Your Questions

Q

Hi Mr Cornwell. I have just taken up archery and wondered if for part of your research and background knowledge for Azincourt you have tried a Longbow yourself? Regards, Tony.

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

I have, but I'm quite incapable of drawing the heavier weight of bows . . . . I tried a bow with a 100lb draw-weight and could hardly get the cord to my chin! The guys at Agincourt were drawing 120 pounds plus!

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I just want to say thank you for writing the Sharpe series and wish more will come. Have you ever been to Malaysia? Best regards. Rozaime Ishak

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

Thank you for that kind comment . . . yes, I've been to Malaysia three times. My wife once lived in KL and has happy memories so we went back to find it totally unrecognisable, but we've always enjoyed our visits.

Q

Hello Mr Cornwell, may your writing never stop. I am enjoying Sword Song so much I read it really slowly.On page 264 you write about a scot ale. I have never heard of this and being of English origin should I? Where does the term come from? Also is Osferth from history or your rich mind? I do look forward to Agincourt. P.S. Still cannot get Sword song in hard back in Toronto. Regards and keep the wind at your back. Nicholas

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

Scot in scot-ale has nothing to do with the Scots, but is a now defunct English word meaning 'payment', so a Scot Ale could be drunk as sealing a payment, and, for once, I didn't make it up! Nor did I make up Osferth! There is some evidence (not conclusive) in the various records that Alfred might have sired a bastard before his conversion to extreme piety. It isn't certain, but I liked the idea.

A hardback copy of Sword Song can be found on Amazon.ca (ISBN is 978-0060888640)

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell I have a question that I hope you can answer. I recently read that Napoleon had Polish Winged Hussars in his army. They fought for him because he promised them independence. I was wondering if Sharpe could have encountered any of them? I have read that they were a force to be reckoned with and that they fought for the French in Russia but that's about all I know. I don't know if Sharpe would have liked them because they were on the French side but I'm sure he would have some respect for them on the field.. your fan Pat. I got a B+ on my report on you!

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

He certainly had Polish cavalry and the lancers were much feared . . . and if Sharpe meets them I assure you he will have great respect for them! (Congratulations on your good grade!)

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, Are you planning on visiting the southern United States any time soon? I'm sure it would be a good turn out especially with your Starbuck Chronicles. I tried looking at your Diary page but saw no mention of where you will be traveling. Please let us know if you plan on traveling to Atlanta, GA in the near future.
Rory Martin

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

Sorry Rory - no plans to visit Atlanta any time soon.

Q

Hi Mr Bernard Cornwell. I am a great fan of your novels. especially the Saxon stories. I am currently reading Sword Song. I am anxiously waiting for more tails of Uhtred, i think my favourite character of all, a true warrior at heart. I just had a question about the Arthur books. Did your inspiration for Arthur's character come from an historical view or the classical idea? Also are there any plans for films to be made?
Martin Norman

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

Not certain it came from either! The best I can offer you is that I tried to position Arthur in an uncertain world that I attempted to make as historically realistic as possible, and I stayed with the legend inasmuch that I made him a good guy . . . though there is much evidence that points the other way! So half and half??

Q

Can you tell me when you are next in England?
Geoffrey Harris

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

Don't know yet - most likely October. But keep an eye on the Diary page of this website as all appearances will be posted there.

Q

I just finished "The Bloody Ground", Setting my reading of the Starbuck Chronicles with Oregon's 2008 rainy season. Well done! I appreciate the way you write series. Each winter I have read one (Sharpe, Grail, etc). When the rains stop I put your stories aside and get some farm work done. I would be interested in your opinion of Frank Delaney's Novel "Ireland". Live Long and Write More. R.O. Smith, Stayton Oregon

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

This is embarrassing . . . I worked with Frank years ago and I've always liked and admired him, but I confess I haven't read Ireland. Head hung in shame.

Q

Love the Warlord Chronicles. My first time reading your work and fast becoming a fan. The Christianity's plagiarism of paganism is a fascinating idea. Where can I find out more? Especially Jesus being based on Mithras.
Jerome

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

I honestly don't remember where I did a lot of the research . . . I wrote the books some years ago! But Wikipedia has an article on Mithraism that notes some of the similarities between the two religions and provides a reading list, so I'd suggest you start there. Religions often 'borrow' from one another, especially in their early period, because it helps to establish them . . . so if you want to start a new religion I'd suggest December 25th as your major festival, so your followers don't all abscond to the rival on that day. Just a thought for you.

Q

I am currently reading the Arthur Books. I am almost finshed with Enemy of God. I love these books and am currently buying your other books. I am a new fan. I was wondering if you would ever do a series or a book on Robin Hood? Thanks for the great reading Andy Mckay

Submitted May 9, 2008

A

I have thought of Robin Hood a few times...but it's not high on my list at the moment.