Your Questions

Q

If all your heroes had to fight each other (unlikely but fun) who would win and why. I suspect it would be Sharpe or maybe Uhtred, but I would love to hear your view. I came to an evening with you at Waterstones Canterbury and was thoroughly entertained but was to nervous to ask the question. Thanks for endless hours of entertainment. Duncan Hall

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Oh, I have no idea!! Truly! I think they'd all like each other far too much, but if they had to? The biggest rogue would win, Sharpe?

Q

Please can you tell me if you will be doing any book signings in the U.K this Autumn? And if so where? Thank-you!
Stella Noble

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I will be in the UK this Autumn. Click on the link for Diary at the top of this page for a look at the itinerary. Only two postings right now, but I expect a few more before October comes.

Q

When may we expect the book following Sword Song in the Saxon Chronicles?

We just finished reading The Fury of the Northmen by John Marsden [1993]. It details the history that you incorporated in Saxon series. Was the "blood eagle" commonly used in that era by the Norse? Where are the remains of Saint Cuthbert currently housed, including his original coffin?
Martha Scott

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I haven't started the next book of the Saxon stories, 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 ).

I think the Blood Eagle is a bit of a myth . . . but I could be wrong. Not sure about the original coffin, but Saint Cuthbert lies in the glorious cathedral at Durham.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, Just wanted to thank you for the awesome Warlord Chronicles books. I am sad to say I just finished them but I have really enjoyed the last few months of reading. I can't find too many series to capture my interest the way the Arthur books did and I applaud your skill. These would make a great movie trilogy - thinking a little Peter Jackson mixed with Braveheart - but if they ever lock you up don't change too much! What book of yours should I read next? Mike Devine

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Perhaps you'd like to give the Saxon stories a try? Start with The Last Kingdom.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, where can I go to get back my life you have stolen from me? The reason I ask is that since I stumbled on the Sharpe novels, and consequently the excellent Uhtred adventures and the Grail quest, most of my free time seems to be taken up reading you superb books! I do have a question though (apart from why do you always give Sharpe such a tough time!), what authors do you like? In historical fiction (my favourite genre) apart from yourself, mine are Manfredi, Iggulden, Pressfield and Simon Scarrow, the latter's series on Roman soldiers is very reminiscent of the Sharpe series. Keep up the superb work! Your dedicated fan Steve!

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Historical fiction authors? C.S. Forester, and, of course, the whole Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser. among others. I read a vast amount of (real) history. I like good mysteries and detective novels - Ian Rankin, John Sandford, PD James, Stuart MacBride, Dennis Lehane. I could go on and on and on, but I won't. But be sure to check out the Reading Club page of this website - I've posted a few of my favourites there.

Q

I just wanted to say that ever since I picked up a copy of the Winter King I have been enthralled by each of your books!! I don't know if it's the style of writing or the attention to detail, or indeed characters that seem to leap from the pages, whatever it is I cannot wait each time I know a new book is due. One question though, I enjoyed the 'Gallows Thief' so much I was wondering when we might see the return of Capt.Rider Sandman? Till then I eagerly await 'Azincourt' many thanks for hours and hours of entertainment!! Simon Howard

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I had thought of a sequel to Gallows Thief, but I'm not sure when I'd get around to it...

Q

I am a great admirer of yours, Mr Cornwell, and i am thrilled to read Azincourt, when it comes out. I read several Sharpe novels and I liked them all. By the way, I have two questions for you. First, in Sharpe's Honour, in the very beginning, 1500 Frenchmen surrendered to 400 redcoats after their three guns were immobilised by the riflemen. Did that truly happen? I do not wish to insult the French, I'm sure they were no cowards, but it does seem cowardly of them. Perhaps their commanding officer was a coward. I know the value of the gins, but such a large number of french infantry can blast the redcoats with musketry, can they not?

second question, I read the French sack on Soissons in your Excerpt of Azincourt, the English sack of Caen, the French sack of Coimbra, and others. not to mention general behaviour of the 9th century in your Saxon novels. Why were soldiers so brutal? I cannot imagine Sharpe or Thomas behaving that way, and they were good soldiers, and not timid. By the way, any plans of coming to Malta? Yours ever Mat

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I made it up . . . . . . . but it wasn't as simple as you think . . . . . . Sharpe deceived them, and there are many examples in military history of similar events . . . they didn't surrender because they were cowards, but because they were persuaded (falsely) that their position was hopeless.

There are countless examples of such behaviour . . . . in mediaeval times there was a convention that said any town which did not surrender would be sacked if it was captured (the reason, of course, was to persuade the besieged town to give-up, thus saving the besieger casualties). So, for many years, it was the accepted practice . . . . you force me to fight, and if you lose I'll rip you apart. That isn't the whole story, of course, because such behaviour continued long after that convention fell out of practice. Soldiers are encouraged to brutality . . the normal codes of morality are suspended in wartime, and only strict discipline can restrain soldiers from behaving brutally. A good officer will manage that, many men won't behave brutally, but enough will (think of My Lai). Soldiers besieging a town like Badajoz go through hell, and when the pressure is lifted (ie they win) they lose all restraint and go wild . . . . . some men will try to restrain them, but they feel they're off the leash and they behave abominably. At other times (ie the Russian invasion of Germany in 1945) such behaviour is actually encouraged. Just remember that the moral code of warfare is topsy-turvy, and only discipline will keep it from anarchy.

Sorry, no plans for a visit to Malta at the moment.

Q

Bernard - Thank you, I am a huge fan and you have made many an airport delay or lazy weekend really enjoyable. I was wondering if you have any plans to do any semi modern books perhaps the 1st World War would provide a suitable starting place with the characters centered around an Irish or English infantry battalion - Call it a modern version of Sharpe? I'm sure there's many a tale left in you yet! David Baker

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

Sorry - no plans for modern day army books - I prefer to stick to the (distant) past.

Q

Dear Bernard, I have read the Starbuck Chronicles and was extremely impressed. I have also read Redcoat which was also a wonderful book. I am eagerly awaiting Nathaniel's next book, but in the meantime what would be your suggestion be for my next novel or series written by you. I am just a recreational reader but I did lend the Starbuck series to a friend who is well read and he was floored by them. Thanks Bernard, Ryan

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

You might want to take a look at the Sharpe books? Start with Sharpe's Tiger.

Q

Dear Mr.Cornwell, First of all allow me to apologise to you if this letter is not up to par. i am a big fan of your Starbuck Chronicles series.And I am really excited about your writing on Nathaniel Starbuck. I am looking forward to hearing more of Nathaniel's exploits with the Faulconer Legion. I suppose my question to you sir is will their be any more writings on this series? and if so when can I look forward to hearing them. I look forward to hearing from you on this matter,your response will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. Sincerely Jerry Emerson

Mr. Cornwell, I enjoy reading your books. As a history graduate from University, I find them quite educational and entertaining. That said, I enjoyed the Starbuck's Chronicles the most of your books. Will there be more? Thank you for your time. Tom

Submitted August 19, 2008

A

I hope so! But I'm not sure when...