Your Questions

Q

Dear Cornwell Recently I went into a discussion about the Vikings and a major reason this discussion is that other person calling the viking of a nation and say they have always been a nation (and not a junction of several norse tribes who later were called Vikings). He also disagrees that the term Viking was (in ancient times) an action (exit "Viking") and insists that there was a Viking and Viking philosophy even before the Norse Vikings. you could tell by his knowledge who is more right about the Vikings (Vikings and philosophy existed before the Norse Vikings?The norse called themselves of Vikings and had an idea that they were only one nation, a nation viking? the word viking was referring in the past to all the Nordic people? Thanks in advance Your fan Arthur Nietch

Submitted February 9, 2011

A

Well, he's part of what is politely called a 'dialogue', meaning there's disagreement. Maybe he's right, but there doesn't seem to be any evidence to support it. I've concluded that Viking essentially is a verb from which we get the noun, but that there was no Viking nation - merely men who went viking at some point in their lives.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I really like your books but I find it disappointing that very few of your books have been translated into Dutch. Do you know why this is and is this something that perhaps will change? Best regards, Rene

Submitted February 9, 2011

A

I have very recently heard from my agent that there will be a new publisher in Holland so you will see more of my books soon!

Q

Hi from the UK. Like many thousands around the world I am an avid reader of your books. I am currently re-reading (one benefit of a poor memory) your Sharpe series using a Kindle. However I've just discovered that the next in the series 'Sharpe's Sword' is not available in Kindle format!!! Is there a reason for this and will it be released in this format? Please keep new books coming, I'll read the 'Fort' when its released in the smaller paperback in the UK. Best regards Graham

Hi Bernard, I've been reading the Sharpe series on the Amazon kindle, and have just finished reading Sharpe's Company. I have thoroughly enjoying the series so far, however I just found that the next book in the series (Sharpe's Sword, as I'm reading in chronological order) is not available currently. My question is, do you know if (and when) this book will be available on the kindle from Amazon.co.uk? As I can't wait to continue reading the series. Kind regards, Phil

Hello Mr. Cornwell, I know that you use the iPad as an ebook reader which I also sometimes but I prefer to use my Kindle. The problem I face and I am not sure if you are aware of it but "the Fort" is no longer available on Kindle only iBook. Regards, Christopher

Submitted February 9, 2011

A

Apparently problems occasionally arise with ebooks in the translation to Kindle. When readers report this the book is taken out of circulation and corrected. It may take a few weeks, but then the book should be available again once corrected. I'm told Sharpe's Sword should be back next week. The Fort should be available very soon as well.

Q

Hi. Firstly I would like to say how much I enjoy your books and congratulations on The Fort it was excellent. I am however desperately waiting for the next book in the Saxon Stories. Every year I re-read the books so far so my mind is upto date with the story and now for two years I have been disappointed to find, however enjoyable your latest book has been on a different subject. Can you let me know if or when there will been another Uhtred book. Thank you Tracy

Please can you tell me when the next Uhtred book will arrive? Barry Lazenbury

Dear Bernard,I have just read all your saxon series books and even starting on the last one didn't ruin it Please tell me there will be more there is a childhood castle to get back from a horrible uncle I have liked all your books but azincourt stands out as a favourite Regards Pete

Dear Mr. Cornwell, When will installment six (6) in The Saxon Stories be published? Do you have a working title for it yet? I love this series and am looking forward to the next in it. I've also read all of the Arthurian and Grail Quest books and enjoyed those immensely as well. I know your Sharpe & Starbuck novels are popular but the time period(s) you write about in those are too "recent" for my taste. I love to read medieval "historical" novels set in England, Ireland & Scotland up to the end (time frame) of Queen Elizabeth I's reign. Anything newer is too contemporary, at least for me. Please continue Uhtred's story! Finally, thank you very much for all of the quality hours of reading you've provided for me and numerous others!
Kimberly Gelderman

Dear Sir, I have been enthralled with the Saxon series. Can I ask please, do you have any plans to write a further book or books in this series, as I am very interested. Kind regards Lorna

As a devoted Bernard Cornwell fan I am constantly searching the bookshelves for your latest publications. Can you tell me if you have any new series or books due out ?

David Rush

Sir, I am from Bratislava (Slovakia). I am happy, your Uhtred story was translated into czech language. But we are afraid, we are going to day earlier then you finish the whole story about Uhtred. :-) Please, tell me, when can we expect the new book? Thank you very much. I wish you all the best. Mariana Cengel Solcanska

I have just read all the Saxon stories for the second time. They are are magnificent; thank you so much. When will the next one arrive please??

James Hardy

Submitted February 9, 2011

A

I am working on the next book of Uhtred's tale now. No title yet! But we do hope to see it published in October.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I've been an assiduous reader of several of your books and, each on it's own timeline, are marvellous and really take me to those places, smells and everything you, so well describe. What made me address you wasn't only the will to express my deepest gratitude for everything you've showed me through your books but also to ask for your help. I've now started to buy the Sharpe collection but I'm confused whether I should start reading them from the first book you wrote or by chronological order. I'm sorry it seems a bit of a daft question but I think it's a pertinent one. I wish you all the best and a long and prosperous life with health and surrounded by people that love you. With my deepest respect David A. Caballero

Submitted February 3, 2011

A

I recommend reading them in chronological order (starting with Sharpe's Tiger). You will find the correct chronological order of the books on the Sharpe books page of this website. Hope you enjoy them!

Q

Sir, I'm curious about how you go about writing multiple books. Do you have a schedule to which you adhere? For example, from 8am-11am you work on the Saxon book; take lunch from 11am-12pm; from 12pm-2pm work on a Sharpe Book; etc? Or do you work on books as the mood strikes you? Is it a combination of set schedule and mood where you generally adhere to a set rhythm, but occasionally break the norm when you are so inspired? Or are you actually writing them one at a time? I'm curious because I find it difficult to muster the motivation to write a letter much less work on multiple novels at the same time. Mark

Submitted February 3, 2011

A

No, no! One book at a time.

Q

Dear Bernard I know this is something that might not be under your direct control, however, do have any say in the towns or cities that you visit for book signing tours? Last year's tour was mainly confined to London and as I live near Leeds it was not possible for me to attend. I presume that you will be doing a tour for the new book later in the year and if so can a make a plea for you to visit Leeds or another city in Yorkshire. I am sure this would please your many fans in this part of the country. Best wishes, Steven

Submitted February 3, 2011

A

I don't really have a say - it's all scheduled by the publishers. But I'll put in your request!

Q

I have read and enjoyed all the Sharpe novels. I just finished "The Fort" and was intrigued with the character of Paul Revere. What is the best source for understanding his military career? Some sources show him cleared of any wrong doing after the war. Also,the Marine killed by Lt. Moore bears a striking resemblance to your Sharpe. Was that deliberate?

Robert A O'Brien

Submitted February 3, 2011

A

I think I made John Welch similar to Sharpe, yes. As for Revere, there really isn't a good source on his military career because there was so little of it! The biographies mentioned in the Historical Note to The Fort are your best bet, but the only action Revere ever saw was at Penobscot, and the novel more or less covers it all. He did go with the Massachusetts Artillery Regiment to the siege of Newport, but arrived too late (not his fault) to take any part.

Q

Thanks for answering my question about the village of Barrosa, mentioned in the background of Sharpe's Fury. I know about the beach and that there is a resort there now. I was informed of this by the Spanish Tourist Board. But I don't think there was a village there in 1811. I'm only saying this because I could find no trace of it in any of the accounts of the action (Oman etc) I read. There was a watchtower and some ruins bearing Barrosa in their names but nothing else was mentioned. It doesn't matter really, I suppose, but I'm pleased my research was correct and I had not missed it. I usually research as many accounts, if not more than I need, in order to be as accurate as you can about anything. I'm very pleased to hear that there will be another Sharpe book in the future. It will certainly be on my list and can't come quick enough. Have you any ideas for the background action to the narrative? Do you mind if I suggest Fuengirola 1810 or Campo Mayor 1811. I think these actions have great scope for some very interesting Sharpe-like characters, especially Fuengirola. I would love one based around that action, although some of your fans may not favour it because the French and Polish won, although heavily outnumbered. They should have lost and that's why the events and characters involved, on both sides, really jump out at you. I can well imagine Sharpe there fuming against the Allied commanders and, as an author, I think you'd have a field day. My apologies for going on but I did have on video, the documentary series covering The Peninsular War which you narrated. I consider it best Napoleonic documentary series produced, to date. But the tape was accidentally ruined beyond repair. I wondered if you knew if there were any plans for the series to be repeated? Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my questions. Much appreciated. John Walsh (Sr)

Submitted February 3, 2011

A

Thank you! I'll be honest and say I don't know when the next Sharpe will be written - maybe in two years? And I probably won't make up my mind about what story to tell until I decide that's the next book. Fuengirola would mean taking him backwards in time again, and I'm really reluctant to do that again, so it's unlikely - sorry! And I'm afraid I don't know if there are any plans for the (UK) History Channel to repeat the documentary ('Sharpe's War') - nor do there seem to be any plans to release it on DVD.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Just finished your latest book 'The Fort' and found it an enjoyable read. Your ability to weave historical fact and fictional characters into a succession of novels is truly remarkable. I think I have read all you books, including those of the indefatigable Mr. Sharpe. Thanks to the internet I was able to Google Castile, ME and see the locations described in your novel. I was disappointed that your Historical Note did not mention that what appears to be a baseball diamond has been constructed in the middle of Fort George! Regards, Jeffrey Lerbs

Submitted February 3, 2011

A

Well it isn't always there! The diamond was there a couple of years ago, but it had vanished on my last visit, so I thought it wisest not to mention it, simply because I'd get messages of disappointment like yours - only the other way round!