Your Questions

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I was just reading some facts about Waterloo. One fact that stuck out is nearly 20,000 soldiers , in total from both sides, went missing. It seems like a lot for the amount of time the battle was fought. Did most of them run away?

Something different. Have you read about the clipper schooner Scottish Maid? It was built to cheat British tonnage laws. Something about an Aberdeen bow. It weighed 142 tons and was a fast two masted ship. The models of this ship look sleek and elegant. Regards, Nicholas.

Submitted April 7, 2011

A

I'm not sure where that figure comes from, or what exactly it refers to. Does it mean that 20,000 men went absent without leave? If it does (and it seems high) is that from all three armies? Or does it mean that after the battle there were 20,000 men unaccounted for? That's more possible, because some dead might never be identified, especially the French dead (no one left to identify their bodies). I'm sure (certain) some men deserted, but 20,000 seems very high indeed, and I suspect the figure (if it has any meaning) must refer to men whose fate was never determined.

I have not heard of her, but thank you, and I'll look her up. It sounds very interesting.

Q

Hi Bernie, I am an armourer living just outside Winchester, and I was wondering if there are any more saxon chronicles to come? Does Uhtred take back Bebbanburg?

And also, do you know if the Hogsback between Guildford and Farnham ever featured as a stronghold or border between lands? Whenever I drive to London I can not help but look out from that hill and see two perfectly enclosed little kingdoms, one either side. Thank you for your time. best regards

Robert of Stokewood

Submitted April 7, 2011

A

I am writing the next book of Uhtred's tale now; hope to see it published in October.

I know the Hogsback fairly well, but I have never heard if it has any significant history. It's certainly never mentioned as a battlefield, though it would be a superb defensive position. I seem to remember a tale about some bodies being dug up on the crest and the assumption that they were executed criminals - which is romantic (unless you were one of the victims).

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell. Just finished "The Fort" and I was wondering, given the extensive research you undertake, do you consider your works as bona fide pieces to be studied along side actual non fiction works, given that Wikipedia has made reference to "The Fort" in relation to the Penobscot expedition and given that non fiction books are not always totally factual, mostly written from the author's bias. And any educated speculation you make might just be closer to the truth than what might be offered in non fiction? Because I'm probably shamed to say most of my English historical knowledge is gleaned from yours and other historical novels. Let's face it, novels are more fun to read. I'm a huge fan of Australian and English military history.

My other point is were you careful to write "the Fort" from as much of an American POV to avoid the lynch mob? I liked the book but found it less entertaining than the Arthur, Sharpe and Saxon books, (sorry) just anxiously waiting for the next one. Thanks for your time.

Adrian

Submitted April 7, 2011

A

The Fort is really not typical of my books, and in many ways it's closer to non-fiction (though, of course, most of the dialogue and the thoughts of the characters are invented). I did try to follow the real history very closely (and admitted in the Historical Note where I had changed it). But yes, we do make assumptions about history when writing fiction, and we have a freedom that is denied to the 'serious' historian. Dudley Saltonstall's behaviour has always been puzzling, and as a result he has taken the giant's share of the blame, but I could (try to) get inside his head and understand why he behaved the way he did - and in truth almost all his decisions were entirely rational. He never left us an account, so perhaps we'll never know, but I suspect (hope) that my explanation is accurate (but, as I said, we'll probably never know). The Penobscot Expedition (understandably) has received very little attention from historians, so possibly The Fort will remain the most accessible account for many years. George Cuker's book is splendid, but as a naval officer he has an axe to grind, and though I believe he's absolutely right about the Massachusetts's Conspiracy (to blame the federal government), his version of Saltonstall goes too far (I think). History, of course, is written by the winners, and that does skew our view of it. Mark Urban's splendid book Fusilier would interest any American who would like to see the revolution in a slightly different (and I think accurate) light.

Nope! What is interesting about the Penobscot expedition was the American side! They had to make the decisions (really McLean just had to survive). And they screwed up, and that's far more interesting - to discover what were the pressures on them, and the personalities that affected the decisions. I also discovered a genuine admiration for Peleg Wadsworth, whose letters I read (written long after the event) and which reveal him to be a truly splendid man, a man who deserves to be better known as a hero of the revolution.

Q

Hi my name is Marcus and I'm 14. I've already read the saxon stories series twice because I can't wait for the next one. I was wondering if there is going to be a excerpt or preview of the next book in the saxon stories? I would be really happy if there is going to be, because I can hardly wait to read the next book. -Marcus

Submitted April 5, 2011

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Hi Marcus! Yes I will put an excerpt of the next Saxon story on the website as soon as I've finished the book. Hopefully that will be soon!

Q

I have read and enjoyed all your books so far published. I am particularly addicted to the Saxon series, coming as I do from one Ulfac, of Little oevr, Cheshire. Can you give me any idea when I can expect to read the next,(and final?) book in the series. At the age of 80 I haven't a lot of time left!!!

Bill Littler

My father loves your books, in fact can read it in a day and then goes back and rereads it to get better details. He feels that you owe one more from the Saxon Chronicles to finish out the series. Of course, this is said with humor but he really wants you to write this per his dying wish, more humor. Thank you.

Kelley Scott

Hi Bernard, I started reading your saxon stories a month ago and have become hooked, i have just finished reading all of the books in this series. When will you be finishing the series as i want to read about Uhtred destroying Haestens army and recapturing Bebbenburg (or not. Do you have any plans to continue this series? I hope you do as I'm a massive fan of these books and i have enjoyed each title. Kind Regards Chris Fenwick

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a really big fan of your Saxon Stories. Especially since I am very much involved in viking reenactment on one and late medieval reenactment on the other hand. (Me, my wife and friends of ours do armored and unarmored show fights on events throughout Germany and living history in camps etc...) I just wanted to thank you for these thrilling stories which link and continue with the sagas and stories I loved to read as a boy on until today. But the main question of all is: When will Uhtred of Bebbanburg set sails northwards again? I hope he will.... Best regards from Germany, Christoph Allgaier

Dear Mr. Cornwell, A big fan of your books and also a fellow sailor. I've especially enjoyed The Saxon Stories. Anxious to hear about the next book in the series. Is there another in the work. Best Regards, Harwood

Dear Bernard, Over the last 12 months I have got into the "Saxon Stories" and found them not only exciting reads but a window into the history of the period (in spite of my descending from the "Britons" i.e. Welsh). It apparent that there is more to come from Uhtred but is another edition planned and do you have a publishing date. kind Regards, Barry Reide

dear Bernard, here goes my first fan letter. Just finished the last of your Saxon stories. I picked up the first one at random having never read any of your work and not realizing it was even part of a series, I just liked the time period. loved them of course, read each back to back as if it where on book. Now I'm wondering when I can expect the next one. I will be reading some of your other works, but is there one in the works soon? Sami Hajjar

Submitted April 5, 2011

A

I am working on the next book of Uhtred's tale now; hope to see it published in October.

Q

Dear Bernard Cornwell, I recently picked up your Saxon Stories series to read and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed reading them! I hope there will be more in the series! I am currently partaking in writing a piece of historical writing for one of my units for my university degree as historical fiction always fascinates me. I have to write about a Viking for my final piece, as I love that period of history, and of course I have used historical facts as well as fictional aspects to make it come alive. As a point of interest therefore, I was just wondering how you yourself like to write your novels. Do you like to research your period on what you are writing about first? Or do you personally prefer to write your piece first, delving into the deep end, and worry about all the historical facts later? For myself, I like to use a combination of both, a little research, and then write creatively before researching some more to check it all makes sense. Thank you for your time, Meg.

Submitted April 5, 2011

A

research never really stops; I'm continually researching - if not for the book I'm currently writing, then for the one I'll write next, or that I'll write a year or two from now. I've been reading history since I was a child, and all that reading contributes to what I do. However - when thinking about a new book I'll spend some months reading in a very concentrated way, though how long and how much depends on the book. When I wrote The Fort, set in the American Revolution, though I know the period well, I still needed six or seven months of reading. I've spent a lifetime reading about mediaeval warfare, but the detailed research for Azincourt began about a year before I started writing that one. I probably spent at least two years on dedicated research before writing the Arthur books. I don't spend too much time researching Sharpe these days, partly because I've spent forty odd years reading and researching the period, so much of it is now second nature.

Q

hello Mr, Cornwell I just love your books, especially the war lord chronicles. I am currently using one of these books for a project I am doing in school. I had just one question, what inspired you to write it? you see, I have to write a introduction, containing your career and inspiration for the books. Could you help me with this? because I can't find it anywhere else. thank you, Ane

Submitted April 5, 2011

A

Well, I grew up in England and, like any child interested in history, soon encountered the mythical figure of King Arthur and so became interested in him.

Q

Love all your books - but any chance of continuing the Starbuck chronicles - isn't it about time that Nathaniel marched again?

John Sparkes

As it appears Sharpe is in for retirement, how about not to sound cheesy or anything but perhaps we could have (and I stress perhaps)have a book or a series on books on how Patrick Lassan son of Sharpe ends up involved in the American Civil War and his various adventures thus bringing you full circle back to the Starbuck Chronicles and maybe allowing for a further Starbuck novel? Joshua Selig

Dear Bernard, In respect to Nathaniel Starbuck, it is true that the books' structure is somewhat similar to that of the Sharpe series, however the historical background is fascinatingly different and the atmosphere and times of the American Civil War breathtakingly described. One fully understands that enough is enough, and the Civil War as subject matter seems to have that effect on people (for instance, the abandoned third film of the Gods & Generals and Gettysburg trilogy). This being said, may I join the gathering of Philistines to exhort my favourite author to contemplate once more a sequel in the Starbuck Chronicles? With much appreciation, Robert Wood

Submitted April 4, 2011

A

I'm not planning on a series for Lassan; although I do hope to get back to Starbuck - and there will be more Sharpe!

Q

Hi Bernard, I have just read the Starbuck Chronicles’ back to back, and just wanted to say well done. I know this means nothing from a 30 something UK based surveyor, but the books were great, and I sincerely mean it, well done. I went to your web page to find the title of book 5 for my kindle but I saw on your FAQ page that time is the problem with revisiting the Starbuck books. If I may, poor Nate has a bullet hole in his cheek, he is spitting blood, and retreating from Antietam, surely you cannot leave him there! Many moons ago, General Studies A Level saw me memorise several things in the hope of a question relating to them, and a battle was one, I learnt Gettysburg! Nate still has to attack the round tops or be involved in Picketts Charge! Let alone everything that happened in 1864 and early 1865. As a History graduate I never really had the chance to look at US history, but this has fired up my enthusiasm for this period of US history, any chance of Nate and Truslow reappearing and more importantly getting even with Billy? Regards, Adrian

Submitted April 4, 2011

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