Your Questions

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, I'm a huge fan, and obviously you do tons of research for your books, but me and some others at our Pagan Moot in chilly Aberdeen are so sure you're a Pagan too, particularly the heartfelt reactions to christians by Uhtred? If you don't mind me asking, are you? I run a small pagan shop in Aberdeen with my hubby and you'd be amazed how many people want Thor's Hammers after reading the Saxon Stories. So thanks for boosting our sales. I named our son Aldred meaning 'Wise Counsellor' because I was inspired by the Saxon Stories and my hubby wouldn't let it be Uhtred! Bright Blessings Emma

A

I suppose Christians would call me pagan, inasmuch that I'm no Christian. Not anything! I'm a non-believer, though if I could conjure one religion into being it would be the old Norse gods! And I'm delighted Thor is working so well for you!


Q

what happened to the gold in the dungeon of the gateway of god? Simon

A

I know this is a hopelessly unhelpful answer, but I wrote the book so long ago that I can't even remember putting gold in that dungeon. Did I? Doubtless Sharpe got some . . . . . . sorry, I just don't remember


Q

Dear Sir, First of all I hope that you are in good health and enjoying the beautiful New England scenery. I can't express to what extent I enjoy your work. Over the last year I have read the entirety of the Sharpe novels as well as the Warlord Chronicles and the Saxon Tales. It is difficult to pick a favorite between Sharpe, Derfel and Uhtred since all protagonists are honorable warriors with an unwavering conscience and respect for karma. My opinion is that the Saxon tales must be considered as some of your greatest work as a historical novelist. More so than any of your other series, I am entranced into a world before my time, finding myself in awe of the barbaric brutality and virtue of Uhtred. By itself, the Scandinavian invasion of Britain is a remarkable period but you manage to make it almost mythical. Without realizing it, Uhtred is so many things that merit love, respect and fear. He is a fearless leader, a savage fighter, a great instructor of war who is heralded by his men and other unknown soldiers. His reputation definitely precedes him as Alfred's murderous "guard dog." However, he is also a loving father, husband and friend who shows compassion in a world of terror. He is a hero...or god as he believes he will become in his pagan heaven. I am eagerly awaiting the next volume of this magnificent series. When is the next Saxon Tale due? I recall hearing that it is scheduled for 2009. Is this still the case? Best Regards and with great admiration, Charles J. Millet

A

Thank you! Yes, I am working on the next book of the series now and hope to have it ready for publication in the UK in 2009 (most likely 2010 in the US).


Q

Bernard, Thank you for bringing me weeks worth of enjoyment reading your books. As a college student, one of your books has inspired a paper of mine, primarily focusing on Chivalry as displayed by Geoffroi de Charny and at the Battle of Poitiers. At the beginning of Archer's Tale, you quote King Jean II of France, before even starting the prologue. I was hoping you could point me to where this quote is from, as while I have come to rely on the accuracy of your research, I fear The Archer's Tale cannot be cited as a primary source for my paper. Thank you greatly, Theo

A

I found it in Medieval Warfare, edited by Maurice Keen, Oxford University Press, 1999, p 150


Q

Mr Cornwell, I was pleased to just notice that you said the warlord chronicles were your favorites because they are also mine. I have to admit that I have always been somewhat of a reader but when a friend of mine told me about Authur, Derfel and Owain; and I began to read that trilogy - I was hooked. I just finished the saxon tales and found those very good as well. I have a humble request, The battles scenes in your books (especially the champion vs. champion scenes) are awesome. And as a fan of Mr Howard Conan, I think you would be able to weave an excellent story and make Conan come alive better than anyone else has done. Just something to think about. I appreciate your books very much and hope there will be another to the saxon tales. I have never raced home to get to my book until I got turned on to Bernard Cornwell's heroes. Thank you. Sean Hester

A

Well, thank you, but I suspect the copyright problems would be awesome, so if you'll forgive me I probably won't think about it!


Q

Are you going to continue the Sharpe series with Sharpe fighting in the War of 1812? It would seem there would be a lot of material there. Jim Walsh

A

I doubt it, but I never say never . . . .


Q

Hi Bernard. Two questions please, could you tell me please if the Earl of Northampton mentioned in the "The Grail Quest" is the ancestor of the Earl of Northampton who commanded a royalist regiment during the English civil war.

My other question is what do you think could have happened to Jane Sharpe after she found that her lover John Rosendale had been killed at Waterloo and that no way would she be able to go back to Richard.Thanks for all your books keep on writing.Regards ROD

A

To be honest I've no idea . . . but I doubt it? The first was a Bohun and the second, I think, in the Compton family.

Oh dear, I never anticipate my characters' lives beyond the limits of the books . . . . . I just hope she found happiness!


Q

I love the uhtred series and am going through sword song but lost it travelling! getting a new one don't worry, but wondering also is there any films or series planned for this book as they are screaming to be made into a hit. if so any chance of a part? Ian Skilton

Mr. Bernard. I'm a fanatic for your books, specially The Saxon Stories. Uhtred is a inspiration source for me. This is a very creative mix of history and romance. You are one of the best writer that a know in life. What do you think about a trilogy in movies of The Saxon Stories? I am sure that could be a amazing Movie. With Peter Jackson producing it, to many Oscars will have. Congratulations for your amazing inspiration, creativity and great work. Best Regards. Roger Costa.

are movie producers not beating down your door to make films of your novels? perhaps some kind of petition could be started to encourage this, I'm sure the response would be overwhelming!!!! especially the Uhtred novels. if you could choose a novel or series of your books to be turned in to a film which would it be?
Ian

A

They're not! Which is fine . . . . I've always thought I make my living by putting words on pages, not pictures on screens.


Q

Good Day, I would like to know if all the books in the Sharpe series have been translated in French. I'd also appreciate having the titles (in French, of course)in respect with the chronological order. Best regards, Paul Racicot Québec city, Canada

A

There have been just a few Sharpe books translated to French so far, but I do believe the publisher has plans to publish most, if not all, the Sharpe titles over time.

L'aigle de Sharpe : Richard Sharpe et la campagne de Talavera, juillet 1809 (Broché) (Sharpe's Eagle) was published in June 2007 and "Le trésor de Sharpe" (Sharpe's Gold) was published in November 2007.

La compagnie de Sharpe : Richard Sharpe et le siège de Badajoz, janvier-avril 1812 (Sharpe's Company) was published in June 2008.


Q

Dear Mr Cornwall, I am a third year history student at St Hilda's College, Oxford and have just finished reading Azincourt. I just wanted to say firstly, how much I have enjoyed all of your books, particularly those set in the medieval period. My father and I have been massive fans of yours for a number of years, and I look forward to catching up on Sharpe's Peril when I get home! I also had a question for you on a slightly different note. I am starting my thesis next term on chivalry during the Hundred Year's War and was particularly taken with your account of Soissons. I was just wondering which books (other than Curry and Barker which I have) you read for research as I would be interested to find out more about Soissons. Many thanks and best wishes Isabel Langdon

A

I'm afraid that most of my Soissons material (other than Curry and Barker) was imagination. Disappointing, I know, but it's what we fiction writers do in extremis!