Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard I am just writing to offer hearty congratulations on Azincourt. It was an excellent novel that I could not put down. I also hope its not the last we have seen of Nick Hook. But I do wonder since its been a few years if you will ever write another Musket novel and not simply of the Peninsular war which has been very well covered. I wondered if you have ever thought of the Jacobite Wars or of Dettingen the last time an English King led an army in the field? Yours sincerely, Tony

Submitted October 14, 2008

A

It's not something I'm planning to write at the moment, but I never say never, and I've bought a couple of books on the rebellions over the last few years, so who knows?

Q

Hi ! When does the new book "Azincourt" coming up in German language ? I´m absolutely fan of the saxon stories and looking forward to the 4. story as well. Sincerely Alex Luckner P.S. I´m sorry for any mistakes in grammar or vocabulary

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I'm a book-seller from Germany and I love your entire books! Now I've got a little question about your new book "Azincourt". Do you have any information about the moment it's going to be published in German? Is there any German translated version existing? It would be a pleasure to get an answer from you!! Best wishes from Germany, Marco

Submitted October 10, 2008

A

German publication of AZINCOURT will be September 2009.

Q

I have an Irish writer in my family, James Plunkett Kelly, whom I have never met. Like most Irish Americans, I am interested in my family history. My question: Do you know of my cousin? He wrote the book, "Strumpet City." thanks Jim Mahaney Fairhaven, MA, USA

Submitted October 10, 2008

A

I do know of him, yes, and it's a wonderful book. I hope you've read it! How fortunate to boast of him as a family member!

Q

I have read some of the comments, and am struck by the fact that several people claim to be your biggest fan. Let's get something straight right now. I'm you biggest fan! Got that? In Winter King, you describe at least one and perhaps several helmets as being decorated with horns, as in many a Viking movie. And yet I recall hearing many years ago (I'm almost as old as you!) that decorations like that were unlikely since they would easily catch a sword or axe blade. I realize Winter King is not "historical," but it has a sense of veracity about it, as do all your books. Care to comment on the helmets? Thanks, man. Keep it up. Frank Eskridge

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

I think The Winter King contains a deal more fantasy than my other novels . . . . and horns on helmets are a fantasy, though some horned helmets have been discovered - the general interpretation is that they were used as cultic objects. I'm keeping it up!

Q

Dear Bernard Noticed, from the Waterstones website that Saul David and Damien Lewis (and two other authors)will be debating Britains Greatest General on 30 October at Salisbury Guildhall. Would your vote be for Wellington? Or might you be tempted to vote for Marlbrough or perhaps Montgomery? Can I ask if you will be one of the other authors joining the debate as I am sure you would bring some valuable views to the debate. Best Wishes Steven Shaw

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

I won't be at Salisbury, sadly . . . . . and my vote is for Wellington, always Wellington. Marlborough is a close second, but really, in my mind, no contest!

Q

Have just finished "Azincourt" having got it just two days ago. Great story and thanks. One question - Thomas of Hookton (Grail Quest series)is mentioned as one who was an archer and went on to become lord of an estate, so how did this happen?

David Eric Coote

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

I've no idea! I haven't written those books . . . . but as Thomas of H is active during the thick of the Hundred Years War I'd assume that he goes on to lead a band of mercenaries (like Hawkwood) and becomes wealthy.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am a massive fan of all your books,i loved reading the sharp novels,Excalibur,and vagabond. I have just finished reading sword song and i loved it. My Favourite books are the Saxon stories, manly because of the viking elements to the books. My mothers side of the family, are from the isle of Mann,(ellan vannin veg veen)which has a huge history of the viking ancestry. I was wondering, would there be any connections of the isle of Mann vikings,to Alfred the great?,If so would that have a effect lord Uhtred in his future battles? I am really looking forward to the next saxon novel, (Gura mie ayd)thank you. Dean Duffy

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

I doubt that the Isle of Mann Vikings would have had much to do with Wessex . . . they certainly posed no threat to Alfred's kingdom and it's not till the reign of his grandson that they play an indirect role, and even then it's in the north of England . . . but I think we will eventually meet them!

Q

Dear Bernard, I have a comment or perhaps a question, and please correct me if I am wrong, but whilst reading the Arthurian saga I could not help linking Derfel Cadarn to Sir Bedevere. Is it not Bedevere who threw Excalibur into Dosemary Pool. Is not Derfel Sir Bedevere. Also, what do you think about the allusion that Massimo Manfredi makes about Excalibur being Ensis Caliburnis etc etc, i.e., the Calibean Sword of Julius Caesar. Excalibur is not at all an ancient Welsh or Celtic word. What do you think. Kind Regards.
Lucy

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

Excalibur is Caledfwylch, which is ancient enough in Welsh myth! Yes, I gave Sir Bedevere's role to Derfel, mainly because I wanted to, and the stories are endlessly malleable, and I wanted to restore Derfel Cadarn to his place in the tales . . . . he's mentioned in the earliest versions as one of Arthur's warriors, but somehow dropped out over time. I think it's fairly useless to try and pin down an Authorised Version of the Matter of Britain; every author in every age has reinterpreted the myths and, if I hadn't done the same I'd have had nothing new to say.

Q

Dear Bernard, Bought Azincourt on October 2nd and finished it on the 4th. It was pretty much unputdownable. excellent book. But you cannot finish the story on just Azincourt. The Hundred Years war has a long way to go and you have to get Nick to Orleans and up against Joan of Arc You mention the Anglo/French rivalry she is possibly the most famous person in that besides Boney and Montcalm let alone the Hundred Years war. If you don't get Nick there it would be like Sharpe with out getting him to Waterloo (On the opposite side).

You have mentioned your ancestors moving to Canada in the 19th century, I was wondering if any of your ancestors were in Canada during the war of 1812 and will you ever do a separate from the Peninsular war) series on that war since like the British soldiers in Burma in ww2 they called themselves the forgotten army and if anyone could get them remembered its you. Anyway congrats again on Azincourt yours sincerely Geraint

P.S If you have not read it I can recommend Stephen Brummell's Paths of Glory the Life and death of General James Wolfe.

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

Thanks! Glad to know you enjoyed Azincourt. Not sure just yet if there will be another, but it's under consideration!

They didn't emigrate until the mid 19th Century, and then went to the far west, so no, no connections with the War of 1812 . . . . which I'm not planning to write about, but never say never!

Thank You . . . . I haven't read it

Q

Thank you for your WONDERFUL books. I have read them all but 3 or 4 Sharpe's. I am asking about your personal religious beliefs. And I apologize if this is an affront. But I am in my late 70's, have been "searching" all my life. Your research and comments about the emergence of Christianity versus paganism, etc. make me believe that you have special insights into life, death, the Otherworld,etc. I would be very grateful if you would be willing to quickly and briefly share your own view of "the big picture", life after death, etc. And I will certainly understand if I am getting too personal. Thank you. Dick Vinyard

Submitted October 9, 2008

A

I don't mind at all, though I fear you will be mightily disappointed. I am an atheist, and fear there is no life after death, though I recognise that wanting that is an almost universal yearning. I hate to be so dismissive, but I too have thought long and hard about it, and find a strange comfort in the belief that there is neither a god nor an afterlife!