Your Questions

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, Over the last year I have discovered your books which I have been reading too quickly for my liking (I can't find them very cheaply in Australia, and when I read them in 5-6 hours its an expensive hobby!). I have loved the Sharpe novels which I have been reading as well as Stonehenge, Starbuck, The Uhtred Stories and some others. Please write more Starbuck novels (I would like to know where Lucifer learned to fire cannon!). Is there going to be another book between Trafalgar and Prey? Because the gap between the two is quite abrupt?

Also what would you think of writing a book (or 2) on the ill-fated Sepoy Rebellion of 1857? It would be outside Sharpe's jurisdiction but I think it could make a good story. Thankyou for your time, Angus Somerville, 14

Submitted October 17, 2009

A

I doubt it - there might be a short story, but I won't be writing any more Sharpe 'prequels'.

I'm really not fascinated by mid 19th Century history - so it's most unlikely. I'm sure someone else will oblige, though!

Q

HI Bernard thank you for giving much pleasure over the years I have read most of your books and look forward to each new one. With the current interest have you thought of Robbin hood ? Or maybe some more of the grail conquest dealing more with the crusades May be .No matter what future projects you have I look forward to them . Thank You Phil Griffith

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

I have thought of Robin Hood, although I'm not sure when I might get to it.

Q

I am a very big fan of your books and get nearly as much enjoyment from re-reading them as I did on the first read. I have been using an e-book reader for nearly a year now and find it a very convenient way to have a library of books on tap. Do you know if there are any plans to release the Arthur books (my personal favorites!) in e-book format in the UK?

Jack Robinson

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

Yes, there are plans for this, but not a definite release date just yet. Hopefully soon!

Q

Hi, I have a question for Bernard. Hello Bernard, I am a big fan of yours. As a former student of modern history I didn't think I would find myself reading about the likes of Arthur and Alfred, but since picking up The Last Kingdom I haven't been able to get enough of it. I have just finished Burning Land (that in hindsight I probably read it too quickly), and was just wondering if you had a definite idea of when the next book in the series will be coming out, I saw a mention of two years on the bulletin board. As a big fan of Uhtred, Finan, Steapa et al I hope we are not left waiting too long!

Chris Butcher

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

I don't have a definite idea. The book I am currently writing is not a Saxon Tale but a story set during the time of the American Revolutionary War. I can't say right now will come after that, but I think it is safe to say the next Saxon story is at least two years away.

Q

I really like the Sharpe series. I was wondering about Patrick, not Richard's friend but his son, who was in Copperhead. I don't get why you chose Lassan instead of Sharpe, and did you ever plan on doing Patrick Lassan series after Richard Sharpe series?

Zack Shaw

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

To learn a little more about Sharpe's son you may wish to read the short story 'Sharpe's Ransom'. It is the second story in the book Sharpe's Christmas. I am not currently planning a series on Patrick Lassan.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Just a short note to wish you well on your next book. I enjoyed the Sharpe series on TV, found your books and have enjoyed learning more about British military history. I read Sharpe's Tiger in a 24 hour period. My wife thinks I am losing it. I have read a few others including Agincourt twice. When will you be in California for a visit or book signing? All the best and thank you for hours of exciting reading, John Nickols

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

Thank you John. Sorry, I have no plans to be in California any time soon.

Q

Hi i firstly would like to say that I greatly enjoy your books. I started reading Sharpe when I was 10, I am now 13 and have got most of the books and read all of them. I have recently read Azincourt and was wondering if there was any chance of a sequel to that, or if any new Sharpe books are going to be written? I am very interested in the Napoleonic wars and when I'm older I wish to be a military historian. thanks bye.
Ian Caulfield

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

It's possible there may be a follow-up to Azincourt, don't know yet. There will be more Sharpe books, but not for at least a year or two. Best of luck to you!

Q

Can you tell me when Agincourt will be in paperback or softcover? Thanks, Charles

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

Agincourt will be released in paperback in the US at the end of December 2009. Azincourt was released in paperback in the UK in June 2009.

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have a question and I think you got the answers. Where did you learn all the things you put in your fantastic books? I like you books very much but my favorite is The Saxon Stories

Carsten W. Jensen

Submitted October 14, 2009

A

I get my information from many sources; mainly books, diaries, journals, maps, etc - anything I can get my hands on! Take a look at the 'Suggestions for further reading' for the Saxon Tales for reading recommendations.

Q

Hi Bernard, just to answer a question. someone asked about a quote: "Reason is the mathematics of thinking, nothing more. You don't live your life by such dry disciplines. Mathematics cannot explain God, no more can reason, and I believe in God! Without Him we are no more than corruption." I could be wrong, but I believe it was Major Blas Vivar in Sharpe's Rifles? best wishes from rainy Blightey. Matthew Williams, Nottingham

Submitted October 9, 2009

A

Yes! Thanks so much for the reminder.