Your Questions

Q

Dear Bernard, I was wondering if Starbuck is running out funds on his extended vacation as yet and needs to go back to work? I can easily imagine him and Truslow being in the sunken road in front of Marye's Heights at Fredricksburg. Regards Ken Australia

Just finishing your Starbuck series and have enjoyed many of your others. Really enjoy what you do. Will you be continuing the Starbuck series as you indicate "Starbuck will march again" in "The Bloody Ground" finished 12 years ago? Tom Chittenden

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

One day, but when?? It will happen!

Q

First of all, would like to give praise for the great work. I've read the saxon stories, the warlord chronicles, sharpe is my favourite character even of darth vader, but to the point I've heard of Sharpe's Peril and do you have an idea of when it's going to be released in the UK ,eager to hear from you. I apologize for weak spelling, a major fault next to maths. Ieuan Glyn Walker

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I don't know yet, but the word is it will be out later this year. For more 'Sharpe's Peril' information, click on this link: http://www.sharpefilm.com/.

Q

Hello Bernard,Could you please tell me which of your many characters would you most like to be for a day and which one is most like yourself. Regards Nick.

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

Obadiah Hakeswill is most like me. The one I'd want to spend a day with? Difficult. A day with Sharpe would teach me a lot, but I'd probably prefer almost any of the heroines . . .

Q

Mr. Cornwell, My name is Carolina and I'm from Brazil. Me and my friend Verônica are doing a school's project based on Arthur's legend. So, would you describe to us Arthur's crest with all the details? In the Brazilian cover of "The Winter King" there's an image of Arthur's bear, but we need the colours, the shape and the background of the crest. If you could send us a picture, you would help us a lot. Thank you sooooooooooooo much! Carolina and Verônica. P.s.: We LOVE your books :D

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I'm not sure I ever described his crest in detail? In the 5th - 6th centuries there were no 'crests' in the heraldic sense, merely symbols and flags, and I gave Arthur a plume of white goose-feathers that he would have worn on his helmet as a crest. That's not very helpful! I think you can make up your own bear! I never described it!

Q

I have been reading my way through the Sharpe novels chronologically and have recently finished "Battle" - which now is my favorite. "Tiger" is my next favorite. I was wondering if there is there is a Sharpe novel which you enjoyed writing more than others? LOL - excluding the monetary compensation. Best regards, Joe - Fenton, MO

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I enjoyed so many - - - but probably Trafalgar?? I liked Lady Grace

Q

At the moment, you're in the middle of Saxon Series, Starbuck Series, Sharpe and have just written Azincourt. How do you decide to add to a current series, start a new book or series? Simon ps I enjoy all your book series, but the books Redcoat and Gallow's Thief are the best. Any chance of a sequel? Simon Windsor

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I choose what interests me! Simple as that.

Glad to hear you enjoyed Redcoat and Gallows Thief - no sequels planned at the moment.

Q

Hi, my name's André Morelo, I'm a Brazilian graphic design student, and concerning the historical knowledge that is presented in your books, I think that maybe you could help me. I've already read some of your books that were translated to Portuguese, and I'm even trying to buy some books in English, and I really liked The Grail Quest, and Thomas, the archer was really great. Anyway, for my graduation project, I want to make a card game based on great conquerors, and generals in history, and since you are a great historical-romanticist, I would really appreciate if you could give me some hints of historical generals, and conquerors. If possible with yours commanders, and allies. By the way, I really need a lot of those characters, around 40, if possible, if not, just a few is all'right. Thanks for your time, and please keep writing! André Morelo

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

Oh dear - I'd suggest Marlborough, Frederick the Great, Wellington, Napoleon, Genghis Khan, Attilla the Hun, Julius Caesar, but you've probably thought of all those yourself. You might search 'Great Commanders' on Amazon and come up with more?

Q

Dear Bernard. Yes! Well done, you thrashed us in the one day series. I may have solved Sgt Hakeswill's final destination. Just test the Australian cricket sides DNA? But what I would like to know is where did the Saxons originally come from and did they bring Christian beliefs to England? Lords of the North)Regards Kevin- South Africa.

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

The Saxons originated from Germany - but they themselves had been driven westward by other enemies. No, they didn't bring Christianity to Britain - that was imported by the Romans (who have a lot to answer for). The Saxons reintroduced paganism, but were in turn converted by missionaries from Europe, by which time the remnants of Celtic Christianity were holed up in Ireland and Wales. I didn't follow the one-day series at all . . . . sounds good, though.

Q

Dear Bernard Cornwell, during the last couple of weeks I have read your 4 books about Uhtred with great excitement. And I understand that there is a 5 book on it`s way... When? I can`t wait. I especially like the mix of history and fiction. My hobby is viking-reenactment and my husband is a viking-warrior. If you're interested you can check out these homepages: www.ask.dk and www.ulfhednir.dk. Some of my viking-friends love your books too. Yours sincerely Matti Ancher Fonvig

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories so no title yet, but it is most likely the next book I will write. If so, we'd hope to see it published in the UK in October 2009 (and possibly in the US in January 2010 ).

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell A personal question - I apologize for my temerity, but still am curious: Did Uhtred get his name from your biological father?
Itzik Popper

Submitted September 10, 2008

A

My father's family have a family tree that goes back to the 6th Century and I've not double-checked it, but certainly there's a great deal of supporting evidence, and no one has ever doubted that the Uhtred family were lords of Bebbanburg from the 6th to the 11th centuries, and thereafter moved to Yorkshire where they still are (though my branch moved to British Columbia in the 19th Century). As for my Uhtred, he's a completely fictional character.