Your Questions

Q

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

A

I am working on Uhtred now. Hopefully you will see it next Autumn.


Q

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

A

By taking the word of experts, who do the research! The f word is recorded as early as the sixteenth century, and it appears in some cant dictionaries of the Regency period, and there seems plenty of evidence that it was as popular in the 18th century as it is now.


Q

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


Q

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

A

I don't know....I am working on the next book of Uhtred's story now, but it's not the final book!


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I picked up a copy of The Burning Land at the Library and found I could not put it down. What a compelling story! I only realized after I finished it that it is the last of the Saxon Stories so I shall now go back to the beginning and read all the others. I must ask, however, what became of Smoka, Uhtred's magnificent and beloved war stallion? Will he perhaps appear in another novel? Thank you for your wonderful works of historical fiction that I can eagerly now recommend to my students. Gratefully, Linda Carpenter

A

Smoka is still in the stable so I guess it's possible.


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, At this moment in time, I'm researching and writing a dissertation for my third year history course at university. My dissertation is about Alfred the Great and the representation of him through different genres, over nearly four different centuries and why he suddenly declined, if not disappeared. And your books on the Anglo-Saxons are one of the many primary sources I'm studying. I was just wondering, if it is not too much trouble, as to why you choose to write about Alfred and the way you represent him, his reputation in your books and your overall view/opinion on him? I understand if you don't have time to reply, but do look forward in hearing from you. All the best Catherine Bate

A

The reason I chose to write about Alfred is because he begins and nurtures the process which culminates in the creation of England, and that's a story that deserves to be better known! His reputation? I think it's unassailable. He was a great man, a highly intelligent man, and a diligent worker - one of the greatest kings ever to rule in Britain, but I suspect the heroic picture of him (as represented by the statue in Winchester) is erroneous, mainly because I think Asser's life can be trusted (and yes, I know there's controversy about that). But Alfred was a chronically sick man whose primary taste is religious-studies, and so I believe his successes in war were brought about by intelligence rather than by brute strength. I'm sure you've read David Horspool's book 'Why Alfred Burned the Cakes' - it must cover much of the ground you're working on?


Q

Hello Mr. Corwell, I've just finished reading the last book in the Saxon Stories - as we were traveling through Northumberland and visiting Bamburgh castle! What a formidable fortress! Since I travel a lot, I use the Amazon Kindle for most of my books. Are their plans for The Arthur Books to become available for the Kindle?

A

The Arthur books are available on Kindle in the UK, but not yet in the US. Hopefully they will be available soon!


Q

Dear Sir: I am a great fan of your writing. I unknowingly watched the first few episodes of the Sharpe series back when I was a kid then I grew up to re-discover your work by reading the Starbuck Chronicles. I have read the FAQs on the Starbuck story, and wondered if there has been or hopefully will be a filmed version of the Starbuck Chronicles or at least any continuation to the series? Please keep writing and I shall keep reading. Thank you Sir. Joseph Valicenti

Hello Mr Cornwell, Your probably bored rigid with my question, will Starbuck ever march again, or has it been to many years now for him/you? All the best, Alex

A

No films planned, but I hope to get back to Starbuck some day.


Q

Hello Bernard! Greetings from Brazil! Great books!! Have you ever think about get a concept artist like Alan Lee (LOTR) or Boris Vallejo, to do some drawing for you? It would be very nice to see a beautiful drawing of your characters, in the way you imagine them. Is there any plan or project where we could see Uthred or Derfel on the big screen? Who you imagine would be good actors for this roles? Kind regards, Danilo.

A

I haven't really thought about it, but I'll give it some thought....

I'd be horrible at casting! Better to leave it to the experts!


Q

Hi Bernard, Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed listening to the Saxon Stories on audio tape whilst completing my architecture portfolio for my first year of study at the Uni of Plymouth (England). They really got me through it. Can't wait for the next instalment, however long that may be, but will be starting on the Arthur books soon. Also, have you considered getting a twitter account and keeping in touch with your fan base via this (I've looked but can't find you if this is already the case). Just a thought. Keep up the good work, your books are fantastic. Thanks, Glen

A

I have, and I usually lie down till the thought passes. Honestly I'm not sure my days have enough interest to feed a Twitter account!