Your Questions

I note that you intend to write a novel covering aspects of the "american war of independence". If memory serves me right, that was one of the few wars we didn't actually win. I suppose it was a draw as we kept Canada. I very much prefer to read about British/English victories. There are many to chose from, as I'm sure you are aware. Why not write about one of those, or are the American authorities forcing you to write about this unfortunate episode of British military history as some condition of residency in their country. If so, I feel they must be punished. Perhaps we should burn their "White House", again. Michael

I have so enjoyed reading The Saxon Stories I think they are wonderful. Is there going to be a fifth book? If so when? If not I'll say thank you so much for writing the four you have written and I will re read them, I will do this any way. Again thank you.
Gill Bradley

I have just finished reading 'Sword Song' - now this series could go on and on, so please don't stop. I find they compliment Tim Severin's 'Viking' stories very nicely. If you could introduce an Anglo-British character with the name Thomas, I and millions of others would be elated! Thanks for the stories, Paul.

A friend has recommended Azincourt, and I do intend to read it. However noting the number of novels you have written, which historical novel would you recommend I start with?
Neil Turner

Hi Bernard, I see a new Sharpe adventure is airing on ITV starting November 2nd, is this anything to do with you as it appears to be the first TV only Sharpe adventure and not based on any of your books? Did you have any input in it, will there be a book tie in? Cheers Phil.

Hi Bernard, I notice that you expect that number 5 of the Saxon series will be out in Oct'09. Do these deadlines frighten you? Do you ever wonder how you're going to meet them?? Also do you ever find that at lunch time one of your characters is alive and well, only to find by teatime to your utter surprise he/she has met their demise?? Or are your slayings more premeditated?? Thanks Bernard!! Willie from Ireland

Have read & re-read the Sharpe series, but you have one omission - there is nothing to complete the series, ie Richard's entry to the 95th Rifles! I know you do not accept suggestions for story lines, but surely the 95th Rifles is a logical progression after Waterloo in the Sharpe series.Should you decide on this, I can then rest easy and not anticipate another Sharpe saga, & be content with re-reads as & when. Have very (very) recently discovered how good the "early" (pre Sharpe/Starbuck period) Saxon/Arthur etc story-lines are. Please keep on writing, as once into a book of yours, I find your writing quite compulsive-hence the re-reading! Many, many thanks for introducing me to Richard Sharpe in 1981 Most sincerely - Jeff Huntingdon

Dear Bernard Cornwell I attended your talk at Ely cathedral the other night which was extremely enjoyable- and thank you for signing your new book. Someone in the audience asked if you thought it was worse to have fought on the Somme in 1916 than at Agincourt. I remembered the following day that John Keegan in his book 'The Face of Battle' addressed that very issue. In fact he compared what it was like to fight at Agincourt, Waterloo and the Somme. I was wondering whether you used John Keegan's book in writing 'Azincourt'? If so (and if it is not giving away any of the plot)did your archers place their stakes like a fence in front of them, or as John Keegan's argues, in a sort of loose hedge or thicket amongst them? I know that some paintings show all the archers placed behind a 'stake fence' but I favour John Keegan's proposition; otherwise how would the archers maintain their freedom of movement to get amongst the French? Thanks again for a great evening. John Izzard

Hi. I'm from Brasil and I already read many of your books. How you describes the fights an the places is fantastic. I'm a great fan of yours and i have one question to ask you: In the historic notes of the Lords of the north, you said that Uhtred family is ancestral of yours. is that true? Thank you.
Mathias

Sir. I recently discovered you while searching for historical fiction to read. Was familiar with Sharpe, having seen some of the TV shows some years ago, and then sought and read the first (chronologically), Sharpe's Tiger. Before moving on in the Sharpe series, I discovered the Saxon stories and have gotten through the first two of those, and thoroughly enjoyed them as well. Now I'm nearing completion of the Gallows Thief, and have this question....Will there be a Rider Sandman series? It certainly seems as if this first book would lend it self to such. Sandman and Berrigan, Investigators. You've seemingly assembled a nice cast of characters who each bring something useful to a criminal investigation team. I look forward to your response. James Ponseti

Have just read Gallows Thief and love it! Please say you will write a sequel, Rider Sandman is just too interesting to have to say "goodbye". The descriptions are wonderful, feel as though I am right there. Thank you for a wonderful book. Julia Howell

Hello Mr. Cornwell! First of all I would like to say that I really really enjoy your books. I've already read the Grail Quest, The Arthur Books and The Saxon Stories (just finished the Sword Song). Because of my work I have to travel a lot to many places in the world and there is no best friend to a traveler than a good book, and I can say that, to me, your books are the best. I really like books based in real historic facts, mainly the ones that have the story going on before the invention of fireweapons. I was looking at the FAQ section and discovered that the book 5 of The Saxon Stories will be released in the end of 2009, but I would like to ask if the series will finish with this book 5 or it will go on? If this will be the last book of the Saxon Stories, are you planning to write any other book (or series) in the same stile of the Saxon Stories or the Arthur Books? Best regards from your Brazilian fan, Eduardo