Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, I recently finished the Warlord series and have quite a few things to say: First of all, this book was amazing. I have long enjoyed the myths about Arthur and his many legends, and your series, by far, is the best narrative of tales of King Arthur. Secondly, not only are the characters rich in development, but you feel so very connected to all of the main ones, Arthur and Derfel of course, Nimue, Issa, Ceinwyn, Sagramor, Guinevere and Cuneglas, just to name a few of my favorites, although I could probably list them all. The collective group of characters helps to invigorate the novel, installing a certain perception that enables the reader to truly involve themselves in their world. Lastly, even though we all know how the story ends, the way this particular tale of Arthur was told, I was still in suspense with every page, wondering what would come next, what new and completely overwhelming development would be revealed. Every sub plot and side story took on magical adventures, yet never straying from the tale and giving that whole world new life. I was completely saddened when I finished the books, hoping for more and wishing that this story could continue and go on. But alas it could not, though; I truly believe this is a story that can be told on another medium. I am an aspiring film producer, and though I have no real credentials other than the love of film and having a few amateur videos made with fellow aspiring film makers, I want to see this particular series on the silver screen. I have no doubt that this has not already been pitched to you, with these books, this series being so great, I am sure that people have ran to you pleading for this to be made into feature films. So with that, I ask if this has been pitched to be made into a film trilogy. And if not, why? Alex Rovinsky

HI Bernard, I would just like to say that I am an avid reader of your books, l love the warlord chronicles, was just wandering if anyone had approached you about making them into a tv seris? I could really see it being a great drama series. James Shoebridge

Any plans for a Sharpe graphic novel or toy line?
Trevor Marryatt

Dear Bernard After reading your comments about the Puritans winning that war it got me thinking and you could go back to the Peloponnesian war between Sparta and Athens for that sought of thing.Maybe because its a warrior style religion kill or be killed no compromise while being very simple to embrace or understand. But its fair to say the more often lose the peace even if they win the wars. But is there any chance of you writing even just a 1-off story about the arch Anti-puritan Tarleton he seems a tailor made character for you. On another note will the next Sharpe book the long awaited Albuera book a certain Colonel Dulong was at that fight any chance he and Sharpe will have a go again??? Finally You have mentioned 1-off books ever thought Or more) on the war of 1812 (The Puritans didn't win that one) or Wolfe and Montcalm on the plains of Abraham. Yours sincerely Geraint

Dear Bernard, Only two years after your Stonehenge was published, archaeologists discovered 'Amesbury archer's' burial near the site, which was dated around the time Stonehenge was completed. Remarkably, like Camaban, the individual had severe foot deformity and some golden jewelry on him that resembled Sarmennyn's lozenges. What was your thought when you first learned about this striking similarities between archaeological discovery and your book? Would your book's plot be different had you known about the 'archer'? Thanks Konstantin

Is Nicholas Hook of Agincourt a one-of or will there be a series? I loved the story, much more succinct than Grail Quest, maybe because is it true history. If so, will Nick face Joan of Arc?

Mark Wallig

Hi Bernard. I really enjoy reading your wonderful stories and have just finished reading the Saxon books and the Grail series for the second time, still fantastic second time round and am looking forward to reading the next Uhtred book - can't wait. You have mentioned in recent answers that you have many ideas for coming books, can you give me any hints what may be in the offing? I seem to recall you mentioning that Robin Hood may interest you, but have you considered Hereward the Wake for a story? regards Bob Warburton.

Mr. Cornwell: I have been a fan of yours since I first picked up The Last Kingdom. I quickly read the first three in the Saxon Stories, and was excited when you came out with Sword Song. I hope that the stories of Uhtred have not come to an end. I am waiting to see how he can get his inheritance back (the castle of Babbenburg). Don't get me wrong, I have also enjoyed the Arthur series, Stonehenge and the Grail Quest, but the Saxon Stories are still my favorite. When can I expect an update on Uhtred?
Tony Franda

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I stumbled across the Sword Song on the airport in Qatar, waiting for a flight during a business trip. I finished reading it on the way back and since than I purchased the other three and just finished The Lords of the North. Compelling reading and I admire you for the historical facts you weave through the books and your historical notes at the end. You are one of those writers that when you finish the book you hunger for more. This is the case with me and as you wrote this series every year one volume I think, the next one is overdue already. Will your parental ancestor Uhtred be featured in another novel as you promised in the last line of the Sword Song? For the moment, I will be forced to buy into other series, and I think I will buy Azincourt now, but still, I want to see how Bebbanburg gets back into your family. If not the conclusion must be that you are a descendant of the usurping uncle, or not? :-)

Pim Vis

Mr Cornwell, Can you please tell me me when the next book in the Saxon Series will be coming out? Sincerely Tyler Hopper

Hello I have just finished reading 'Sword Song' and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I was unable to put the series down (which can't have helped my studies), I am also reading the Sharpe series and am also enjoying them greatly. I was really just writing to say thank you for such an interesting series, and was wondering whether you were writing another in the Saxon Series? You say the story will continue and i am eager to follow it on. Thank you for taking the time to read this Daniel Trotter

I don't really need an answer; but I just finished rereading the 4 Uhtred books. Need more, please. Thanks -- eb

Hello Mr Cornwell,I would just like to say what a big fan of your books i am. but please can you write quicker as i have to read other inferior books.When are you releasing any new books especially Sharpe or the Saxon stories.
James Ryan

Dear Bernard, when can we expect to see the next book no. 5 in the Saxon Chronicles? Its been a pleasure to read the first four and I am with great anticipation looking forward to reading the next one. Kind regards Heinz Thogersen

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have just finished The Sword Song. I enjoyed all the Saxon Stories very much. I would like to ask you if and when you are going to continue this series. Thank you very much in advance. A lot of success in writing and best wishes, Your fan Karel Varhaník

Mr. Cornwell, I've read most of your books and love Sharpe, but I've just finished the magnificent Saxon series and I hope there will be more. Please tell me you have more coming!! I so enjoyed them I revived an old computer and bought the outdated Medieval War computer game with the Viking expansion. You have made early English history come alive for an American not that well educated in the sometimes convoluted history of England. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Kent J. Cooper

hi Mr Cornwell i have just brought and read the first books of the Saxon stories i was just wondering if and when you where planing writing another installment of the life of Uhtred as i find these stories most captivating look forward to hearing from you

Frank Boyd

I know you are very busy man and do not have a lot of free time. I was curious when will Uhtred get to see Northumbria from inside his walls.

Matthew Bradley

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I want to congratulate you on the impact of your books and those of your translators. You're known in at least five languages. I have read your Sharp and Saxon stories. I have become fond of both Richard Sharp and Uhtred. I was curious! Are you planning to write follow up to the Saxon stories? Will Edward the Elder play a role? I read long ago Alfred's biography by Asser, and I am acquainted with the Anglo-Saxon chronicle. Your novels really bring out the mood of the period. Osfert is a name of relative of Alfred, who became important late in the reign and under Edward. You make out as being Alfred's bastard. Will he loom larger in the last fifty years of Uhtred? Will it be in one installment or two? You hint that Uhtred's daughter will play a major role. You also hint that Uhtred will regain Bamburgh. Will Edward play a role? On a different note, recent excavations in Wesminster have brought to light Alfred's and Edward's time. In 2008, the city organise a major exposition of artifact of his time. Did you see it? Best regards, Jean-Luc Gauville

Dear Mr Cornwell Many thanks for Azincourt. It was another great read. My question is a little off-topic but it's one I'd be fascinated to know the answer to. As a resident of Cape Cod, did you ever meet Norman Mailer who had a house in Provincetown? I know your two bodies of work are vastly different in genre and tone but I just wondered whether two of my favourite writers ever had the opportunity (or inclination) to meet up and shoot the breeze? Yours sincerely Bill Lyne, West Yorkshire.

Have enjoyed the Sharpe films and have now started reading the books. Is it very difficult doing "prequels"? It seems to me that you have to avoid anything too major happening because there will be no mention of it in the sequentially later (but earlier printed) books.

One technical query please. I know that officers could buy and sell their commissions but what happened to the commission of an officer killed in action? Is there a source for this info please? Many thanks for an enjoyable and informative range of historical novels Doug L