Your Questions

Q

Hi Bernard I've only recently been introduced to your work when I was lent a copy of Azincourt. Although I was quite familiar with the story of the battle, this really made it much more tangible. You clearly do your homework before setting it down don't you? I read somewhere that there have been discussions about making a film of it, is that a likely prospect? Would you like that to happen?

I'm slowly working through the Saxon stories now, only one more to go and then the new one next month. One thing I've learned from these was about the battle in Reading in 871, I lived there for the first 24 years of my life and I had no idea it had ever happened. There seems to be little detail available about exactly where this took place and I'd love to find out more. All the best, and much appreciation. Chris

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

As far as I understand (and I'm utterly incurious) there is such a deal and even a script, though I couldn't swear to that. If it all happens, wonderful, and if it doesn't, then it's still wonderful.

I know - it's extraordinary how we've forgotten so much of our early history in England (which is one reason I'm writing the Saxon books!). I'd suggest that the best source is John Peddie's good book 'Alfred, Warrior King', and the bibliography might give you some follow-up ideas.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell. Is there a chance for publishing The Starbuck Chronicles in Poland?

Mike

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

I think it unlikely....

Q

I'll keep it brief, as per your instructions. Having just read The Fort and Azincourt, I realised that WW1 is crying out for the Cornwell treatment (there seemed to be plenty of mud in both books). There must be plenty of good stories, from Reserves/Regular/TA/volunteers/Conscripts, and the range of open warfare, to the trenches, to the movement battles of 1918. Then there's Italy and the wars in Russia, lots to draw on. Good luck with your next projects.

Guy Gibson

Submitted September 14, 2011

A

No plans for a WW1 book, but thanks!

Q

Hope all is well with you Bernard. I have a simple question. How does the UK editions and the US editions vary? I am itching to get started on Death of Kings, but I am torn whether to seek out a UK edition online, or wait and get the US edition next year.

Robert Long

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

No difference - except in publication dates and book covers (and the occasional spelling of a word or two).

Q

Hello. I’m an aerial rigger in the RAF and quite often whilst on ops we get in to a bit of banter (all be it friendly) with the yanks. Having just read The Fort I’m quite looking forward to the next one. I’m also looking to get Redcoat when I get back. After reading The Fort I read more in to the war of independence as I am a military history enthusiast and I know very little about that war. I came across a web site called www.redcoat.me.uk which provided a very different view to the one the Americans give, a view which describes the war as not as just as they would have us believe (rebel atrocities against loyalist and such). I would like to ask if you came across this version much whilst doing your research and what you think about the points made. I always the historical notes ant the end of your books as much as the novels involved. It makes me read more in to each campaign once the book is finished. Thank you for your time Anthony De-Lucchi

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

The American revolution has entered the world of myth - and it's an important myth because it's the foundation story of a great nation. But it is myth! Most Americans have no idea that a French army was involved (it was the largest force at Yorktown) or that a Spanish army was sent to their help. The British have tended to ignore the war altogether (just too embarrassing), while for the French, though they were victorious, the war proved a total disaster (it bankrupted them, in brief). So the myth is a small band of gallant patriots defeating an overmighty army, and it's a good myth! A great corrective view can be had from Mark Urban's brilliant book 'Fusilier' which I recommend highly!

Q

Hi Bernard, I am simply wondering what books you are currently writing that I can look forward to, or any ideas you have in the pipeline that may find there way to print soon? Cheers, Corey Lees

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

The next book is Death of Kings, the sixth book of the Saxon series. It will be published in the UK at the end of this month (and in the US in January).

Q

I love the Arthur series. Do you think that Arthur could also be the warrior Riothamus, who fought in France? The name means King of the Britons, and it was around the same time that Arthur is believed to have lived.

John Carlson

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

Honestly? I have no idea. Not a clue. Some people doubt he ever existed, other people have passionate ideas about who he really was, and me? No idea.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I love your books and I can't wait for the release of "Death of Kings". I just looked at the amazon UK site and they are selling the electronic version for more than the hardcover version... I realise you probably can't do much about their pricing but I find it shocking that we have to pay more for an electronic copy over a physical one. On another note, I'm not sure if you have heard of David Weber but he is also a fan of C.S. Forester and has taken the same sort of protagonist as Hornblower and Sharpe into space which might not be to your liking but I really enjoy reading his books too. He has released many of his books onto the Baen Free Library if you would like to read them.

Ben Borseth

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

That does seem weird . . . . I'll try and discover why the pricing is so strange, thank you. And thank you too for introducing me to David Weber - I have a lot of travelling over the next few weeks so I'll be needing some entertaining reading!

Q

Completely absorbed in listening to The Fort on CD. I keep checking online maps to understand locations of troops and ships. One question. What does PK stand for? I'm guessing picket but I don't think that's correct.

Ken Iciek

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

PK? I haven't a clue! I can't see those letters on the map in my copy of the novel . . if you give me a URL of one such map I'll do my best to find out!

Q

Dear Sire, Am i mistaken or did you made a movie deal for Agincourt. If so congratulations. Could you share some information. Kind regards, Frank Kramer

Dear Mr. Cornwell: I am an avid reader and collector of your novels. I am greatly anticipating your newest Saxon work. I have noticed recently that there are a variety of rumors concerning the adaption of Azincourt into a film. I was interested as to whether there was any factual base o this. As a student of history at the university it is quite nice to have a selection of well written historical fiction along the lines of O'brian and Forrester. Thank you for all your work. Also out of simple curiosity I noticed there are no numbered chapters in the UK versions as compared to the US. And yes I do order your books from the UK so I can read them before the American release.

WILLIAM J BRATTON

Submitted September 9, 2011

A

I didn't! My agent has, I think, but I honestly take no notice (truly!). As far as I understand (and I'm utterly incurious) there is such a deal and even a script, though I couldn't swear to that. If it all happens, wonderful, and if it doesn't, then it's still wonderful.