Your Questions

have read that you are the son of an Airman...my Dad was 434th Sqd. Croft Yorkshire..any thoughts of history of the the bomber squadrons coming up?love your books and so do my kids and students..history comes alive!!! thank you

Joan Beattie

Hi Bernard Hope the weather's not to bad over with you. Its getting pretty nippy over here in Blighty!! I'm really looking forward to reading "Death of Kings" soon, which I've asked for off my Sister for Christmas. As much as I love old Dick Sharpe, and hope you will return to him one day, I do think that Uhtred's adventures are your best. I'm just reading "the Burning Land" now, and am really enjoying getting back into that world, because its been a while since I read "Sword Song.) It suddenly occurred to me to ask you if you have come across a book called Havamal? In case you haven't the title means "Sayings of the High One", he of course being Odin. Its included in the Edda, but is also available separately. Havamal is a book of Viking Age Proverbs, like a Norseman's I-Ching, and is full of homely wisdom. Its not really about Battles, but about the practical aspects of daily life, and Uhtred would have certainly been very familiar with many of them. The reason I've suddenly thought of this is because I've just reached the bit where Uhtred has just crushed the Danes at Fearnehamme and as usual gets no credit for it. It reminded me of this proverb from Havamal. "Cattle die, kinsmen die All men are mortal Words of praise shall never perish Nor a noble name." I think that makes Uhtred's situation so much more bitter. He does great things, he is renowned and feared in his own day, and yet because he is written out of history, those "Words of Praise" will wither away, and no-one will remember him or his deeds. So, I was curious if you have read Havamal and whether that was in your mind when you created Uhtred, and a world where he would be constantly slighted? Anyway I must get back to him now, because he's about to break his oath to Alfred and go up North! Regards Matt in England

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. Since Frederickson is part German, would there be much possibility that he fought for the Prussians at Jena and Auerstadt in 1806, perhaps in a Jaeger squadron, before he joined the British army and met Sharpe and Harper? Alan Kempner

Hi Mr Cornwell, I was wondering if you have read anything about the Varangian Guard and if so could you recommend anything - there seems to be a dearth of fiction AND non-fiction with regard to the subject (possible new line of books for you there!) p.s just keep doing what you're doing, I'm loving the Saxon Series.

Garry Reeves

Have you been approached by film companies wanting to make a film of 'The Fort'? It would make a superb film. No doubt American backers would want to adjust the battle slightly and include more love interest but still, I think it would be a winner!

Paul Simpson

I am a big fan of the Sharpe novels - I'm going through them all again at the moment, and I'm just reading 'Sharpe's Trafalgar'. As much as I appreciated the TV series, has anyone ever mentioned Hollywood for them? - The Sharpe franchise would be superb epic movies - might I suggest bigger than Bond and Potter put together! I would personally be keen on investing in such a movie. Regards Peter W

Hi Mr. Cornwell, would you please be able to provide an update on your intentions with the Starbuck Chronicles? The FAQ suggests you were struggling to find time to get back to Nate (but that was in 2001). Some further info would be great. Regards, Paul J

Per a WSJ recommendation, I read two books from the Saxon Stories and enjoyed immensely. I decided to mix it up and read Starbuck and could not put it down until finishing. You're busy, I'll be brief. Please continue the story! The last line of Bloody Ground is "Starbuck will march again." His fans really really want him too! Thank you for your outstanding stories, and keep 'em coming. Eric Houssels

G'Day I am wanting to know if you are publishing any more books on Nate Starbuck. I have just finished reading all four books and love them. Thank you for your time Adam

Hi Bernard I know you have said you will probably keep Starbuck in the East but what about getting to Chickamauga with Longstreet as otherwise he would be at Bristoe and Kellys Ford/Rappahnock station otherwise and they were defeats

Geraint

Having enjoyed your Starbuck chronicles, is there to be a follow up to The Bloody Ground? If so when can it expect to be published. Thank you/

M C Smith

Hi Bernard: I am trying to wade through a virtual plethora of books re the Peninsular War so as to get a more accurate and factual discussion of its beginnings and end. Charles Esdaile's "Napoleon's Wars" Is a difficult, plodding and extremely convoluted and does not seem to follow the war. Can you recommend another author, perhaps one you enjoyed reading? ps I have almost all your novels/series and am dreading the transition to e-books. Doug

Dear Bernard, I am a big fan of all your many books that I have read, but particularly like The Arthur Books and The Saxon Stories. Apologies for the boy-like type question, but can you please settle an argument for me and perhaps a question on many readers' tongues? Who would be triumphant in a single combat duel, the mighty Derfel or the fearless Uhtred?

Simon Childs

Mr. Cornwell, The wait for Death of Kings is killing me and I am truly excited about it coming to America. I was wondering what the is difference between the UK and US versions of the book?

Christopher