Your Questions

Hey, hope you are well Two very petty questions but was just wondering... Firstly, why do the majority of your novels contain no heavy swear words, especially the 'f' one? This doesn't detract at all, just pure curiosity considering they must have been ubiquitous in a soldier's vocabulary and, what with the graphic battle scenes and frequent violent death, it's not as if there can be a vast under 11 crowd to risk alienating. And secondly, do you conform to that saying about being your own harshest critic or are you fairly easy-going about your novels? Oh, and have you re-read Sharpe's Eagle yet? (Sorry, that's three) Thanks for taking the time and good luck with the writing. Max

Dear Bernard Being an avid fan of yours for some time, I always keep an eye on what questions people have asked, and I have noticed how you regretted killing of Hakeswill, Because you really seemed to enjoy writing his cruelties. I also know how you don't wish to take Sharpe back in time, but if you wanted to have fun writing Hakeswill again you could always take Sharpe back to when they first met. I also wanted to say how in the Arthur Books you left some questions unanswered, I don't really want to know what happened to Arthur or Nimue, because if I do find out it would take away the magic of guessing and fantasizing. I suppose in the same respect I really don't want to know what happened in the dark ages, because I like believe your stories are what happened, since the characters were all so lovable, hateable and real seeming. Also, is the Main Character in Redcoat Sharpe's Father? Kind Regards, never stop writing. Damien

Hi Bernard, Thanks for the excellent talk at Cheltenham last week. Currently reading Azincourt and loving every minute of it. Came across a few websites today while reading up on a few facts concerning Azincourt and thought you might be interested if you haven't came across the story yourself, I would also be interested to hear your views. It concerns a French history conference saying that the whole story of the battle as we know it is total lies, and one historian is quoted as saying: 'It is the result of deliberate myth-making by Shakespeare in his Henry V, perpetuated to this day by authors such as Bernard Cornwell whose best-selling novel Azincourt is a gripping, galloping, gore-filled celebration of the English underdog.' The web address in case you want the whole story is: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/10/27/do2704.xml. Scotland on Sunday is also running the story at: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/uk/Academics-challenge-39myth39-of-Agincourt.4630335.jp, as I assume are many other news sites. Andrew Moore

Dear Bernard It was reported in last weekends papers that the French were holding a conference to discuss Agincourt, the main theme being that the English were not as outnumbered as is popularly claimed, that they resorted to underhand tricks to win the day and that their actions could, in retrospect, be described as those of war criminals. You were loosely quoted in the article. Do you subscribe to the French view that the victory was overplayed by the English or is this just a piece of wishful revisionism by the cheese eating surrender monkeys? Regards, Chris Poulton

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am a very big fan of your Saxon stories, Archer Tales, and, most of all, the Arthur stories. I was just wondering who you think is the greatest character you have ever created or written about? Luke
Yates

Dear Mr Cornwell, I discovered the Sharpe's series through my father in law and enjoy your writing very much - I just finished Wildtrack and like it, so I will pick up your other thrillers soon. My question: Is the Saint Pierre Trophy real? I was looking for some info on the Internet, but could not find anything and I have never heard of it. I do follow sailboat racing (Route du Rhum, Around Alone, etc...), so i am very curious. Thank you!
Gwenael Gouery

I apologize for touching on such a controversial issue, but I am curious as to whether as a historian you have an opinion on the government attempt this summer in the UK to extend the terrorist detention limit to 42 days without charges. I understand if you would rather refrain from risking alienating faithful readers in order to satisfy one's curiosity. -With best regards, Rollin Horton

Dear Mr Cornwell, Hereby, I would like to thank you for and congratulate you on your books & storytelling. I have read quite a few of your books, and all of them were great reads (and still are, of course; I've read some of them more than once). I wonder whether you could possibly tell me if you are planning to write another story dealing with British history. Looking forward to hearing from you soon and wishing you good luck & a lot of success in your work, Karel PS: Can't wait till I start reading Azincourt.

Dear Mr Cornwell I am a long time fan of your works and have just read 'Azincourt' . I just wanted to congratulate you on the work and the historical/technical detail in the story. I studied medieval archers as part of a university course and your accuracy of the subject was most impressive. Are you planning any other new novels around specific battles? And do you think you may set a novel around 20th century events eg Boer, 1st , 2nd WW's. ? Once again keep up the good work Thankyou Mick Poole

Can you tell me how long it will be before you release the sequel to Sword Song - from the Saxon series? I'm an avid reader of your books, and love this series so am waiting - impatiently, for the next book! I will be looking out for Agincourt when it is released here in NZ. Regards Donald Morris

Hi Mr Cornwell just to let you know I've just finished reading about Uhtred, couldn't put each of them down, my question is there another book after sword song, I'd like to know how is life goes on through the story thank you Sharon Wallis

I became a fan of your writing with Lords Of The North and have since read many if your other books! However, the story of Uhtred remains my personal favorite. So I waited an entire year to finally read Sword Song! Now I grow impatient, when will you publish the next Uhtred novel? Hurry up will you! I can read only so many Sharpe novels!
Mo

Can we expect a novel to follow on from Sword Song? Many thanks, Chris Cormack

One simple question: When will Uhtred sail again? I've enjoyed most of your books; particularly The Warlord Chronicles. Keep on writin'

Brad Hillestad

Just writing to say how much I enjoyed the saxon stories; going to buy the SWORD SONG Monday.Any plans for a movie? Thanks TIM
Garrett

As part of a tour of Germany, France and Belgium this coming spring I hope to include a stop at Agincourt so as you can imagine your upcoming book is eagerly anticipated. Are there any other guides to make the modern landscape easily interpreted that you can recommend? Thanks for all the hours I've spent reading your books, you have a wonderful gift than I'm glad you shared with the world.
Paul Morgan