Your Questions

Q

Sir, two things, I am moving to England to be with my long time girl, Angie Best. I was wondering if you could recommend any shops that might have antique collectible items from British/French wars?

Second, I am a massive fan of the Sharpe series, mainly because I come from the same background as Sharpe and lived very much a similar life. Have you ever considered doing the series in animation? I think you could really capture the characters this way. Best, Mark

A

Good move! I don't know of any such shops, though I'm sure they exist. May I suggest a search for militaria on the internet?

I don't think there are any plans for it, but thanks for the suggestion!


Q

Hello Bernard, I am a History graduate with a keen interest in the political radicalism of the early 1800s. I am also a keen fan of your Sharpe books, but notice that you did not write 'Sharpe's Justice', in the same manner as most of your other stories were adapted for films by Eoghan Harris. I am keen to know if the scene involving Sharpe and local yeomanry in Keighley square was based (on a much smaller scale) by the reports by the Lancashire radical, Samuel Bamford, describing the scene at the Peterloo Massacre in 1819. Sources suggest that Patrick Harbinson wrote 'Justice' for the film, but this is difficult to confirm. Please tell me if this is true, so I can try to contact him regarding his research. Very best wishes, (and looking forward to 'Agincourt!), Chris Westhead.

A

I'm afraid I had nothing whatever to do with the writing of 'Sharpe's Justice' . . . but my guess is that it was based on Peterloo. I think you are right, 'Justice' was written by Patrick Harbinson. More information can most likely be found at www.sharpefilm.com.


Q

Hi Bernard, I have just finished reading The Burning Land and completely loved it! I couldn't put it down - like all of your other books! Do you have any thoughts on how many books are left to write in the series? It's awful - I really want to know what happens to Uhtred but Idon't want the books to stop!! Thank you so much for all your hard work that obviously goes into these projects. Best Wishes, Kelsey

A

I don't know how many more....at least several!


Q

Just finished "Sword Song" and I enjoyed it very much. Aetheflaeda d' Wessex was my great xxxxxxxxxxxgrandmother. I love historical novels and especially when they depict my relatives, whether fictional or non-fictional. I have published three novels thusfar and appreciate great writing. I am related to Uchred I d' Northumbria, not sure if that is the same Uhtred of Babbenburg? Related to all the d' Mercia's clan as well- Lady Godiva was also my great xxxgrandmother on my mother's maternal Hook side as were most of the royalty in Wales, Scotland, England, Spain, France, etc. I will most definitely check out your other works! Again, I enjoyed the story. Take care, Donna Marie Robie W ESSEX,

AETHEFLAEDA, LADY (869-918) (ENGLISH) wed Ealdorman Etherlred 1. Alfred The Great Wessex, King of England (849-899)- England wed Aethelswitha d Mercia (852-905) 2. Aethelwulf d Wessex (b.806)- Wessex, England wed Osburga d Wessex (b.810)- England 3. Egbert Wessex , King of England ** (b.775-839)- England wed Raedburh (unknown surname) ** (EGBERT- FIRST FORMAL KING OF ENGLAND)

A

Uhtred of Northumbria is almost certainly Uhtred of Bebbanburg - the family ruled in Northumbria from the 6th to the 11th Century - then they fell out with Cnut and lost their ancestral lands. That story is told in Richard Fletcher's marvellous book Bloodfeud which you might enjoy.


Q

Dear Bernard. Kudos on the writing! Quick question though, what are your links with Wales? I'm a Welshman, who proudly speaks the Welsh mothertongue, and I've noticed that you seem to have a fondness for my country! What with the names of places, the characters from Warlord and Uhtreds, and Agincourt, with the Welsh archers often being mentioned alongside the English. Any links with the country? Also, don't spose you have plans for a Owain Glyndwr book?

Last question! Have you read any of George R R Martin's books? The Ice and Fire series, because I noticed that he places several of your books on his reading list. I am impatiently waiting for his next book to come out, as he does not seem to be a very prolific writer, whereas you pump out books at an extraordinary rate! Anyway, sorry for waffling, and keep up the good work

Owen

A

I really have very few links with Wales, other than fond memories of vacations there, and (lucky me) a couple of friends who live in mid-Wales. And I really think it should be a Welsh author who writes about Owain Glyndwr, and I look forward to reading the book!

That's very generous of George! And yes, I've enjoyed his books too!


Q

Greetings, I just received a copy of The Burning Land, no big deal, except I ordered it from the UK on the 6th and here it is the 13th in Philadelphia, Pa. I did not care to wait until Mid January 2010 I will most likely will read it all tonight, darn you Cornwell, you are addictive reading, lol. A question about my favorite reading, Sharpe, Did you perchance get the name Vivar as in Blas Vivar from the last name of "El Cid"? I have all the Sharpe novels as well as the DVDs I just finished re-reading them all over again and into the 3rd dvd. I am very thankful, you place Historical notes at the end of most Sharpe books. I have read a number of books from those listed. Longford, Harvey, loved the 95th book, please continue. Thank you for indulging my reading pleasure and I look forward to the final Nate Starbuck novel. Regards, Don Wishnow

A

I got it from a Spanish friend, and where he got it, I don't know!


Q

hey there, great books thanks for all of them. SO just two simple questions.. when is the next starbucks coming out? and Richard Sharpe book?.. thanks again for the great books..
Steve Kevlin

A

Don't know is the answer to both questions. The book I am writing now is set during the time of the American Revolutionary War. Most likely it will be published in October 2010 (in the UK). I'm not sure what will come after that.


Q

Hello Bernard, I have enjoyed reading many of your books across all the series, you definitely have a knack for making history become a cracking, jolly good romp across the countryside! I wish to know if you have any future plans to discuss turning your books and characters into videogames for the X-Box 360, Playstation, etc? I only ask because I have recently been re-reading The Grail Quest series at the same time as playing an XBox 360 game titled "Bladestorm", in which you can create a character who fights for both England and France during the 100 years war. It is story based, and all the great characters and events of the time are there for you to interact with. So would you consider allowing some videogame developers to bring Uhtred, Thomas, Nathaniel, Sharpe, etc., alive for gaming? Might be a great way to reach a new younger audience and encourage their love of history also.

Ann Tarrant

A

I'd be happy to see it happen; and I think there has been talk of it - but I haven't seen one yet!


Q

Hi there, have just read the Burning Land. Bought it two days ago and had to read it in two sittings, couldn't put it down. I have now, I think, read everything you have published. I know the Burning Land is just out, but when will the next in the series be published? I know you're saying give me a chance to write it, but I sit here with bated breath cheers, Stuart. I would say your greatest fan but don't want to sound like Kathy Bates he he

Dear Bernard, I finished the next installment of the Alfred story this morning. Started yesterday! Again it was a fantastic read, as are all your novels. When are you planning to carry on the story of Uhtred? In anticipation! Rebecca

A

You're right - I need a chance to write it first! My next book (the one I'm working on now) is not a Saxon tale.


Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I'm a huge fan of yours. I'm from Brazil and already read the Sharpe, Warlord, Grail, Starbuck, and Saxon series. I am currently waiting for my copy of The Burning Land arrives from England. I've one question only. I know you already said many times that your favorite series are the Warlord and Sharpe's, but among all the Sharpe's books if you had to choose one, which one would be? Mine is Sharpe's Enemy for sure. Once more thanks for the wonderful work.

Ricardo Piva

A

My favourite Sharpe book? I really like Siege, but I also really like Tiger, and Regiment and Trafalgar and Company and Enemy, and many others. But my favourite Sharpe book is always the next one...