Your Questions

I think I have read in the past that you have no interest in writing any novels set during WW II. Do you still feel this way? This is one of my most favorite time periods and would love to see a novel or two based during WW II.
Chuck Grantz

Would or have your written any book/s in the WW2 era? Jean

I have been assembling a collection of your Sharpe's series focusing on the U.S. editions, and have managed to complete it. Not easy! I have even come across some really nice, signed copies. I wonder if you could confirm, or debunk the reason I had heard, or read regarding the scarcity of Sharpe's Sword, and Company. I gather that there were only 500 U.S. copies of each ever printed. That would, indeed, make them scarce! On another vain, in my search, I came across a "bookseller" that is offering copies of Sharpe's Company that they claimed were signed by the author, and were asking $850.00 each. They did have signed "book plates" in them with "The Winter King"'s helmet logo on it. That just struck me as dishonest, and wanted to point out to your fans who are collecting that this is not a signed book. Jack Douglas

Hi Bernard The Last Kingdom was the first one of your books that I read and have read all the following books in that series, I have enjoyed them very much thank you. I'm currently halfway though the Arthur books and also enjoying them. I would like to know if there is going to be other books in The Saxon Stories? If so when will the next one be available? Also I have bought many of the Sharpe books but have not started them yet, is there any order to read them in? Thank you for your time. Regards Glen Norris.

Dear Bernard You have written about some famous generals and their equally famous battles but one name who has largely been left out and who I wondered if you have ever considered, is James Wolfe and the siege of Quebec????

Also after reading Urban's book fusiliers he disagrees with the common view that Cornwallis at Guilford Courthouse had artillery shoot into his own men I wondered what your thoughts were on the subject?? and would Cornwallis campaigns in the south also be a future subject?????

Finally you have got Nick Hook to Agincourt could there be a chance of getting him to Vernuil which was dubbed the Second Agincourt and who some chroniclers who had been at both battles actually considered the tougher of the two fights? Yours sincerely Geraint

P.S If you have not already read them I can recommend Adam Zamayoski's book The Rites of Peace on the congress of Vienna and Mike Jones book on Agincourt.

Bernard, Mr. Cornwell, whatever you prefer! You are without a doubt my favourite author. I recently signed up at the local library here, realising I was spending far too much money on books and I decided to check out your section, despite being fairly confident that I had read everything you had put out. Imagine my surprise when I saw "Wildtrack" on the shelf, written by your good self! I really enjoyed this one and was glad to be reading your work again. This book has also kind of fostered in me a great desire to experience sailing... So a few questions on the subject: How much do you suppose a boat like the Sycorax would cost now? Is this boat in any way based upon one you might have owned or sailed in? When did you first get into sailing? It's something I would love to try my hand at but haven't the first clue of how to go about doing it..

Oh and here's a different one for you... I moved to SE Wisconsin from Chippenham (following an American woman, of course!) when I was 19 and am terribly ashamed to say that at 24, my accent is mostly gone and I sound fairly American, except for on certain words. How is your accent fairing after all of this time?? Rob Baker

As an Afghan War veteran, I would like to tell you that your books helped me through a very stressful and difficult time. I was able to order your books through amazon.com, and I often received them in Kandahar them within a week of placing my order. God bless the internet and the AFB PX! I enjoy the irony of me being to escape the reality of a real war by reading your vivid, exciting and authentic war novels. Now that I've gone on to finish your Sharpe and Starbuck series, and I'm into the Saxon stories, I get the impression that you may enjoy researching your books more than you enjoy writing them. Am I correct? jb nordquist

Dear Bernard, If you could pluck any figure from history and take them to dinner for a flowing, enlightening (possibly argumentative) conversation over good food and some decent wine, who would you pick? Only one now. Paul, Co Cork.

Dear Bernard, I just wondered when / if we can expect a follow up to Sword Song? Nicholas

I recently discovered the Saxon Stories and have enjoyed all four books immensely. Now I have to ask when book five should be released. Thank you. Oscar Santana

Mr. Cornwell I just wanted to know when I could expect to read more about Uhtred of Bebbanburg. I just finished reading Sword Song. Again I have to thank you for yet another great read. Tim Mahoney

I first started reading your books when I picked up Stonehenge from a library, which got me hooked when I found the Arthur series. Since then I've read (And own most of) the Grail Quest, Arther Series, the Saxon Stories, and Stonehenge. I was just hoping that you could tell me if you have a certain amount of books planned for the Saxon Stories, or when we can expect the next one? Thanks for writing such great stories. Josh Lyle

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading The Saxon Stories. These were the first of your books that I picked up. But I must ask is there going to be more to Uhtred's story? I hope that there is more to come, I would really like to know if he returns to Northumbria. Thank you, Jason Johnson

Mr.Cornwell, I've already read The Grail Quest, The Arthur Books and I'm currently reading The Saxon Stories which I think is the best of all. The only complaining I have is: Every book of The Saxon Stories that I read, I want Uhtred to join the Danes again but, sadly I believe this would mess up the historical background(Danes conquering England?:)). Oh almost forgot my questions: - None ever showed interest in making a movie about one of your books? Saxon Stories on the cinema would sure be great. - When is the next book of Saxon Stories coming? Nathan

Mr. Cornwell: I have only written two authors, Robert Heinlein and Stephan Ambrose. Simply that I have not had more pleasure in reading a series of books than your Sharpe series, since Horatio Hornblower. I plan to visit Spain in the near future (when I finally visit Normandy) and will visit the battle fields of the peninsular war. I am a publisher and an amateur historian. You have brought a new adventure and objective in my life intentions (although somewhat late). Your writing and knowledge is not only impressive. Your are extremely successful in your own noble intentions of promoting "further reading". Any more Sharpe adventures? I noticed you inserted very successfully further military experiences after your initial novels. How about Borodino? Most shocking and what has motivated me to write, is the pregnancy of Madame Castineau in SHARPE'S REVENGE. Classy. Jere L Calmes

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I am an Italian supporter of your books; I find them extremely intriguing as well as interesting, especially because, being fond of history, I'm not so expert in British one. My view is a little bit more "latin"; you'll probably be surprised, but I never heard , for instance of the battle of Assaye, and found it extremely accurate, especially describing the way the British Army, one of the most efficient and powerful army ever existed and still existing in the world, was used to fight. I think the Scottish Highlanders have the same courage, strength, and war attitude as my beloved Roman legions, another incredible war machine. At the end, did you ever come to Italy? If not, is that in your future plans? It would be great to have the chance to shake your hands ( together with my Boss, who first introduced me to your novels ). Many thanks and all the best. Mario Zanello