Your Questions

I need help finding out what the town of Marseilles in southern France was like and how it appeared in the early 1200's. Cobbled archways? Roman roads? Was it walled? If anyone knows, please let me know. Thanks Micheal

Hello Mr Cornwell, am rereading your Sharpe novels and waiting for the next Saxon book. How do you know when your writing is done? In Sharpe's sword your words create pictures. How do you know you have done it right? No pun intended. I went back to the Arthur books for a quick look and got hooked. I shall reread Arthur soon. Regards Nicholas Langrick.

Mr. Cornwell, Early in 2008, I was introduced to your writing via a recommendation on George RR Martin's website. Since then, I've devoured some 14 or so of your works. I force myself to take a break every now and again so I don't exhaust your entire catalog too quickly. Inspired by your novels, I've even read some excellent nonfiction (Juliet Barker, Desmond Seward, etc.) lately. I never would have guessed I'd be so fascinated by British history, but I suppose these things are instilled in us when we're young and it's up to us to unlock them as adults. So first off, a hearty thanks for the hours of entertainment, and for expanding my love of history in general. Two Questions: First, born and bred in Western Pennsylvania, I've always been interested in The French and Indian/Seven Years War. Can you recommend any good books on the subject?

Second, The Arthur trilogy is probably my favorite of your works. While I can fully understand not wanting to continue with the characters, have you ever considered the idea of a prequel or maybe even stories set in the same time period with different protagonists? I've not yet read Stonehenge, so maybe that book would scratch this particular itch. Looking forward to what comes next, Justin

Dear Bernard Cornwell, I recently asked you why you had felt it necessary to attribute Alfred's military victories to the fictional character Uhtred, and why you felt obliged to portray Alfred as priest-obsessed as well as an ineffectual soldier. You replied that you were puzzled by my question, as there is plenty of evidence that Alfred was both extremely pious and physically ill for long periods. In reply I would say that Alfred probably was very pious, but in the Saxon books you turn his piety into a joke. With a new exceptions (such as Brother Pyrlig) Christians are portrayed in a very negative light. I'm not a Christian myself and I'm pretty sure you're not either, but it just strikes me as an example of an author's personal prejudice overriding the facts. Just because Alfred was pious doesn't mean he was a buffoon. As to his physical capacity to fight, the precise nature of Alfred's illness and how much it affected him remains unclear. But if you wish to stick to evidence, then whatever his illnesses the facts are that he was strong enough to fight long campaigns and lived to his fiftieth year. There is nothing in the known facts to suggest that he was an inept soldier. Unless I'm missing something??

David

I have recently been given an ebook reader and on a I have enjoyed very much reading your Sharpe books for the first time, and the in correct order - having completed Sharpe's Sword I have been unable to find the remaining novels in ebook format - very frustrating - have I been looking in the wrong places or are they not yet available? My reader needs mobipocket or pdf format

Mike Hill

Hello Mr. Cornwell! I'm 16 years old and writing from Brazil. I hope you forgive my horribles mistakes of english when you were reading this, hehe. First, I want to say that I like a lot your books, specially the Artur Chronicles and the Grail stories, you are a great writer, definitively. Every time I read the books, I cant believe why those incredible stories didn't become movies! So, there is my question: If the Artur Chronicles become a movie, what actors would you like for the main characters, like Derfel, Artur, Guinevere, etc.? Thanks for your patience and I'm sorry for this question a little bit strange. Good Luck with your next books!
João Henrique

I have just been introduced to your writings, particularly 'Sharpe'. And what a pleasure. My other favourite authors include Ken Follett, Gerry Seymour, Ruth Rendall, and surprisingly, perhaps, Andy McNab. I wonder who you like to read? However, that's not the purpose of this mail. I am very interested in some of the military terms you use, 'piquet' 'gazetted' 'glacis' for example. I have figured them out by various means, but wonder if you have ever published a glossary? Perhaps it's on this website somewhere? With very best wishes John Cammish, London UK

Hi Mr Cornwell, I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your Warlord Chronicles. I read them for the first time when I was about nine or ten, and fell in love with them. I've read many novels about Arthur and his knights since, but yours remain my favourites. They were so realistic, and I loved the way you developed the characters. Your idea was also so original, which is one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much. I was just wondering when/if you're coming to Cambridge at all in the near future? Myself and some of my friends would love it. Hope to read more of your work soon. Connie Ashpole

Just wanted to say I love all of your novels but have a question regarding Derfel and Uthred's "favorite saying" of Wyrd bi ful aræd. My question is what language is this written it? as it appears in two different series during different times. Thanks and wanted to say my favorite series by far is The Warlord Chronicles, good job! Kiefer McKinney

Mr. Cornwell, I"ve been a big fan of yours for several years now. I was wondering if you had ever read anything by G.A. Henty? I just finished "The Lion of the North" and it was really great! He writes historical fiction novels a bit like yours but he was writing in the late 19th century and early 20th. Anyways, I thought if you were looking for interesting reading material for your down time I'd like to recommend him. All the best, Jordan

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Thank you for many, mnay hours of very enjoyable reading. Your combination of historical accuracy with fascinating fictional characters is fantastic. I found a series by G.A.Henty and wondered if you had read them? Look forward to your books with great anticipation. Samuel Nodarse