Your Questions

Q

hello Mr Cornwell, this is not a question about your books, I am a fan I just thought maybe, seen as you must do a lot of research for your books, you can help me find something I'm looking for. My granny used to live in West Bowling, Bradford, and swears that her house was built on the site of a battle in the French Revolution. Her proof for this is that she did the ouija board every night she lived in the house and spoke to a french soldier called Robert Sieres( or something along those lines). Anyway, I looked on the net and can't find out so just wondered if you knew of any good books that may be helpful in tracking down this battle. Looking forward to the next Saxon book, I'd be grateful for any reply. thanx. Mark

Submitted March 24, 2009

A

I've never heard of such a battle! Certainly no French troops landed in England during the Revolutionary or Napoleonic wars (there was a French landing at Haverfordwest in Wales, and the US Marines raided a Scottish port - but neither did any damage or amounted to anything). The only possible explanation I can conjure is that French prisoners of war were held in Bradford? And maybe they rioted? Your best resource would be a local history - the Bradford library might know?

Q

Dear Bernard Cornwell, we have been reading Azincourt as a Bernard Cornwell Group, book read and all have been favourable. One question arose though: Why you chose to have a gentler person (Hook) as your protagonist, as it was felt that none of your other heroes would have heard Saints voices. The discussion ranged from you being more mature in your writing to maybe imitating the way the old heroic stories had touches of christianity introduced by the monks who were re-writing them.Therefore I was surprised at your answer in the most frequently asked question section about christianity in your novels. Especially as the novels plot seems to pivot on the Saints Day. We are really interested in learning how you came upon Hook and the reason why he is a gentler natured man. Susan Howard

Submitted March 24, 2009

A

I'm not sure he is particularly gentle! But he is susceptible to the prevailing myth of his time, which was Christianity, and he does live with a fear of damnation. It's hard for (some of) us to imagine just how immanent that fear was, and I suspect Nick Hook has a conscience and that provokes the voices in his head (within a few years Jeanne d'Arc would also be hearing voices, remember). Sharpe is luckier, in that he lives in an era when the myth has lost a great deal of its power, but the farther you go back in history the greater its power. Henry V, it seems to me, is a brute in many ways, but there's no doubt he was actuated by a sincere Christian belief, which is why he can burn Lollards with a clear conscience. Nick is less certain of his status in relation to God, and uncertain how he can earn salvation, but the poor man desperately wants it. Maybe he is gentle? Thanks

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, having read almost all of your books and whilst waiting for October and the next hopefully I have started to collect hardback copies. I have recently purchased a US copy of Battle Flag signed by yourself with an inscription "For my Father who reminds me of Stonewall Jackson with much love Bernard". I wondered if you may remember this copy? Many Thanks, John

Submitted March 24, 2009

A

I do remember it . . . . he died a long time back and I'm not at all sure he ever read the book!

Q

I'm presently enjoying the siege of Harfleur. Love all the usual stuff; the good priests, the hypocrite priests, the central character (who I enjoy even more than Thomas of Hookton), and, of course, the VILLAINS. Please keep writing as long as you can. Only one question... will there be any more sailing stories? As a sailor (a Westerly Centaur - useless tub - that I love to sail around Puget Sound) I enjoyed those stories. God Bless, MAA

Submitted March 24, 2009

A

Thank you! No plans for more sailing stories now; but perhaps in the future...

Q

I would really love to get the Warlord Trilogy on either CD or be able to put it on my iPod. I can only find them in audio cassette!! Will they be made into the digital age anytime soon?
Sarah

Submitted March 21, 2009

A

Yes Sarah, I've just heard from my agent this week that the Warlord Chronicles will be available for download and in audio CD format in November 2009.

Q

Hi Have you ever considered doing any stories on Patrick Lassan? Nick Salisbury

Submitted March 21, 2009

A

I doubt I'll write any books about Patrick Lassan, not because I don't like him, but simply because I have too many other books in mind (and have to finish Starbuck too!).

Q

Hey, I heard about the death of Hakeswill and how you regretted killing him off. One way to bring him back is that the ammo that was used was sabotaged by a friend of Hakeswill before the firing squad, so that the ammo would wound him at worst. (If he got shot in the eye, then he wears a patch) Or maybe it disfigures his face so no one knows it's him. Just a thought, curious as to what you think of it.

Also, I'm writing a World War 1 short series for a video game and I dedicated one of my characters "Sean Sharpe" (They will act in no way similar to your Richard Sharpe, just have somewhat common last name, and the Sean is for Sean Bean) Is that alright or would you rather I lose the name? Cheers!
Alex

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

I think I buried him . . . . anyway, he's dead! Sad, but true. The actors on the Sharpe series wanted to resurrect him - the idea was to start an episode with Hakeswill's hand groping up from a grave, but I fear I did finish him off! Sorry.

No - I'm very flattered! Keep it!

Q

My children gave me the full set of the Sharpe books for my birthday in September and I have just finished Waterloo. I am almost reluctant to start the final book as I do not want the experience to end, although my wife is describing herself as a "Sharpe Widow". Are you planning any further Sharpe books in the near future? It would be good to see Sharpe and Sweet William reunited one day. Richard Tyler

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

There will be more Sharpe books, but not for at least another year, or two.

Q

Hi Mr. Cornwell. Isn't about time that you gave us a hint of the plot of Uhtred #5? And how about a tentative title? Alan Kempner

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

Um, a hint? I'll let you know when I finish it, okay? It's close, but still not there, and I think (I don't have to decide this for another month) that the title will be The Burning Land.

Q

Hello! I was wondering if captain Morris evaded Sharpe's revenge by transferring to the marines and serving on a certain HMS Sutherland? I re-read the Saxon tales recently and wondered why wyrd bid ful aread is pretty much spelt differently in all of them? If you ever need a plucky cornish soldier in one of your books then feel free to use Trethowan! Heard a good one the other day. What do you call one hundred thousand Frenchmen with their arms in the air? The army. James Trethowan.

Submitted March 19, 2009

A

I think we'll meet Morris again, though I can't quite see him as a marine . . . . but thanks for the idea!