Your Questions

With the new film and television series about Robin Hood, I was wondering if you ever thought about tackling this figure in a future book. It would be very interesting to read in book form your thoughts on the exploits of the very English character.
Rob Cottrell

Bernard, Having been bought eight Sharpe books for Christmas approximately six years ago, and not being much of a reader, I (foolishly) let them sit on a shelf until I finally picked up Sharpe's Eagle to take with me on holiday. Since then, utterly hooked, I have read all the Sharpe series (at least three times), bought and read the books recounting the story of Uhtred and Alfred the Great, enjoyed the Azincourt book immensely, and am now on the second of the three Arthur books, which I am finding enthralling. Given the way in which you write, and the success you have had with historical figures that may or may not have existed in the fashion that is generally accepted, have you ever thought of writing a series of books detailing the adventures (or misadventures!) of Robin Hood? It is a subject of much debate, similar to the existence of King Arthur, and I am sure you would do an excellent job of bringing another historical figure to life! Really I just wanted to say "Keep up the good work! I am looking forward to reading The Burning Land after the UK release in October. Kind regards, Phil Holmes (Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK)

Bernard, I'm not sure if this is the proper forum to ask a question. but after reading the Sharpe series several times in its entirety. Why does Sharpe never purchase rank when he could easily afford it at several points in his career? Is it just to easy and doesn't make it a struggle for him then?
Mike Kruckemeyer

Firstly I would like to say how much myself and family have enjoyed your books. We were wondering if there is to be a follow on from Fallen Angel and Crowning Mercy and the Gallows Thief. All of us got thoroughly involved in the stories. Looking forward to the next book.

Samantha Tyler

Bernard, I was first turned on to your books last year and I must say they are some of the best writing I have seen. I just started the Sharpe series and they are amazing. This may seem like a silly question but, Do you know why the Paperback versions of the Sharpe series have Sharpe's Eagle listed before Sharpe's Havoc in the "Chronological Order"? Thanks Steve

I am currently a student at Bath spa university studying for an honours degree in performing arts. After I graduate I intend to try and get into film making while trying to get involved in the acting stream. However, I have always been a compulsive reader and have a lifetime interest in American history. This lead me to your fabulous Starbuck chronicles. The civil war being my main centre of interest as well as the war of independence and the "Indian" wars, I would some day feel privileged to bring Starbuck to the screen. Making the fictional characters flourish as well as placing 100% attention to historical accuracy. What advice could you give a young actor/film maker if he considered bringing Starbuck to life? Tim Mount

Dear Mr Cornwell, having read the wonderful Arthur and Uhtred novels I promised myself that I would read the Starbuck books, this being a particular interest of mine. I was wondering if you ever watched the the outstanding series of documentaries by Ken Burns called The Civil War. I had, and found them a great aid when reading about Nate, Truslow and compatriots. To be able to visualise places, faces and battle grounds was wonderful. Your portrayal of General George B McClellan was right on the button. One of my favorite quotes by Abraham Lincoln said of McClellan "If General McClellan does not want to use the army, I would like to borrow it for a time." After the final chapter of The Bloody Ground I was totally exhausted, thanks for the happy hours up to my eyes in blood and guts!!

John Cummings

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am having a lot of fun reading your Saxon Stories, I think the plot and character development is truly believable and enjoyable. One of the most special things about your books for me is that the way the characters think and feel seems very authentic and well suited to their times. For example, you describe very vividly the "joy of battle", Uhtred's transformation from nervousness and sickness in the stomach to battle calm and happiness. I was wondering if this is something totally imagined, or is it based on some kind of accounts from those or more modern times. The description of different approaches to war and life by the English and the Danes, is this just an assumption based on logic, their actions and religious circumstances, or maybe these differences of spirit come from comparison of their folklore? In any case this psychological aspect is really beautifully presented in your books.
Anik

Dear Mr Cornwell, I was re-reading Stormchild the other day. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. Id be curious to know one detail. Was the Genesis commune in the book inspired by the real-word Atlantis commune? There seem to be some interesting similarities, as well as enough differences to make it plain that Genesis is not a direct portrayal of Atlantis. (Satisfying the lawyers again?) Atlantis began on a desolate island (actually off Donegal), hard to get to, and hard to leave, because a couple of miles of rocks and rip-tides separate it from the mainland. Genesis is based on a desolate island, hard to get to, and hard to leave. Atlantis eventually finished up in South America, like Genesis (but not in Patagonia; instead in Colombia, where, quite predictably, the violence of the inhabitants has caused them a lot more trouble than the violence of the elements). Both communes have a strong ecological bias. Both communes ran sailing boats, which, as communes go, was pretty unusual. Your typical commune seems to be based in a crumbling country mansion. (However, the Atlantis boat has never really become a going concern, basically because none of them have a clue!) Both communes have a charismatic leader (though the leader in Atlantis is female), are sexually unconventional, appear to brainwash their members, and are heavy-handed in their treatment of non-conformity inside the commune. (But on the other hand, as far as I know, Atlantis has never killed anyone). About myself; 59, small boat sailor all my life, ex-member of Atlantis, hence my curiosity about Stormchild . I emphasise VERY much ex, it was a period of three months over twenty years ago, and I have absolutely no wish to re-visit the experience, nor am I in contact with them at any time. They do play mind-games quite alarmingly, but they actually threw me out because I proved a bit resistant and wouldnt go along with the script. Thats unusual. They like to break new members to their world-view as thoroughly as they can, and do not like to let go. I am also the proud owner of an old gaff cutter which was once house and home to me and is now in need of a very extensive refit. Im an Open University lecturer, and do other bits of part-time teaching&& and I like your books very much. I know you are best known for Sharpe, but my opinion is that Uhtred is your finest creation. With best wishes, Yours, John Davies.

First I would like to thank you for the countless hours of pleasure I have had reading your books, your writing style and subject matter have even had me searching bookstores for similar historical novels as you don't write fast enough lol. Could you please tell me if there will be anymore Starbuck novels? I understand that having characters who are ultimately on the losing side must present difficulties, but I loved the first four of these books. yours Matt Whitcher

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am writing to tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed the Starbuck chronicles. I have long been interested in history especially the civil war. I picked up the first book before a family trip and was unable to put it down (good thing it was a long drive); it has only been about two and a half weeks since, and I have finished all four books! I read on your website that you are writing more Sharpes stories for a television show, and will go back to Starbuck after that; I am very anxious to find out what happens next to Starbuck. The main reason I am writing you is to find out when you think you are going to start the next Starbuck book? I am only 19 so I guess I could wait a while (but dont want to). The second reason I am writing you as you may have already guessed is to you thank you, I have enjoyed them immensely. Thanks again, John Niemann P.S. I will be starting on the Sharpes chronicles shortly.

Dear Mr Cornwell: As a historian (though not of that period), I enjoyed your Azincourt immensely. But I wonder if there may be another explanation for the lasting fame of this battle? England's genius has always been at sea. Trafalgar is but one of numerous successes for English arms at sea (the Armada is just one of many that comes to mind). On land, the English record is far patchier. Hastings was a defeat. At Waterloo, the commanding general was Irish, the best soldiers Scots and German. Naseby was an English victory over Englishman. And so on. There have been successes, but there have also been embarrassing failures (such as the Palatinate, the Bishops War, and others). So, and taking the lead from Shakespeare, did mythology seize upon Azincourt as a genuine English victory ON LAND, and lionise it accordingly? I would love to hear your views on this! Again, thank you for a marvellous and thought-provoking tale. Best wishes, Tim Morgan