Your Questions

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

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!


Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. I am Canadian, and have noticed that there is a space in time in which Sharpe could be involved in the inception of the War of 1812, and even possibly be a part of the burning of Washington, DC. Has he ever traveled to North America? I would really like to know if you are planning to publish a Sharpe novel which could include this. Thanks. Gallows Thief was the first of your books I read, and is the one that I recommend others begin with. Funny what gets you started on something, eh? Jud Ranger

A

For reasons described in Sharpe's Siege, Sharpe never will fight in the USA.


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, my favourite Sharpe story of all is Sharpe's Ransom - I was wondering if it would be possible for a future Sharpe novel to explore more of his life in peacetime France?

A. Williams

A

Maybe another short story? I'm not sure I see a full length novel in that setting . . . but who knows?


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, Thanks as ever for putting your great talent on paper and letting the world share it. I would like to ask you if you've read "Sir Nigel" by Conan-Doyle? Apart from many of your works it is my favourite book of all. The medieval period and the setting is a subject close to my heart. Permit me to say in observation that your main characters tend to be the common man whereas "Sir Nigel" is born into nobility, but there are parallels such as the settings, learned details and dark humour. Also the basing of a great story set around known facts and dates. I love the way your characters tend to be earthier and easier for us to relate to. Conan-Doyle's novel is a roistering good yarn full of courtly speech and high values somewhat camouflaging the barbaric acts committed in the name of God, King and country. I'm not writing to ask you to perhaps write something along the same lines, but I am fascinated by "Combat des Trente". A moment in time that didn't decide the path of a nation or change the course of history but won fame and honour for those that fought in it. It is a shame to my mind that you've not squeezed it in at some point. Sir Robert Knolles was there and I've read mention of him in your books. You are a great writer and I rank Sir Arthur no higher. I grew up literally opposite Pevensey castle a massive fortalice steeped in history and haunted by lives come and gone. To stand within the Roman walls on mid-summer eve is truly an awe inspiring experience. It sounds a bit odd but then I was living next door! Anyway enough of my twaddle and thank you again for years of enjoyment not to mention excitement and I for one wouldn't be surprised to hear of a knighthood to go with your O.B.E. May your pen never run dry!

Ben Pocock

A

I'm constantly being made to feel guilty (deservedly so) because the only books I've read by Conan Doyle are his Sherlock Holmes . . . absolutely nothing else and I obviously should remedy that! I shall try to take a look very soon, and thank you for the kind words and the suggestion!


Q

I smiled when I read the reference to Thomas of Hookton in Azincourt. I loved the Grail Quest Series and even though I would like another book in the series I agree that the story ended in Heretic but thanks for the nice wrap-up for Thomas in Azincourt. My father first read Vagabond, something I still tease him about, not sure how one does that - he said it made more sense when he next read The Archer’s Tale. Anyway he told me about your books and that is what started my reading of historical fiction. Love your novels and now my father told me to read some Simmon Scarrow. Also I recently finished The Fort and like many Americans grew-up believing that Revere was a hero. I also loved Redcoat and wonder if the War of 1812 is worthy of a yarn???

Also, when not writing what do you read? Any favorite authors or novels stand-out? Thanks - Kevin

A

I have researched bits and pieces of the War of 1812, but right now it's not high on my list,

What books do I read? A list that could go on forever! I have always been particularly fond of the books by George MacDonald Fraser . I read a vast amount of history. I like good mysteries and detective novels - Ian Rankin, John Sandford, PD James, Dennis Lehane. I could go on and on and on...I'm a HUGE fan of Stuart McBride, who writes Scottish noir tales - police procedurals - but with enormous wit and a very dark imagination....there are many others I enjoy as well!


Q

Looking forward to reading your books. I haven't started yet. I just got No Law in the Land. I think that's the title. Looking for audio cd's and have you done any? Thank You, Gina Holder

A

Sorry, you must have me confused with someone else - I don't have a book with the title No Law in the Land.


Q

http://herocomplex.latimes.com/2011/04/14/sharpe-george-r-r-martin-on-u-k-series-that-made-him-a-sean-bean-fan/. Not sure if you've seen this. It's an article about Sean Bean and George RR Martin's shared affection for you. Seeing as how you and Martin are my two favorite authors (him being a close second), I got a kick out of it. Have you read A Song of Ice and Fire? Anxiously awaiting the next Uhtred book as I can't think of another fictional character that I enjoy more. Thanks for all the great work!

Levi

A

I hadn't seen the article and I'm really flattered by it - thank you! And yes, I'm reading A Song of Fire and Ice at the moment and am a great admirer of George R. R. Martin - thankyou!


Q

Hi Bernard. I have always loved reading but in recent years, since working from home, I only seem to manage to pick up a book at bedtime. Then I tried audio books and, long story short, discovered Georgette Heyer's works narrated by Richard Armitage which in turn lead me to the wonderful 10 CD set of your Lords of the North. Amazing! Whilst I will most definitely go back to the beginning of the series (and your other books) in book form, I was wondering if Richard will be recording the other Saxon books? Thank you. Sue.

A

Glad to know you enjoyed Lords of the North. I don't know the publisher's plans for the audio books - sorry!


Q

Absolutely love your work...never seem to get much sleep when I start a new series... I recall reading "Gallows Thief" shortly after finishing the Sharpe series and couldn't help but expect Richard or Patrick to pop into Rider's pub or perhaps for Rider to eventually head over to the peninsula... Did you ever consider Rider and Richard crossing paths? Many thanks - other than the wait til October... Chris

A

I believe Rider Sandman and a certain Greenjacket officer do cross paths in the book....


Q

am a big fan of yours and I love the Saxon chronicles and the chronicles of Arthur and I have a very important question: is there another edition of the Saxon chronicles Ouvir Ler foneticamente?

Gabriel

Hi Mr Cornwell (aka Bernard) Firstly let me say how much I have enjoyed getting to know Uhtred and reading of his adventures. The 5 books I have read have had me engrossed since my partner bought them for me Christmas 2009. I have read them all several times now and am hanging out for the next. Surely there is a 6th book where Uhtred goes back to reclaim his birthright. Please tell me there is another out there or coming soon. I have read other Viking type books but nothing as good as yours. - "Raven" by Giles (surname I can't remember) is OK but too slow. I think you were very nice in what you said about it on the cover. - Odin's story re; Wolfgar and Co is also very slow but not bad - Wolfskin was very good although also heavy/slow Uhtred was just right and I loved it. Well done, congratulations, keep up the good work. Regards Alan Williams Adelaide, South Australia

hiya, just like to ask you Bernard, if Uhtred will ever ride again? just finished reading the 5th book & cannot wait for the next(if there is going to be one)& i might add,they are among the very best stories i have ever read,salutations to your effort. ty

Greg Page

Is there going to be another book in the Saxon stories, as I feel that the last one did not really conclude the story.

Peter Soars

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a big fan of all your books and have read almost all of them. I was just curious how soon we can expect the next of The Saxon Stories. Thank you for your time yours sincerely Rupert Loyd

Dear Mr Cornwell, I appreciate the answer to this may aire to the negative, or not totally be in your control, but if you were to throw me some hope when to the closest 6 months will the next novel in The Saxon Stories series likely to be published? Sincere thanks, Dominic Jones

I've enjoyed all of your books (which I own) particularly the Sharpe Series as I served in the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada who are allied with the Rifles. (I rose from Rfn to RSM to Major). I also really enjoyed the Alfred the Great series. When will the next installment be published. Thanks, Harry McCabe (live in Canada but born in Scotland).

hello, you will continue writing the stories Saxon? if the answer is yes, what is the forecast for the next book?

Gustavo Assi

A

The next book of the Saxon stories (but not the last book) should be ready for publication in October.