Your Questions

Mr. Cornwell, In short, I'm a fan. I started with the Grail series and have read most everything else since. I just read "Growing up Peculiar" and felt compelled to comment. I was raised a Fundamentalist Christian (Church of Christ in Tennessee), but have slowly made my own Conversion to atheism. I was struck by your comment that you are H-A-P-P-Y as an atheist. I've considered myself agnostic for years now, post Cheerleader-for-Jesus days, but after reading Dawkins' _The God Delusion_ I rethought my position. A metaphoric weight fell away, much like it sounds it did with you. My family is less than thrilled, but oh, well. Anyway, I most appreciate the fact that you don't let historical Christians, especially priests, off the hook for their hypocrisies and evils. In a world in which _Left Behind_ is in print, let alone bestselling, you are a welcome relief. My (still fundamentalist brother) has read the first of the Saxon novels (I just started _Sword Song_) and doesn't know what to think. He considers Alfred the Great to be a personal hero, for reasons he has not explained but I can easily infer, and cannot decide if you like Alfred or not. I argued that Uhtred doesn't like him, but you objectively respect him. I'm interested, of course, in your thoughts. Thank you for your time and attention, and especially your stories. Sincerely, Neal Byles

Thank you for making the 'Dark Ages' come to light. As a teacher I can wholeheartedly recommend the Arthur and Uhtred books to my pupils for a sense of place and period. The books have kept me hooked; any chance of some films as well? Richard Kerridge

You mention in the Saxon Stories that Uhtred is a fictional character but based on a "paternal relative." Could you explain how you discovered this relationship? Also, when you speak of the historical "chronicles," are you talking just of the Saxon Chronicles, or are there others? If so, can you name a few? Thanks, Ed Olson

Bernard, thank you for writing such enjoyable books first of all but my reason for contacting you is to ask you a question that I'm surprised no one else seems to have asked!! Who would win in a fight between Uhtred and Sharpe?! I'm sure things would turn out very differently with swords? Your views? (we will assume they are both in their prime) Oh and that Richard doesn't have a gun ;)
Simon

Good Afternoon Mr C. In many of the Sharpe books our hero is confronted by a variety of officers who could best be described as incompetent or at worse downright dangerous. Did Wellington not have the power to get rid of such people? Could incompetent officers not be court martialled and dismissed or was money the deciding factor? Dave Bruford

Will Azincourt be released in the U.S. and when? William

Hello (again) Mr. Cornwell! Regarding the question posted on your site 2.) Post Date: 22 Jan, 2008 Dear Mr Cornwell, I've been reading my way through the Sharpe series since last April. Just finished Waterloo. Apart from the terrific characterisation, I love the detail and am in awe of the amount of research which finds it way effortlessly and accessibly into the stories. One wee question....We are told that Sharpe - while living with Lucille - is on a lieutenant's half pay as he was only a brevet major. Fair enough, but shouldn't he have been on the half pay of a captain? John Lawson, west Kilbride, Scotland A: If I remember rightly his regimental ranks was still Lieutenant . . . in which case that would be the rank on which his half-pay was based. I guess I, too, am confused. I thought after Bajadoz (y)our poor Mr. Sharpe had nailed his captaincy! But . . . if . . . poor bugger! Couldn't you have given him that much after all he's gone through??!! (couldn't resist! Sorry!) Thank you again for all of your books. And for taking the time with everyone's questions. Denise

I have read all of your Saxon stories concerning Uhtred of Bebbanburg and have been transfixed by every single one of them. Also I love the Arthur stories and what I like most about them is that they is a big chance they could be true. I was wondering if you could name a character after me in the next book, or maybe as my name, Harry Stewart, is very conventional, you could manipulate somewhat. If you did name character after me, even if he is a complete coward and died after a few seconds in a shield wall, it would really make my year. >From Harry Stewart

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I have enjoyed the Saxon stories, and plan to get the new addition this weekend. I did have one detail puzzle me: There are several references to corn as a crop and food in the stories. I do believe corn was only introduced to Europe after Columbus' voyage to the Americas. Where does it come from in 9th century England? Is it a 9th century term describing some other crop than the corn known today? Thanks Tal

My wife and I have just read "Sharpe's Story" just after reading "Enemy of God" and we wonder if Derfel's view of religion is also your view? What a wonderful character Derfel is. Thanks for a beaut author in this day and age. P.L.