Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, First let me thank you for Richard Sharpe. The first time I read one - Sharpe's Regiment and bear in mind I had not at that time seen any of the TV programmes two characters came to my mind Sharpe as portrayed by Sean Bean filled my mind and Sergeant Harper as Daragh O'Malley neither actor was familiar to me but the descriptions in your story was so vivid that when I saw them in something else I knew that really they were Sharpe and Harper in disguise. Brilliant! Secondly whilst I appreciate that the Sharpe series are historical fiction, I have learnt more about my country's history in a period that was glossed over in history lessons at school. I knew of course that Napoleon had invaded Russia, I knew that Wellington had beaten him at Waterloo, but did not understand the significance of seeing names like "Badajoz, Salamanca etc," on the colours of British Infantry Regiments. I never realised until I read your books how involved the British Army had been in the Peninsular War or how many miles those men had marched to Waterloo. That I now do is due to you and I thank you for that. I have carried out some research and more to follow but have discovered that I had relatives who fought in the British Army throughout Spain, stood in the ranks at Waterloo, that some relatives fought with the Prussians through Spain and again at Waterloo, but perhaps even stranger is that relatives fought for Boney too! I also have relatives who sailed with Nelson's fleet at Trafalgar. So I have a link to your stories and for enlightening me I can only say "Thank you." Probably you get asked "Will Sharpe and Harper march again?" Well soldiers - and here I speak from experience albeit I served in the Royal Air Force, do eventually hang up their boots etc and slowly fade away, but surely we have not been told all of Richard's exploits? I leave that choice to you and respect it. On another note - any chance of more "Redcoats in the USA?" I really enjoyed that one too. Sorry this has been a long letter, but Thank you for all your books. They have filled many a long lonely watch at night as I escaped to my past. Gerard.

Submitted April 12, 2011

A

Thank you! Have you had the chance to read The Fort?

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My name is Paul McGee. I am a history major and Central Washington University. Just this past year a colleague of mine introduced me to some of your literature. The first book of yours that I had the pleasure of reading was, The Last Kingdom. What an amazing story! I have avidly followed Uhtred's quest through his hectic life and the countryside of England. Your work is fantastic. I was able to do my own research and it is a wonderful thing to have a narrative to go along with historical facts. I hope that you continue Uhtred's story. If you have any idea when you will be releasing another book in this series I would love to know. Thank you for all of your works. I am currently reading Azincourt and have been blown away by the literary genius you pour into your novels! Please give me an update on the Saxon Tales. Sincerely, Paul M. McGee

Hello, my name is Stephan Hillebrand and I am in Germany. Because I am really interested in history, I just want to let you know how much I enjoy reading your Saxon Stories and the Grail Quest. These stories take place in a time so unknown to many people and mystic and you really fill the darkness with colour and light. Besides having lots of fun when I read the books, my theoretically based knowledge of the early mid-age became much more realistic. At least I think that my imagination of this time is now more realistic. ;-) So, I really look forward to reading the next Saxon story. How much Uhtred stories will come in the future and most important question: When do you publish the next saxon story? Will it happen in 2011? Best regards and I wish you all the best, Stephan Hillebrand

Dear Mr. Cornwell, first up I like to thank you for your books! They helped me to increase my English and to start reading in this language. I was wondering if there will be an other book about Uhtred in the Saxon Stories. I really want to now how his Story ends... Thank you very much. Warm regards, Mirijam

Dear Mr Cornwell, I started reading your books in the wrong order; as in I started with the last of your Arthur books. I have now gone on and read the grail quest, the Arthur books, the saxon stories and the fort. My question is are you going to be writing any more of the saxon stories or more like the above series? The Fort was different to what I had been expecting after reading your other books, but at the same time very enjoyable.

James Dale

Please can you give me some hope that there is indeed a follow up book to continue Uhtred's story from 'The Burning Land' and when it may be available? I find this series totally engrossing and would like to see it through to hopefully a satisfying ending.

Bob Bruce

i have just re read the saxon stories in a week & I'm begging you to write a new adventure. I've recently re read the thomas of hookton series as i had stopped reading after flying through sharpe nothing seemed as exciting & i lost the book bug.you have now saved me with your fantastic books the second time so please more uthred

Jamie Dainton

I hope you don't mind this question, but I am completely addicted to the Uhtred books and am intrigued to know if there is more after Burning Land? I did look at your "what's coming" page, but it was empty... Kind regards, Dawn Shepherd

Submitted April 12, 2011

A

I am working on the next book of the Saxon stories now; hope to see it published in October.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell I read your comments regards offering you material etc. However I do have a collection of accurately documented historical data dealing with 5 different families, one even going back to 1069 (originated in Ireland). I have had this info for 45 years and always felt these would make very interesting reading in novel format. Does this begin to interest you? Best regards Donald

Submitted April 9, 2011

A

It might interest me as a reader, but never as a writer, which sounds a little brusque, but essentially I write my stories, and those are really the only stories that work for me. If I write someone else's story then my imagination is constrained. Once in a while I'll write a book which is based on true facts so closely that it leaves small scope for invention (The Fort is a very good example), and while it's interesting to do that, it isn't as enjoyable as writing more fictional fiction. The story of the five families is someone else's story, not mine, and I know I couldn't do it justice because I would constantly be fighting my inclination to invent. That's what fiction writers do, invent. Maybe a biographer would be interested? But thankyou for asking!

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 Mr Cornwell, I write again from Italy to ask you to come to visit Rome for your next book presentation. I'd appreciate it very much like the lots of fans you have here. I have just two question about The Saxon Stories. Do you think Saxon people appreciated roman constructions as Uhtred thinks? How much they knew about Roman invasion? Sorry for my bad English and thank you for your books

Luca

Submitted April 7, 2011

A

We know that some Saxons were in awe of the Roman ruins, because they said so in their poems! And they should be, because the Britain they knew was thick with Roman remains - amphitheatres, towns, temples, bridges, roads, houses. They were falling apart, but they still were more magnificent than anything the Saxons could build, which is one reason why the Anglo-Saxon poet lamented that the world was slipping into decline. I'd love to come to Rome! Or anywhere in Italy! But when? I don't know - soon, I hope - very soon!

Q

Dear Bernard, in a newspaper recently I read that you had greatly enjoyed reading the Shardlake series of books by C.J. Sansome. Until your recommendation my husband and I had not come upon them. They are splendid and like the fantastically enjoyable Sharpe books conjure up characters and history in a thrilling, lively and exciting yarn. I was wondering if you had ever read another series of historical novels by Lindsey Davis, about an entertaining Roman detective called Falco. They too are stunning and through his adventures history is brought to life in manageable chunks. Many thanks for hours of entertainment and pleasure. Kind regards, Andrea Roberts.

Submitted April 7, 2011

A

I have read them and really like them. Falco's a great invention.

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

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.