Your Questions

I'm interested in two things: you say that no-one knows where Brunanburh is and I thought it had been established as being round the Wirral in Cheshire? Also as a Northumbrian born and bred I'm curious that you can be so sure of Uhtred as an ancestor? It is unlikely that anyone can trace back over a thousand years, I've only managed back to 1775!

Cate Middleton

I am a big fan of the Sharpe series. Are there any plans for more TV/film dramatisations - Sean has a few more good years left in him!

Vincent Pollaers

You have written prequels to the original Sharpe books ie when he was in India. We know very little of him as a boy. You must have mapped his life out so when will we know it too?

Jeff Stafford

I was recommended your books by a friend of mine and WOW I just love them!! I have just finished the Grail quest and cannot stop thinking of Thomas of Hookton, what a character, I actually think I'm grieving. Please tell me you will tie up some of the loose ends and think of writing a concluding book? I have never been so touched by a character, especially in books that is not usually the genre that I read.
Sharon Hinnigan

Mr Cornwell: I am about to review The Fort for Amazon U.S.( I am one of their Amazon Vine reviewers) and I read a review copy. I have a question. I think your portrayal of Peleg Wadsworth reflects your opinion of him as a "great man" as per your comments in the historical note. But there is a timidity, a reticence or an acute awareness of station that is also a striking aspect of your portrayal of him. Though we cannot assign blame to him for the disastrous siege - Lovell must get the lion's share - Wadsworth's reserve is certainly a contributing factor. At least that is my impression of his actions as portrayed. Was that your vision of the character? Because I read a review copy of The Fort (which may be subject to changes), knowing that my sense of the character coincides with your ultimate vision of Peleg Wadsworth would be extremely helpful. Your novel is an exemplary rendering of an event and an era and I wish to furnish my review with the depth and the accuracy that it merits. I know you are quite busy but if you find the time for a brief response I would be deeply appreciative. Respectfully, Mike Birman

Hello Bernard, Do you have a sixth book of the Saxon Series coming out? Thank you, Christine

Dear sir, I was never much of a reader but then I came across the Sharpe series, and fell in love. I still have many Sharpe adventures to join but I have also been stuck on your Saxon Tales. I am eagerly awaiting Uhtred's return to Bebbanburgh, which you hinted at near the end of Burning Land, and was wondering when Uhtred and my own dreams may come true? It is not easy to captivate a 22 year old college student but you are truely an amazing writer. Thank you kindly for hours upon hours of excitement and keep ahold of your sword!

Chris Deneen

Hi Bernard Just finished The Fort, WOW, probably one of the most informative historical novels I have read. Who would have believed that of Paul Revere. thanks for a fabulous tale. You have probably answered this question already - what's happening with Uhtred? is there anything on the horizon. For some unknown reason I thought that he was in print this year. Is the next installment due -----soon. All the best, Bob Standring

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Saxon Stories and eagerly await to read of Lord Uhtred in action again. I am 67 and hope to live long enough to read of his reclaiming Bebbanburg. Do I expect too much?

Larry Embry

Dear Genius (hope that's not too presumptuous!) As a long-term fan of Richard Sharpe, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for the hours of pleasure derived by myself and family from your myriad volumes (I wonder what you do in your spare time...) I first encountered your name in a library in Cambridgeshire in 1991 or '92, when I liked the loose cover illustration on a book called 'Storm Child', and found - at last - an adventure story writer who didn't resort to silliness (a la Bond, which is entertaining in its own way) to maintain a reader's interest. I went back and collected the library's other Bernard Cornwell book (Wildtrack) and found it equally enthralling. And then we found Sharpe - and then Arthur - and Starbuck and, after all that and more, what we regard as your best to date - The Saxon Stories. I acquired all five volumes in late October and have read them all. And here's the punchline: I can find no reference to Number 6, although your notes at the end promise it. So is it 'work-in-progress', in early planning, or just a twinkle in your eye so far? I hope you have time to tell me! Best Regards David James

Is there or is there going to be another book in the Saxon series after Burning Land?

John Lenz

How does one determine that they used the 'f' word (as per your comment in "Redcoat") before there was any sound recording, etc? Cheers. Matthew

Dear Mr Cornwell, As John MacInroe said: "You Cannot Be Serious!" - Another whole year before you produce the Saxon Chronicle 6 book?? I originally read these out of order, so re-read them chronologically, assuming that the sequel to 'The Burning Land' would be produced sometime in the more immediate future. After all - Uhtred's descendants have had 1100+ years to write his story! So you are falling a bit behind are you not? And I must admit, I do not want to follow Uhtred to the feasting Halls without being able to tell what the skalds sing of him. This is a question for your readers: One wonders whether everybody who reads one of your books becomes an automatic fan, or are there in fact some people(?) who are not particular fans? I must admit that I have an extremely eclectic taste, but I am an avid admirer because there is a rollicking good tale in the middle of historical fact. I would like to know how you keep thinking of the fresh plots and activities. As a footnote - The 'Bloodeagle' was a form of execution in Mediaeval Norway, used when a criminal asked for it, because they were not allowed to hold a sword (therefore would not be able to go to Valhalla), and this was a way to prove their bravery and be admitted.

Roger Hamilton

Sir,have you written the book yet that brings Uthred back to Bebbenbang to reclaim his ancestral home? If so,what is the title? Your reply would be most appreciated.Regards,Ron Leeds.

Bernard,have just finished The Fort.A really good read and interesting from an historical point of view.How much longer before the final book about Uhtred? Best regards Doug Luff

Talked to you about Sharpe (armed soccer mobs) and Stonehenge (thoroughly unpleasant people). With regard to The Archer: Encountered The Great War Bow by Strickland and Hardy. Fabulous, good for scholars and general public. It appears that the last versions had pulls up to 150 pounds. The book's authors had a pro who said the physical results of working up to 150 were unpleasant. Indeed, some of the guys up from the Mary Rose seemed to have had bad backs from unbalanced torque--heavy-draw bows, apparently. Robert Low thinks the archers came from locals learning the bow for keeping deer out of the fields and so forth. I don't see a 150-lb-pull bowman coming from the farms. He's a full time pro. That's a lot of guys to be maintained on the public purse. A puzzle, if not a story, there. And, at the end, the formations had everybody mounted, the heavy-armored knights, the men at arms, and the archers. A version of a panzergrenadier division. When I was a grunt, I didn't worry about who was paying for my noisier diversions. But somebody had to. Interesting about why these guys were maintained at public expense. Some real or perceived threat. Like what? Richard Aubrey