Your Questions

I have read many of your books and I give you an applause for everyone. I recently finished the Saxon Stories. I am a writer myself and am working my own stories, though I find my youth and historical/geological ignorance problematic, and one name from your stories stood out to me. Roric Ragnarson. I was wondering, did you just make 'Roric' up, or does it have some sort of background?

Next, I would like to ask you about the Arthur Books. By the way I liked your disembowelment of the legends; you effectively turned frilly and gaily mystical into dark and realistic. Anyway, I know most authors and writer have strong underlying themes to their stories. I was wondering if you had any for the Arthur series, and if so, what were they? Also, I doubt you knew it when you wrote them in the nineties, but the Arthur books are a nearly perfect representation of the recent political happenings in the United States. Basically, one group trying to hold its position, while two separate factions of another group tear at each other while trying to take over. Your depiction of the Christian priests seems very reminiscent of the Media here as well. Here the Media has the power to sway millions of minds just by the information they choose to present. Christian priests always have had power over people because the religion has been so popular. In both instances the culprit (Media/ priests) have exercised the powers given to them by the people and not taken the responsibility to be completely truthful to the people. I was just wondering if this may have been the guidelines for some other allegory you where wishing to create.
Bryce Riddiough

Hi Bernard I've just finished Azincourt, blast you for creating another hero for us all to fall in love and want more of! I'm intrigued that you, the non believer that you are (like me) had a saint talking to your main character. Is this part of the pleasure of being a storyteller that you are able to tell stories containing elements that you don't believe in but that your character would, so are you being true to your character and putting your beliefs to one side? I took it to be Nick's inner voice, his conscience, that added element that made him rise above his peers. Will his be a lonely existence like that of our beloved Sharpe! I bought Azincourt at the Ely Cathedral night, which was a joy, I was the woman at the end who fumbled her question - what I really wanted to ask is .... When you write the next Sharpe (close to making me pray) will you use "Brian's Time Line" as an aide memoir? And finally, yes really, I have saved the Saxon Stories for one hit over Christmas, how my husband despairs! Laura Green, Ely, Cams

Dear Bernard. A very quick question. Do you plan to carry on Uhtred's story past the death of King Alfred in AD901 or will the death of King Alfred be the finishing point for the Saxon stories?. Many thanks Phil

Would really love for you to write something around the Cromwell time. This must have been an exciting time to have lived. As you were able to bring Arthur and the Saxon times alive for me I am sure you could also do this period of our history justice with your skill.
Richard Smith

Having read with the greatest pleasure Azincourt (which I bought on publication day, though to my shame as an author at half price at Waterstones) and gone back as a result to the Grail trilogy, I wonder whether you have ever visited the Mary Rose (Henry VIII's warship in Portsmouth)? They have the greatest collection of war bows in the world and last time I was there I was able to handle one in the stores much the thickness and weight of Thomas's. Well worth a visit if you're over in UK. You'd need to make appointment of course to visit the stores. I look forward to the next Uhtred Best wishes, Jeremy Montagu

Mr Cornwell. Azincourt, as I've come to expect, was a compelling and often breathtaking read. As a London resident I spend a lot of time traveling to and from work via the underground, which is a great opportunity for me to enjoy your wonderful stories. I may even go as far as I am one of the lucky few here that actually look forward to my journeys to and from work, and I have you to thank for that. Hook, in comparison with Uhtred for example, is definitely one of your more sensitive characters, a slightly more relatable warrior which helps with understanding and sharing his fears through the battle. My favourite character by some stretch, however, is Sir John. I found myself completely in awe of this fearless warrior of old, I would love to know more about him. The men-at-arms in general I found to be fascinating, amidst the legendary English archers which were always going to dominate your story, I was very pleased that within your masterful commentary of the battle itself you gave commendable respect and airtime to the hand to hand combatants on the front line. I am still a huge fan of the Saxon stories, and nothing I have read compares with your vivid and terrifying description of the shield wall, especially in The Pale Horseman. How did you manage to create such a real and powerful envisaging of this horrific form of battle? Marcus Hibbert

I have just finished reading 'Azincourt' and wanted to thank you for writing such a brilliant book especially pleased that you've set it in a new period. I loved the descriptions of life in the 15th century army, maybe not overly keen on the detail of putting out archers' eyes, but definitely happy as you introduced horses in this novel. I don't suppose you remember but I attended the talk you gave at the Hay-on-Wye festival many years ago and asked 'why don't horses feature in the Sharpe novels'? And I can recall your reply- 'I don't know enough about horses so wouldn't put them in as some-one would definitely write and say I'd got information wrong' I did offer to be your equine proof reader but you've obviously found a very knowledgeable person as the detail was all accurate. Will you be writing a sequel? Best wishes for the coming festive season. Karen

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have read all of your books except for the Sharpe series. I've really never been interested in that particular timeline or location. However, I do love all of your other books, especially the Saxon Stories which I'm looking forward to the fifth installment! I also just finished Azincourt and was blown away as well! However, I noticed that you have a title "Warrior" available for preorder on Amazon.ca. Please tell me what the subject matter is for this novel because I can't find it anywhere not even on your website. Thank you! Sincerely, Kimberly J. GElderman

Hi Bernard I have read all of your books and notice Devon features quite a lot. I live near the exe and have been glad to see Topsham and Dawlish mentioned on occasion. I also read a previous question which said you kept a boat of Starcross. I just wondered what connection you had with the area? What was your local pub? Also if you manage to get your boat under the railway bridge at Starcross/Cockwood try the mussels in the Anchor Inn which is on the harbour, you wont be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book. Best wishes, Neil

Hello Mr Cornwell, I first have to say that you did a brilliant job on Azincourt, maybe your best yet which is saying something. I will not mention the subject of Sharpe's father again, rather I will leave it for you to reveal in your own good time. Just a question concerning Sharpe; will he ever meet Captain Joel Chase again? Oh, and when Sharpe finally hangs up his sword can we please have some more Nate Starbuck. Thanks, Andrew Mathison.