Your Questions

As with most people today I have a long commute to and from work, so as a bright idea I have started listening to books on CD's. The one I just finished was "An Archers Tale" I have to admit I put it on my list because I enjoy historical novels (both fiction and book on real people and events) and the pickings can be slim so the title and the write up on it prompted me to order it. I can say I loved "An Archers Tale". It stayed out of the trap most historical fiction falls into and that is skewing events to suite the hero instead of fitting the hero into the event or flat out making events up. I was particularly pleased to see that you used Crecy instead of Agincourt (as seems to be the habit when a 100 years war battle is needed), especially since Crecy was won by English archers and was a far more important battle then Agincourt was in the scheme of things (I will leave the points to that statement out since it can be lengthy). I guess if Shakespeare had also written Edward the 3rd as well as Henry the 5th Crecy might be well known too. You also did a great job of depicting daily life in the 14th century. Finally I loved the Cathars being slipped in there, that was great, instead of using the tried and often used Knights Templar and you put the Cathars in the right place, southern France by the Basques. I understand the Cathars still hold sway down there to this day. I look forward to reading the other 2 books in the series. Thank you for a historical fiction novel that is just that historical. I was curious though did any one claim to have St. Georges lance or was that a plot device? Shane Hunter

Just finished Sword Song Magnificent Can you really trace your ancestry back to Saxon times? I can trace mine back to the peninsular war as they were all in the Inniskillings under Lord Cole He missed Waterloo as he was on his honeymoon (Getting his priorities right) but the Inniskillings were there. Can't wait for Uhtred's next quest Hope it won't be too long, I'm 73. Do I detect a similarity Between Sharpe and Harper and Uhtred and Finan? We all need backup! My dream would be to meet and chat. John Rogers

Why don't you write a story about Guthlac? I promise not to sue. Robert Hickling

If my reviews in LIBRARY JOURNAL reach your eyes, you knowing I'm not merely flattering you when I say that I greatly admire your books. I have just finished rereading Forester's Hornblower books for the umpteenth time, and it has occurred to me that Hornblower's son, Richard, was an army colonel in 1848, and that it may be time for someone to chronicle his career. Did he serve in the Crimean War?
Kent Rasmussen

I have an odd sort of question for you. How do you think Sharpe would get along with Starbuck or Uhtred or any of you characters for that matter?
Will McMahon

First I must say your Arthur books are most amazing. By far the greatest of their kind and your best work as far as I am concerned. And I apologize for bothering you with this, but in your Arthur books Mithras or Mithra takes a large role. I am writing a paper on the evolution of religion, and when I read your books I was most interested in the story of Mithras. and so I looked it up online, but can only find abstract theories and denials by the catholic church. thank you.

Calder

Dear Bernard, Are there any chances of you doing a book signing of your new book AZINCOURT in Wales when it comes out? I live in Merthyr Tydfil so a trip to Cardiff or Swansea would be a good day out. Keep up the good work. And well done Wales in the rugby!
Nick Grant

Hello Mr Cornwell, I see from your Diary page that you are appearing at the Chelmsford Book Festival at the end of March. Are you planning any more UK signings this spring, or will there be a larger tour for Azincourt later this year? Anyway, many thanks for your wonderful stories...Keep them coming, Mike.

Mr Bernard Cornwell First of all, I would like to apologize for all the mistakes I will make because I am from Brazil and has been a long time since I wrote in English. Then Id like to say I really enjoy your books, I only read 5 though, but Id really like to see Thomas of Hookton in the big screen, there is any thoughts on that? Well I didnt know that the Sharpes tales has been on TV, I dont know if that would help a movie production& I just finished the last kingdom and I already raising money to buy the pale horseman. It is a really good tale. I know Vikings didnt use helmets with horns but some times I just couldnt avoid imagining Ragnar a bit like Hagar. I know they have almost nothing in common but when there was no war and Ragnar was been funny, the Hagar images just popped in my mind. Other question I have is there is any perspective of you coming visit Brazil? Well this is it. I hope you get to read and answer my e-mail. From your fan Marcelo

Dear Mr Cornwell, I have so enjoyed reading your books- especially the Saxon series and the Arthur series. I do have a confession- I have not read one of the Sharpe books as of yet!! But I promise you I will!! I know as an author you probably get hit with so many "story ideas" from well meaning fans; well may I unabashedly give you another one? I am a direct descendant of the Dymokes of Scrivelsby, the Royal Champions of England (here is my family website www.dymock.org which will give you a bit of history on the royal champions) It would be wonderful if you could write a book someday on the adventures of the royal champions and their relationship to the crown..quite fictional of course!! Technically they didn't do a whole lot of "kingdom saving" but it was a romantic title. Maybe by using the King's Champion you could give an insight onto the royal family(s) from 1066 on? Thank you so much for giving me many hours of reading pleasure and I look forward to reading your coming works. Hello again, I should have mentioned that if you do decide to visit my web site to use the navigation on the left hand side under "England" which opens into a tree menu. Okay I'm done now :) Thank you again. Sincerely, Tom Dimock Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada

I have just discovered 'Gallows Thief' and wondered if you have written any more books with the main character Rider Sandman set in the Regency period?
Mrs. Anne Howell