Your Questions

I've been reading the most recent Your Questions (1 Sept) and have to add another vote for hearing the story of how Sharpe acquired the famous seven barreled gun that he gave to Harper. Oddly enough one of the cable channels here showed The Alamo (John Wayne's version) recently and since I hadn't seen it since it was in the theaters I watched it. I was shocked to see Jim Bowie with Harper's gun! How that happened would be a tale worth inventing. Thanks for taking the time to give fans this forum. I find it very interesting to read their comments, and your answers.
Helen

Hi Mr Cornwell, When you research a new book and visit the sites of famous battles do you take any photographs of the battle site? If so do you have anybody that could update the Image Gallery on the web site? The existing images (for Tiger, Triumph and Fortress) have been there for a few years now without any new additions. Your depictions of famous battle scenes are terrific and it is always interesting to view the area concerned as it is now. This came to mind after reading Azincourt as I think I read somewhere that the battlefield area is still reasonably well preserved.I am aware that a number of historic sites are now under a road or a factory but for those that are not, and are included in your books, it would be great to have some pictures to view as additional background material. Looking forward to The Fort! Many Thanks Tony

Hi Bernard, I hope I'm not interrupting your writing of Saxon 6 too much. I am currently rewriting a novel for the 3rd, 4th, 5th and in parts, 7th or 8th time. It reminds me of trying to iron a shirt. I struggle manfully and think it's fine, only to find new creases every time I stop to inspect it. My question, does the shirt have to be absolutely immaculate before an agent/publisher casts an eye over it or is the subsequent editing process expected to take care of any to creases that remain? Kind Regards Willie

Dear Mr. Cornwell, My son, age 10, has read the entire Arthur stories, the Saxon Stories, The Grail Quest Series, and is nearly done with the Sharpe Books. He began with Agincourt after he saw it in an airport book store. I have tried my best to keep up with him. I recently finished a book by an author named Lee Burkins who wrote Soldier's Heart. It is a memoir about his struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stemming from his experiences in the Vietnam War. Having both your series and his book in my head, I began to wonder: Has PTSD existed throughout the ages with a similar intensity? It began to occur to me that perhaps PTSD occurs more when there is a greater difference between a life of war, and when the soldier returns to a life that is distant from war in every way. What I mean to say is that perhaps in Uhtred's time, war was a natural, normal, expected part of life, and war was never very far away from one's existence, so there was less of a disconnect between the two. As history has progressed, it seems as though "civilized, normal life" has become more and more distant from the acts of war and immediate aggression. People don't carry swords or guns in everyday life, and expect justice and peace to be enforced in a structured, civil manner by the police. So the act of going to war is tremendously jarring, and the return perhaps more so. Has there ever been mention in any historical source of warriors who were crippled in this way? With your immense background on warfare and life throughout history, would you please comment on this? Thanks. Sincerely, Jim Hinsman

Do you ever get to Texas on a book tour? Or consider the Tx Book Fair in October in Austin? Stay well and keep sharing your works.
David Bourland

Hi I've seen mention of a talk in LOndon on 18th Oct and was wondering if there are any other UK appearances planned as the diary stops in May. Many thanks Steve

I have thoroughly enjoyed all your saxon stories and the adventures of Uhtred and earnestly request that you feature my home town of Derby in any later books as although I love the place dearly it is a very boring town and reading about its exciting history would be a joy. I pass a large church called St Werburghs most days and am reminded of Aethelflaed in many places hereabouts as well as all the viking gates still named. A large thankyou for great entertainment and providing me with the sight of my teenage daughter avidly reading and enjoying books that contain more references to her surname than she has otherwise hitherto seen. Best regards. Steve Alderman.

Dear Sir, I have just finished "The Gallows Thief" will you be writing about Rider Sandman again I so enjoyed him felt there would be more to come. I have listened to all of your books that have been recorded. Your words and the readers make each story come alive, how exciting. Uhtred's stories are some of my favorites although Agincourt had me on the edge of my sofa. I hope you know I think you are a wonderful writer.
Karen Ryan

Any plans on a book with Harper as the title character?
Sam Hill

I have just recently discovered your books, the first book I read was Azincourt and then read the Harlequin and now I'm reading the Vagabond. Personally (and from my short experience) I prefer Azincourt and would like to see more from those characters. On another note, I would like to make a suggestion/question: have you ever thought about writing a book on the Portuguese/Spanish war against the moors?
Miguel