Your Questions

Q

Hi Bernard Finished Azincourt - brilliant, Is it just a one off story with Nick Hook? Now waiting for your next book, guess its not a Starbuck, so what can I expect up next? Thank you for your time, Antony

Submitted October 26, 2008

A

Don't know yet if Azincourt will be one only....there's a chance....but no promises!

Next up will be the fifth book of the Saxon stories.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, thank you for all your wonderful books. I am a danish/german guy with great interest in European history. I have read your grail quest and all saxon stories so far. I have 2 questions:

1- When is the next book of the saxon stories coming (after Sword Song)?

2- I have been waiting for Sword Song in german for over a year. It has not come yet. So I have read it in english. Also great. I know that you don't organise the outcoming in the german market but do you know why Sword Song takes so long compared to your other books? I am looking forward to your next books. Kind regards, Boris

Submitted October 26, 2008

A

1. - I've just started the fifth book of the Saxon stories. Hope to have it ready for publication in about a year.

2. - Sword Song will be released in German translation in January. Fraid I don't know why it seems to be taking longer? Publishers all set their own schedules!

Q

First let me say that I thoroughly enjoy reading your books. I enjoy your weaving of fictional story telling into factual events. It is a wonderful way to achieve a more in depth perspective of history. In your copious free time, have you pondered applying the same story telling gift to other historical military campaigns?
Chris Randolph

Submitted October 26, 2008

A

I am. What are they? I'm not saying.

Q

I am just writing to say that I have just finished Azincourt and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will you be writing any more on Nick Hook or is the book intended to be a 'stand alone'? Cheers, Leigh

Submitted October 25, 2008

A

There is a chance, but only a chance, that there may be more.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a (very) mature student, studying for an MA in Creative writing. The project for this semester is biography and I have chosen to write about Sir Harry Smith, who was a contemporary of Sharpe, and who I first met through Georgette Heyer's story "The Spanish Bride". I wonder if you would be kind enough to advise me as to where I might start with more objective research other than Harry's own autobiography which I have found on the web. I apologise for my opportunism, but felt you were the best person to approach for help. Many thanks and regards Jan Slade

Submitted October 24, 2008

A

I don't know of a biography of Harry Smith . . . . you can always pick references to him from general books on the Peninsular War . . . I just glanced at the bibliography attached to his entry in Wikipedia and it really isn't much help . . . and I fear I'm not being much help either. Sorry . . . . we need a new biography! You'll find a long and decent entry on him in the Dictionary of National Biography (a good library will have a set) and I'd advise starting there!

Q

Bernard, I am a massive fan of your work and have been since I was 13. I am unsure of what is my favourite series as they are all excellent. I would like to ask your personal opinion of Alfred, as Uhtred can be quite scathing in his assessments of him? Do you think that Alfred deserves to be remembered as the Great? PS I wish that you were born in Scotland so that you could work your magic and do some service to some of our great historical characters. Do you have any plans for any such book/series. William Wallace? Robert the Bruce? The 45? John MacCallum

Submitted October 24, 2008

A

I think Alfred deserves the title . . . . without him Wessex would probably have fallen and there would be no England - Daneland instead? He applied his enormous intelligence to the problem posed by the Danes and, at the same time, did his best to cultivate what he perceived as the best of Saxon culture. He was undoubtedly a good man, a moral king and painstaking in his adherence to God and the law. I honestly think that a Scottish writer should tackle William Wallace and Robert the Bruce!

Q

I am sure that I could make this note drag on, but I will try not to bore you. I do want you to know that you are my favorite author of all time and, in many ways, you are the reason I now love reading. The Starbuck Chronicles are what I would love to see more of; and not only inquire as to when we might see another, but as the Sharpe series, has there ever been serious talk about some kind of video production for the Starbuck Chronicles? Adam Schleppi

Submitted October 24, 2008

A

I do hope to get back to Starbuck, but can't say for sure when that might be....and no plans for Starbuck films and/or video.

Q

I've just finished Azincourt and I was wondering, tongue in cheek, if Hakeswell is a descendant of one of Sir Martin's illegitimate children?
Peter Brown

Submitted October 24, 2008

A

I think he must be!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I once wrote to you asking permission to feature "Sharpe's Escape" on the "Shelf Improvement" page of a magazine I used to publish, which you kindly agreed to. My next request is not so straightforward. A good friend of mine, who first introduced me to your work, is more than a little keen on body art and is looking for any illustrations of Derfel from the Arthur trilogy. He is intending to place him (appropriately) on his left forearm and requires some inspiration for the tattooist. Can you help? May your inkwell never run dry! Stuart Tristram

Submitted October 24, 2008

A

I'm not sure I can . . . I don't have any illustrations and can't think of a book where you might find one . . . sorry. Maybe someone reading this has a good visual source for 6th Century British warriors?

Q

Hello. I am a Brazilian fan. Your stories are really amazing, profound and rich. And your battles are beautiful. Of course, I have no adjectives for you that you have not heard before. When will we have a continuation for the Saxon Stories? Don't you think about making stories for a electronic game? I am sure many people would like to make a game about your stories. A medieval story or a Victorian story. With battles, decisions and with A good story". Thanks for reading my mail. Felipe Rezende Crispi

Submitted October 24, 2008

A

Thank you Felipe! I am working on the next Saxon story now and hope to have it ready for publication next year. There has been talk of a Sharpe game, but nothing's come of it....