War, or who knows, the First Scottish War of Independence? By the way, I'm really eager to read the new Thomas of Hookton book. Can you tell in what year it will take place? Sorry for making so many questions. Thanks, João.

How big is Uhtred? 6'2" 250?

Don Kennedy

Does the Earl of Battenburg take his kingdom? When can we expect Thomas of Hookton to string his bow again? When does Starbuck march again?

James Halbert

Where do get your book titles from? For instance "Death of kings" is Shakespeare ("For God's sake, let us sit upon the ground And tell sad stories of the death of kings" Richard II) but what about the others ? (OK we can ignore the Sharpe books!). Pyers Symon

Mr Cornwell I have a question about Lord Paunceley from Fallen Angels, was he part of the Fallen Angels or not? In his last scene he seemingly conspires with Gitan to send Campion to her death but we later learn Gitan was working with Toby. Did Paunceley know this, or was Gitan fooling him also? Many thanks.

Euan Robertson

Hi Bernard. First of all, thank you for all the years of wonderful writing. Coming from the north east of England, I naturally love the Saxon stories. Bamburgh, Durham... Takes me back to my youth visiting these wonderful places and imagining I was a warrior in the time of Uhtred! I was wondering if you've been to the places you write about or do most of your research online, living as you do in the U.S.? That's it really, except to add, keep up the good work and I hope we find out, one day, what the future holds for Mr. Starbuck!! Thank you again, yours, Paul.

Another question that I forgot to ask you! Though I know historical writing is your fortè, have you ever considered writing a book set in the present day or the recent past? For example the first or second world wars. Just a thought. Cheers, Paul

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Goodness, where to start. I sat down to thank you for the fantastic novels that I have had the immense delight of reading over the years and to regale you with lauds however I find the words escape me. Suffice it to say that I am a fan and recomend highly your books to my peers. I have always been enamoured with the history of the British Isles from its early years under Roman rule to the reign of HRM. Elizabeth I. and I find that you capture the essence entirely. Have you ever considered writing a series on the Norman conquest? I have found the whole of it to be truly fascinating. Another intriguing time would be the life of Edward I and his dealings with the Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. I know it's been done several times, but perhaps you could be the one to bring a new perspective on it. Please do not consider this a suggestion as I know you cannot accept ideas or manuscripts, rather an opportunity to explore another era of England's glorious history and to write down what you find for the enjoyment of others. In closing, I want to thank you again for such richly detailed books. Perhaps, one day, I will be able to visit the lands of my heritage and revel in its history. Until then, I shall have to visit them in your books. Keep up the great work. Respectfully yours, Chad.

Dear Bernard I've read and enjoyed all your books, most recently the Starbuck series, which I've just finished and combined with a trip to the Manassas battlefield (in the 150th anniversary year of the first battle). So again the question, having read your comment under 'The Starbuck Chronicles', but given that the Sharpe TV series is apparently finished: any update on when a further Starbuck book might appear? I'm sure I'm not the first to think how well this would go down in the US (Gettysburg 150 years ago in 2013??)... Best wishes Jonathan Russell

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have recently completed my collection of all your works with the purchase of Sharpe's Devil and look forward to the read. However, I got into your books through the Starbuck Chronicles. I know it's been 15 years since the last one was published (and some people may have forgotten the plot in that time) but it would be fantastic if at some point his story finished: he is forever stuck halfway through the Civil War - a subject on which it is hard to find good historical fiction books that are not all about Abraham Lincoln!! Loving all the Uhtred books as well, but live in hope that Nate's tale might one day continue!

James Marsden

I just finished listening to Agincourt and LOVED it! I have read so many historical novels that take place around that time and which mention Agincourt, that to find something that deals strictly with it, was great. Now I am listening to another....just started it last night...The Burning Land - again about a period that fascinates me, especially after seeing some of the ancient lookout towers built on Irish monasteries. And amazingly enough, I just found out you are the author of the Sharpe books. I watched the entire dvd series, one after the other until I had seen them all. Sean is eye candy so it was not so difficult. Truly, I enjoyed them tremendously. Next I will either read Stonehenge or try to find the audio version if there is one. Thank you so much for many hours of educated, inspiring entertainment. Your heroes and heroines and 3-dimensional and human with frailties as well as heroism. Oh, and I plan to look for Agincourt, the one you most highly recommend at the end of your book. By a woman, forget her name, but Goddess bless Google and/or Amazon, for I will find it!

I had a question while reading Agincourt but forgot it when I wrote earlier today; one of my favorite programs is Battlefield Detectives. I am wondering if the battlefield of Agincourt has ever been excavated? So much has been found in the past on other battlefields which often puts the lie to written history. I did find the Julia Barker book and ordered it. And having just discovered you, it appears I am reading the Saxon stories bassackwards since I am starting with The Burning Land, but not to worry, will go back to the beginning and read them all. And of course will order Death of Kings when I have caught up with the complete saga.

One more question, what is the percentage of women who read and enjoy your books? Vicky Shaw