Your Questions

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. Why is it okay for Frederickson to break his parole and go to America, and yet you won't let Sharpe do it? Alan Kempner

Submitted May 5, 2011

A

I don't remember Frederickson making the same promise that Sharpe did, and I don't remember Frederickson breaking parole (it doesn't sound like him - remember parole ended when you were exchanged or freed).

Q

Hi Bernard, it's Corey here. I believe I may be one of your biggest fans (I have 38 of your novels and I'm only 19), I read Harlequin about 5/6 years ago and since then I don't think I've read a single book that hasn't been a historical novel. I was wondering a few things, A) Will there ever be another Sharpe book? Because I recently finished reading the lot and now I feel as if I knew somebody personally who has suddenly gone missing, and I need them back! B) Will there ever be a film of Harlequin? I ask because it is by far the greatest novel ever written, and put into film would be a magnificent achievement. I have fully imagined that book as a film in my mind hundreds of times and it would work exceptionally well (I'm studying TV and Video Production in Newcastle and I like to think I know about these things :D). I've even managed to devise that Sir William Skeat is quite literally the perfect role for Sean Bean. More Sean Bean in more Bernard Cornwell plots is what this world needs most. I truly think you are an outstanding author ,I read some books purely because they have your blessing, and they always turn out to be fantastic (I have you to thank for introducing me to Simon Scarrow's Eagle series ("I really don't need this kind of competition"), second only to your novels). Do you have any similar books to these to recommend? I cannot wait for The Thorn Crown, please keep writing, your novels are all masterpieces and your attention to detail and thoroughness of plot never ceases to amaze me. Cheers, Corey Lees

Submitted May 4, 2011

A

Thank you Corey! I think there will be more Sharpe. Not sure about a film of Harlequin? Nothing in the works right now. Have you had the chance to check out the Reading Club pages of this website? Loads of great recommendations there! Thanks again.

Q

In your book 'Rebel' when Starbuck is at Manassas he is talking to a man called Colonel Lassan. I was wondering if that was the same Henri Lassan from 'Sharpes Enemy'? Declan Gohsman

Submitted May 4, 2011

A

Colonel Lassan (Starbuck) is Henri Lassan's nephew. (You can read more about Patrick Lassan in the short story 'Sharpe's Ransom', found in the short story book Sharpe's Christmas).

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Please allow me to give a brief background of myself and why I am writing before I ask a few questions. First, your books are the best I've ever read in this genre. I am from Massachusetts and have a degree in history and studied history for a period at Oxford University. I read some fiction, but mostly stick to pure history. Many years ago I discovered the pure joy of historical fiction when I read Sharon Kay Penman's book on Richard III (my first was the Killer Angels in College) and then got hooked on Patrick O'Brien to the point I read the entire Aubrey series in a couple of months and read them again a year later. Your books surpass all of these authors and I'm particularly impressed because you cover so many periods of history. It's obvious you do painstaking research before writing a book. I started with the Sharpe series solely based on the advise of a stranger in a book store who saw me looking at your books. Since then I have devoured everything you have ever written and my wife can't believe how quickly I read your books. To stay with the analogy, I am famished. Your various book series are wonderful, but once I finished them, I decided to read your novels. Agincourt and Gallows Thief are my favorites. The only series I did not read was Starbuck. I guess because I'm a yankee and the plot theme did not appeal to me. Well, I just finished "The Bloody Ground" and I must admit that I loved all four books. They are very much like the Sharpe books, but your research on the different historical periods and subtle differences in character make them stand apart. So here are my questions: 1) Will there be another Starbuck book? I pray so. 2) Will there be another Saxon Stories book? This is actually my favorite of all your writing and I'm hoping that you will write one more book. I want Uhtred's story to come to a fitting conclusion. Thank you for all the enjoyment you have given me, but now I am out of reading and going back to pure history seems rather boring to me. You are a literary drug. I hope one day to run into you as I visit Cape Cod somewhat frequently (my parents live in Plymouth), but please just keep on writing! Sincerely, Steven J. Ryan A Big Fan

Submitted May 4, 2011

A

Thank you! My next book, to be published in October, is the continuation of Uhtred's tale.

I do hope to get back to Starbuck one of these days!

Q

Hello! I was wondering (and hoping) if there are going to be any more stories of Uhtred? The first five were awesome, and I'd love to know if and how he manages to recapture Bebbanburg. Over the last two years I’ve really enjoyed working my way through you’re books, starting with the Sharpe series, then Warlord Chronicles, the Grail Quests, Azincourt, the Redcoat, and now the Saxon Stories. Most of them twice! I’ve just started reading Stonehenge this morning and have ordered the Fort. Therefore my reading needs will be met for the next few weeks, but if you could have the next instalment of Uhted’s tale ready I would be most grateful. Seriously, I have thoroughly enjoyed all of your books. Thank you.

When is the next book in The Saxon Stories coming out? I enjoyed the first 5 and am anxious to read the next.

Ken Alger

Bernard, I have read most of your books but still have a few to go. I am now starting The Fort. I became addicted to the Sharpe series and bought all TV episodes on DVD. My wife even enjoys these but I think it has more to do with Sean Bean than Sharpe :) Of all your books, my favourites were the Sharpe books until I read the Saxon Stories. Uhtred is no goody two shoes and that's what I like about him: he is a true pagan Saxon warrior of the 9th century. I am beseeching you to continue the Saxon stories add infinitum. I am going to reread all of Uhtred's adventures and hope that by the time I finish them, that the next volume will be in print. Best regards, Bernard Brule P.S. Where did you ever get such a fantastic first name? :)

Your books are great reading, in particular the Sharpe, Grail and Saxon series.Hope there is something new coming up in your pipeline. Best regards, Helmut Augener Rellingen / Germany

can you kindly tell me when the next instalment of the saxon stories is due to be published in the UK I have just discovered them and think they are wonderful

Jackie Westrop

when is book 6 of the saxon chronicles due out

Kelvin Hunt

Dear Mister Cornwell, I read all 5 books of The Saxon Stories (the German translation)and have to say, that I read just a few books they are so good as yours. I hope, you will write more books about the adventures of Uhtred, and they comes out in German language too. Please excuse my very bad English, but my schooltime is many years ago. I wish you a happy Eastern and much success for your books. Greetings Christian Reuling

I would like to know when and if there are going to be any more books in the Saxon series .Fingers crossed that there are

David Jacob

I like the saxon stories, and am in the process of reading them the second time. I was wondering when the next Uhtred tale was expected? Looking forward to it. Alex Scheierman

Submitted April 21, 2011

A

I'm working on the 6th book of the Saxon Tales now; should be ready for publication in October.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I read Sharpe's Story last week. You said, that they were publishing the Sharpe books. Do you know if they were selling a lot of books or if the Frenchies didn't like Napoleons worst enemy. Thanks Christian

Hello I'd like to know when your lastest books "Burning Land" and "The Fort" will be translated in french. A french fan who is in wait !!!! Thank's for all. Arnaud Valeix

J'adore vos livres mais ils ne sont malheureusement pas tous disponible en français! Quand paraîtra "le fort" en version française? Y a t-il un espoir de voir les "starbuck chronicles" édités en français? Bien à vous, Ronald VD.

Submitted April 21, 2011

A

A number of my books are published in French translation - including some Sharpe books. I don't know the French publishers plan, but I do believe they will continue to publish more! (Although I believe Starbuck and The Fort are not on the list...)

Q

Hello Bernard, I've read quite a lot of your books now and I'm currently really enjoying "The Fort" and I sincerely hope you write more titles based on the AWI period. Like many others, I'd really like to see the next chapter in Starbuck's life in print, but I was just wondering if you've ever thought of a book or a series set during the Crimean War? I'm sure they'd be fantastic! Another interesting period I'd love to see you write about is the New Zealand Wars (a long shot, I'm sure). I'm sure you're a very busy man, but please keep up the excellent work. Thanks, Jamie

Submitted April 21, 2011

A

Well, the Crimean War just doesn't hold much appeal for me, sorry! New Zealand? I think it should be written by someone with a far greater knowledge of NZ. I have visited NZ twice, and like most people fell in love with the place, but two visits aren't enough to make me familiar with the background.

Q

Hi Bernard, As regards to the Starbuck Chronicles, you've stopped at book 4 'The Bloody Ground' and haven't written another instalment for some time. I really enjoyed Sharpe's adventures, and the epic Warlord Chronicles - but it would be nice to see a 'Book 5' of Starbuck some day. This is perhaps because, as a Briton, it's a case of familiarity breeds contempt (eventually) and delight in the histories of other cultures, other distant wars. I'm just wondering what the reason is: to do with lack of time owing to your other projects, whether you've grown disinterested in the series, or even that the Confederacy - what we all know, really! - loses the conflict thus placing Starbuck in a difficult position by 1865. Or are you thinking about ending taking Starbuck beyond US borders...? P.S I've written an amateur gamebook for the Fighting Fantasy Website. P.P.S Not sure if I'm descended Archibald the Wrathful of Scotland - in case you're wondering!

Robert Douglas

Submitted April 18, 2011

A

Oh, I think it's involvement with other projects! But I do hope to return to Starbuck one of these days.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell, I currently finished to read the Burning land and all Saxon Stories, then, I have a question... Uhtred will get recover Bebbanburg Castle?? Because he say during all history that he will get... But, in one of the books, sword song or burning land, he said: "And in that moment I realized that I would never see Bebbanburg".

Lucas Burgie

Submitted April 18, 2011

A

Don't tell anyone, but I think he will recover Bebbanburg. Maybe.

Q

Mr. Cornwell After reading many of your books I took up the Arthur Books. The first thing i noticed was that you maintain the same detail level you did with the Sharpe series, or Redcoat. How was it possible? And how much of the Arthur Books is fictional and how much of it is real? I understand it is not a short answer question, but yet i would like to have an idea of how much of Derfel's world is real, Yours sincerely Joao Aguiar

Submitted April 18, 2011

A

I'd like to think that much of Derfel's world is 'real' in the sense that early sixth century Britain was brutal, riven by civil war and religious strife, and, by our standards, horribly primitive. I guess I'm saying I hope the background is right, but that said we really do know almost nothing about the characters of the period and the events they lived through. About the only fact that historians accept is that there was a battle of Mount Badon and that it was won by the native Britons against the invading Saxons, but no one knows where it took place or who the leader was on the British side. It's very unfashionable to talk about the 'dark ages', but I think that term does apply to the Arthurian period, not because they were unenlightened, but because the record is so thin. We just don't know. We can make assumptions, we can expand on the few thin clues, but most of it is guesswork - historians don't even agree whether there was a man we call Arthur, let alone the rest of them. So what I tried to do was take the legends and put them back into a realistic setting, but I confess the magic kept leaking into the story whether I wanted it or not!