Your Questions

Q

I'm writing a sort of philosophical work which deals with, among other things, Christian civil disorder in the years up to AD500 - the sort of thing you depicted in The Winter King. Can you direct me to any sources of evidence for these disorders, or for the nature of early Christianity around these times? I'm sorry to say I no longer seem to have a copy of your novel; I don't like getting rid of any books, but I must have been overtaken by clutter. I am a lifelong fan of your work; any new book by you is an automatic buy, given available funds, of course! I'm glad to see you use the Sutton Hoo helmet on your site. I think it's very appropriate, and I've always been fascinated by it. With best wishes, Paul Nash.

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

Off the top of my head I can't - I wrote those books so long ago and the research is all in storage. I kind of remember a book with a title like 'The Conversion of Europe'? I might have made that up. Sorry.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell I have read lots of your books and love watching the Sharpe series over and over. I have just finished reading A Crowning Mercy and thought it would make a great film; are there any plans for this? Yours Sincerely, Gary Sheppard

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

No plans, but I'm glad to know you enjoyed the book.

Q

Hi Bernard did you attend Hacton Primary in Hornchurch, if you are the same Bernard Cornwell then we were in the same class. Victor Smith

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

Wasn't me, sorry - was never at school in Hornchurch!

Q

I am currently reading "the fort" and enjoying it very much. I was just wondering if you could answer me a (maybe)simple question. When reading i like to form an image of characters in my head, as I'm sure you do, thankfully your descriptive text makes this pretty easy. I was wondering however if you have any idea what sort of accents those fighting on the American side would have had? would they be like today's American accents or would they be more like English accents, is it possible that Paul Revere could have a northern accent or that Lovell had a west country drawl or would this have already been lost to generations past. I just wondered as i like to hear them speak in my head. Many thanks, Adam Everest.

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

I think the best guide was probably the recent mini-series on John Adams? Most of the American characters spoke with what seemed like English accents, and I'm assuming that PBS did their research, because I don't really know! There must be an expert somewhere, but I fear I didn't research it!

Q

Dear Bernard, It's just possible that you might think what follows ventures too close to being a plot suggestion, but I do hope not. (And just in case I hereby cheerfully indemnify you against even so much as a mild grouch, never mind a lawsuit, on my part at any point in the future.) At some point, Richard Sharpe really ought to encounter army surgeon James Barry, sometimes known as James "Miranda" Barry, don't you think? Incidentally, I've just encountered Patrick Lassan for the first time. Lovely touch, though I can't help feeling sorry for poor Lucille. I'm sure she'd rather he'd stuck with farming. Thank you for creating a world where one can immerse oneself so thoroughly and entirely forget the everyday for a while. With best regards Helena

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

He might, he very well might.

Q

Sir, I just read Agincourt and the first two books of the Saxon series and well your the best! Anyway I am confused on one point, in the Saxon books you mention the "Old People." Are they celts, romans or an earlier proto celticculutre?

Mark Williams

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

I'm assuming that Uhtred, as the narrator, doesn't know! He just knows that there are mysterious monuments and forts scattered thickly about the landscape, and he probably believes (if he thinks about it at all) that they were built by the British (i.e. the Welsh). He'd be fairly certain they were not roman, their ruins are distinctive, he just knows that there was a people there before the Saxons and they are the 'old people'.

Q

Hi, are there any further books in the starbuck series planned? Harry McQuigg

Mr. Cornwell, This is bullshit! I've waited 17 years now for a fifth book in the Starbuck Chronicles and you're writing Sharpe novels because of a Sharpe show? There's already way too many stories for that character, and he has his own show. Come on man! This sucks... Your most desired character is Starbuck and fans are going batshit crazy and starving looking for him. Sharpe fans have their bellies full from a full course meal. Sharpe could use a vacation, Starbuck has just two more years of war ahead. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Carl Hudson

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

I do hope to get back to Starbuck.

Q

I’ve ready and greatly enjoyed all your Sharpe novels and films. I have one question, as far as I can see Sharpe's uniform has no insignia to show his rank but is always recognised as captain, colonel etc. How is this done?

Andy Phillips

Submitted February 14, 2011

A

I think I mention insignia once or twice, in fact I'm sure I do. I suppose, fairly often, he was simply recognized?

Q

Dear Bernard Cornwell, I first stumbled across The Burning Land around a year ago when I half-heartedly agreed to buy it on offer as part of a three-for-two deal. To date I have not fully read the other two books I bought that day. I finished reading The Burning Land in about a week and immediately set about buying the other four books in the series. I can honestly say I am not an avid reader by any stretch, but your books have captured my imagination like no other author since Roald Dahl. I have now began reading the Sharpe series and am enjoying it immensely. Anyway, I have a few questions. What sources did you use to research The Saxon Stories. Could you recommend some books as I have quite an interest in that time period. Best regards, Alan Kent.

Submitted February 10, 2011

A

I'm glad you like the books! For a list of sources used to research the Saxon Stories, click on the 'Suggestions for Further Reading' link you will find on the Saxon Stories book page.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I'm from Brazil and a true fan of your work. I've read The Warlord Chronicles, The Grail Quest, some Sharpe books and currently I'm reading The Saxon Stories third volume, The Lords Of The North. I was raised to believe that only classic literature holds true value but your books completely changed my views. Nowhere else I've found this sense of epic and atmosphere combined with harshness and realism. The true brilliance of your stories, however, lies in your ability to create larger than life (yet mundane), believable, three dimensional characters. Many times I found myself marvelled at how I how I related to them. It's wonderful to see so many important historical figures showing feelings and doubts just like the rest of us, apart from the cold, apathetic portraits that we see at History books. That said, there are somethings that I've been wondering about.. Were the similarities between Uhtred and Derfel intended? Was Uhtred's arrogance increased to set the characters apart? And which was the hardest book for you to write? Thank you for your time. Ives Leocelso Silva Costa

Submitted February 10, 2011

A

I suppose the similarities are intentional, but Uhtred isn't quite such a nice man, and that was intentional too. The hardest? I don't know. Maybe Lords of the North? But I can't say any stick in my mind as having been brutes.