Your Questions

Hi again, Mr. Cornwell. If I'm not mistaken, somewhere in the Starbuck Chronicles, you mention that Colonel Lassan was at the battle of Solferino in 1859, and that it was there that he lost his eye. This is interesting because the battle was bigger than any that Sharpe fought in (160,000 on each side), because of the particularly fierce nature of the fighting, and because of the high casualty list. Perhaps, in a future Starbuck novel, you can devote a few pages to Lassan telling Starbuck the story of his part in the battle? It would be easier than writing a whole novel on Lassan. Alan Kempner

Dear Bernard, It is some time back that i finished your last Saxon story as I have read each one as soon as it was published. The next Uhtred scheduled for October is already in my Amazon shopping basket! I actually plan to read them all from the start again as they are wonderful stories and I am fascinated by that historical period. There was an element in The Last Kingdom that I have sort of missed from the later novels and that was how you captured the Viking culture and beliefs; the reading of omens in the flights of birds, the sacrifices to the gods, etc. It brought a magical element to the book that is common throughout the your Arthur books. Is there any way that you could insert a little more of that into your future Saxon books? I don't want to seem pushy but you really make another age and time come alive with all those pre-Christian beliefs and superstitions.

On another quick note, I recall reading that you had planned to write seven or eight Saxon novels in total, is that still the plan or will there be more than that? Keep up the great work, you bring joy to your readers! Erik

Me and the lads were having a little discussion about Nicholas Hook. At one point you mention that the archers were whistling a popular Robin Hood tune. I can't really find any surviving tunes that are that old, though many probably have older roots. So were you assuming that the many ballads would have had recognizable tunes, or is there a specific tune that you had uncovered? It'll probably appear trivial to you, but one of the lads wants to whistle it, he just cut himself a warbow modelled on Hook's, and is about the same size and stature, so it seems apt enough to us. Nils Visser

I am just rereading the Starbuck Chronicles after visiting Manassas, and Appamadox Courthouse last year. You say at the end of the Historical notes of 'The Bloody Ground' that 'Starbuck will march again'. Can you tell me when. Many thanks Tony Hewison Newcastle upon Tyne England.

i love your books i have read nearly all your books twice or more and would like to thank you for the joy they have given me. Please can you continue the starbuck series just read the 4 for the 5th time and not knowing what happens is killing me. Wishing you well Stephen Dawson

Dear MR. Cornwell I'm a young writer who has been inspired me to write my own book. I know you have been asked this many times but when will the next starbuck book be published?

Michael Molman

Hello Bernard, I have read nearly all of your books and loved everyone of them. I was wondering if you ever intent to write any more of your nautical thrillers? Thanks Adam

Dear Mr.Cornwell- Thank you for the Saxon stories! I anxiously await Uhtred's next campaign. I am interested in reading more about the History of the Saxons. Are there any history books that you would recommend? Many thanks. Karin Cieslik

Having just finished 'The Burning Land' I am impatient to know 'what happens next'. Is there a sequel planned to continue Uhtred's adventures and when can we expect it?

Heather Duggan

Hi Mr Cornwell, please tell me when Uhtred will ride/walk again. I was so disappointed when the last of the Saxon series finished and he still had taken back his Bamburgh. Please finish this series soon. Secondly, did I imagine it or did Sharpe get a nod, albeit without being named, in Simon Scarrows Fields of Death during the battle of Waterloo. Please continue the excellent work, thank you. Edward Carnegie

Hello Mr. Cornwell, first ... sorry for my bad english! I write this e-mail, because i want to know when the next part of the saxon stories will come to our bookstores in germany. I don't want to seem impatient, but i feel like a little boy that waits for santa claus! (By the way.. i´am 32). Thanks for your answer. With kind regards Förtsch Stefan (Germany)

Dear Mr. Cornwell I HAVE BEEN READING THE SAXON TALES SINCE MY TEACHER FIRST INTRODUCED IT TO ME 2 YEARS AGO. I AM WONDERING IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON WRITING ANOTHER BOOK TO THE SAXON TALES? I CAN'T WAIT TO READ IT IF YOU DO WRITE IT. Sebastian Zebracki

Mr. Cornwell, I am sure that someone else has asked this, but I feel compelled to as as well: When do you think that you will be able to write the next book in the Saxon Stories series? I have read The Burning Land as soon as it was released, and I am anxious to read what happens next. Thanks, Dale Adams Cincinnati Ohio

Dear sir cant get enough of your books then pass them to a friend who then returns them. is there a follow up to THE BURNING LAND being from the northeast of england cant wait to see when uthered regains bamburgha castle

Brian Shelley

Hi, Just wondered when the next warlord novel is coming.

Lee Parnell

Page 61, top, The Burning Land: "...fastened at the back with loops and buttons..." Buttons, as fasteners for clothing, did not appear until the 13th century.

Clayton Adams

Bernard, I am a big reader of your books especially Sharpy. I have now completed your latest "the Fort" I must say how disappointed I am in you view point as an Englishman. The book was bias towards the colonials and never really saw the British point of view. yes, we kick some bums and characters went to notoriety in other campaigns. The you went on to say to your book dedication Col John Wessmiller and he would Know what to do. This statement hurts as an Englishman and an ex Serviceman. I am happy that Brigadier McLean was portrayed as he was in your book but deeply down I strongly believe he would have made a good stand and the British would have come away from this action as Victorious for defending a piece of earth so well. you mention Moor in this book and it would be very interesting for you to write about him. I have still got a lot of your books to read in your Arthurian series but look forward to your next book Dave

Dear Mr.Cornwell, I love your books from the medieval period and Uhtred's adventures leave me glued to the pages you wrote no matter what. I would like to ask you, whether you agree with the claim that Uhtred is the "ultimate anti-hero"? To me, all the priests, christians(including Alfred) are the anti-heroes. Maybe it is because I come from a quite atheistic society(Czech republic) and the life of a so-called "pagan" sounds much more fun and rational to me(drinking, feasting and women) than a life of piety and asceticism. Uhtred's conflicts with Christian priests are simply a delight to read! Could you comment on this? Greetings from Czech republic and keep up the great work! (apologies for the mistakes in my English)

Jan