Your Questions

Q

I hope that you will write additional Starbucks novels and that they will include Shanks Evans. They are great stories, but my particular reason is that In 2002 I published the only history (so far) of Evans' Brigade. I was later informed of your inclusion of Shanks in your novels and read and enjoyed them all. Shanks was quite a character and was often wild and profane, but he had a few (probably only a few) redeeming aspects to his character. If my book (Wandering to Glory, USC Press, 2002) would be a useful reference in your writing additional Starbucks Chronicles, I would be glad to send you a copy.

DeWitt Stone

A

I do like Shanks Evans! As you say, he was a character and I hope that Starbuck and he will meet again! Thanks!


Q

I heard your interview on Hugh Hewitt and had Agincourt in my hands the next day. Thank you! I loved the read. I remembered that you recommended to Hugh that readers are better off reading your works in order. Since Agincourt seems to stand alone, where would you recommend me to go? I loved the archery in the story and I'm a big fan of Shakespeare, so would you send me to the Archers Tale or to the Saxon Stories? Your guidance is appreciated and your works adored! Thanks again.

Rob Tweed

A

I hope you'll read both! It's best to read the books in the series in order, but either series next would be fine. I hope you enjoy them.


Q

My father and I are huge fans of your books, especially the Arthur and Archer trilogies. Do you ever do speaking engagements, and if so do you ever make it to the northern California/San Fransisco area? I realize it's a long shot but I thought it worth asking as we'd love to hear you speak about the books.

David Gould

A

Sorry, no plans for a visit to California any time soon.


Q

Hi Bernard, My granddaughter knows that I am interested in history and she told me that in her history class they were discussing the "Peterloo massacre" that took place in Manchester 16 Aug 1819. When I looked it up on the internet and read about the lead up to the massacre,and the massacre itself, it reminded me of the scene in Sharpe's Justice where a peaceful demonstration was stopped by the local militia through killing men,women and children with their swords and tramping over them with their horse exactly the same way as they did at the Peterloo massacre. I was wondering if the writers of Sharpe's Justice was influenced by the Peterloo Massacre.Have heard of that massacre Bernard? yours Rod Bassett

A

Oh Indeed I've heard of the Peterloo Massacre - back when history was taught properly every school-child learned of it! And yes, I'm quite certain the script-writer had Peterloo in mind when he wrote that scene!


Q

The Fort. Townsend, Me.,A.K.A. Buck's Harbor, is south of Castine? I only find it north toward Machias. Love your multiple series,especially the Saxon Stories.More maps the better.Notes on names and terms and historical note are also really interesting.

John Ayres

A

Sorry, that's an error. It should say Boothbay Harbor.


Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I would like to start by saying how much I enjoy your books, and after reading The Fort will also request a "Sir John Moore" series. I have an idea for a book but have a few concerns that you maybe able to help me with. I am unable to go to some locations that my book is set,will this impact my book?. I am also a bit under qualified to write, will I struggle to get published even more?. Thank you for your time

James Burnett

A

Get some very good guide and travel books from your library, they'll fill in the gaps. And so far as I know there are no established qualifications for an author (a degree in Creative writing is probably a disqualification) so you're not under-qualified. Just do it.


Q

First off, let me wish you a happy boxing day! I just finished Waterloo and it was great entertainment and education. I knew very little about the battle. Now that you have written about Waterloo, Trafalgar & Azincourt, any chance you will write about Hastings?

Michael Calkins

A

I'm really not up to speed on Hastings. Maybe one day I'll look at the period and be tempted, but right now I have a few other things on my list!


Q

I'm curious as to your opinion of the immigration situation in the United States. Some of us are trying very hard to allow illegal / undocumented aliens to become American citizens while seemingly ignoring those immigrants who are complying with our laws and paying the high fees associated with attaining citizenship. As one who was, amazingly, denied a green card, how do you view the current American policies and attitudes toward those born outside of the United States of attaining citizenship? I've read almost 40 of your books and I've loved them all. Thank you!

Al Hupp

A

I think there's a moderate policy which needs to be implemented, which is to allow established (though illegal) immigrants a route to full citizenship, while probably tightening up border controls. But the first is politically impossible (even though it has supporters on both sides of the aisle), and the second is probably physically impossible. The problem is that it's an emotional question, and emotions are easily stirred, and a sensible answer is not emotionally satisfying, so we'll muddle on in an inglorious way. We should be allowing far more well-qualified immigrants, and making student visas far easier, and every politician knows that, but it's a third-rail issue. It ain't gonna happen.


Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. I just finished Agincourt (in America) and I have two questions: Have you received any negative feedback for your (accurate) portrayal of some clergy in the book? You describe the markings on the Trinity Royal and I searched for a rendering. Can you point me towards any images? Or were you working from a written description yourself? I loved the book, and look forward to The Fort next.

John Shaw

A

thank you! I get a few disgruntled comments, but it's water and a duck's back! You'll find an illustration of the trinity Royal's standards in Anne Curry's fine book, Agincourt.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Sometimes its hard to separate legend from truth regarding past military leaders. Through your extensive research of English warfare, which of these leaders (including or excluding ones discussed in your novel) truly live up to their modern-day images of glory? Mac McClure

A

Glory is an odd word . . . I suppose that a few military leaders had 'glorious' careers, Marlborough especially, and most people would add Wellington, though I'm sure he never thought of war as glorious - necessary, yes, and he was very good at it. It's easier to list who was successful, and you'd have to include Cromwell, Henry V, Edward I - but in almost every case we have simplified them (and I do as well). History is never exact, but a distillation of what happened, and usually a simplification, but it's hard to turn an inglorious career into a glorious one (though The Fort certainly describes an occasion when that happened). I'm less than impressed by Richard the lionheart, but most would disagree. William the Conqueror was pretty 'glorious', or at least victorious. Henry V was one of the best military leaders ever, yet now we only remember him for one battle - and we forget what an intolerant (and probably downright nasty) man he was!