Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I have read all the Uhtred books published so far and they are the best books I have ever read. I am reading your Arthur books now. My question is, Have you ever considered writing the Robin Hood story? Thank for all the great books you have written. James

I Began reading the Sharpe series last November(Rifles). I have read several more but sadly, I didn't read them in order. As a result, I have gaps that I am not able to fill. Such as, when did Jane Gibbons turn on Sharpe? Which book covers this event? What happened to the spy and his daughter (the spy was tortured to reveal the names of his contacts)? My recollection is that they become expendable. Is there reference to them in another book? I am sure I will have other questions as I continue to read the series. I am reading Waterloo now. The best so far is "Sharpe's Rifles". By the way, these are great books and I have read several others Stonehenge, Redcoat, Rebel, and Heretic. Tried Pale Horseman but... I'm a fan and will continue to read your work. I thoroughly enjoy the way you have presented history through fiction and your alibis for the literary license. Thanks, Dick Chandler

Hey Bernard, I am a college student and I have been reading your books for awhile now, and every time I finish one of your new releases I can't wait for another to come out. Reading up I see there will be a Saxon story and perhaps a Starbuck? haha one can only home. But the real question I want to ask is honestly were you at all disappointed in the Sharpe Series movies. One hundred percent honest I did like the movies. Most of all I liked the character selection, everyone was fine characterwise. Except for Hogan, but I won't nitpick. I was just disappointed with how different the movies were from the books. Do you at all feel the same?
Tom Brown

Any chance of a book with Sharpe's son at Rorke's Drift and/or Isandwana? That would only be 14 years after the US Civil War. Being a French Cavalry Officer he could be assigned to the Prince Imperial's Staff.

Bill

Hello, Mr Cornwell my name is Eric and I am a student of history in California State University Fullerton( just thought I put that out there because I'm very proud that I'm in college right now, )I am a huge fan of you Saxon Chronicles. I have a questioned. It is neither an idea nor a suggestion, just a question. Have you ever thought about writing a novel about the English free companies who fought northern Italians city state wars? If anybody could do it I believe it is you. Please get back to me when you can afford it. Thank You. Eric Espino

I am rereading The Warlord Chronicles. I read them for the first time about 14 years ago, when I did not even properly speak English. But all these years some episodes have been etched in my memory, so well were they written. Thank you very much, mister Cornwell. Among those episodes are the single combat descriptions: Arthur versus Owain in "The winter king", Tristan against the Kernow champion in "The enemy of God" and, the best of them all, Derfel versus Liofa in "Excalibur". I would dare to guess that the author knows very well what he is writing about and himself has operated foil or saber or epee on more than one occasion. Ant the other thing got stuck in my mind. It is when Derfel from the shore is watching Cerdic's ships going away and listening as the Sais rowers sing: Hwaet for your mother and hwaet for your girl, and hwaet for your lover that you hwaet on the floor. :-))) I wonder where does the song come from?

Alexander Dvorkin

Hello Mr. Cornwell. I will write an essay about fear in the 100 years war. I would like to know what book would you recommend to me, and, if I focus on the British coast and the fear of a french invasion, what should I read? Thanks.

Rodrigo Ongaratto

Thank you very much for your response regarding the archers and their draw weights. Segueing into swordplay, did the warriors of Uhtred's time (and all times, I guess) have massively developed musculature of their sword arm? Would the shield arm also be equally developed? BTW, some of my undergraduate work was in Old English. I particularly appreciate the way the Uhtred books often have the rhythms, cadences and alliteration of the Norse Eddur. As a geologist, I enjoy your descriptions of how geology often determines the outcome of a battle. Finally, Thank you for the wonderful Saxon series. I have read and re-read each volume and remain completely enchanted!

Jennifer

Mr Cornwell, I know you get the same questions all the time about when the next Starbuck or Sharpe books will be written (for good reason, as they are excellent characters), but which is likely to come first, a new Sharpe adventure or the continuation of Starbuck's tale?

Joe

Just finished Redcoat, having somehow managed to miss it first time around. Excellent! Before that, I also enjoyed American Scoundrel by Tom Keneally, a biography of (General) Dan Sickles. What a character! Looking forward to renewing his acquaintance when Starbuck rides again. They have to meet - surely?

Tony Mills