Your Questions

Dear Mr. Cornwell, let me first tell you that I am really keen on your books concerning Uhtred of Bebbanburg. When I a few weeks ago finished the third one in German I just could not wait for the fourth. I decided to buy it in English and - it was a pretty good experience for me - I understood it and had the same fun. Now I am waiting again, but for the fifth part of the story. Do you have any idea when you will finish the next book? How long do I have to wait? I would be most grateful for an answer. Best regards Yours sincerely Jan-Christian Schwarz

My 93 year old father and I, as well as the rest of the males in our family, follow all your book series. Of particular interest are the Saxon Stories. We even purchased Sword Song from an English source for my father. We all assume there will be one more book in the series. Do you have any idea when it will be released? Thank you for your attention to our inquiry. Frans Weterrings

Dear Bernard, I'm a big history buff but I confess to knowing little of the Viking era. Your Saxon series has now stirred a new found interest, but while your stories revolve around Danes in Britain, I recall (I think) being taught as a young schoolboy in Ireland that the Vikings were mostly from Norway. Would that be right? Danes in Britain and Norwegians in Ireland? I should have paid more attention at the time, of course. I was a brat in those days. But I'm now becoming increasingly fascinated by the Viking period, thanks to your novels. Much obliged! Paul, Co. Cork.

In the Historical Note at the end of Lords of the North you say there was a fortress at Bebbanburg in the 11th century ruled by a family with the name Uhtred. Can you expand on that a bit? Is there a reference anywhere to a man who might have played a role like the Uhtred in your stories? You also say that family are your ancestors. Do you have any kind of documentation of this or is it family lore passed down through the centuries? I'm not doubting your statement. But I have run into difficulties in tracing my Swedish ancestors back beyond the late 1600's. Of course, my ancestors were peasants and likely never owned any fortresses. Dale C. Blomstrom

Dear Mr Cornwell, I'd like to start by thanking you for the years of pleasure your stories have given me. My first contact with your books was at the age of 11 (I'm now 32) with Sharpe's Eagle. I seem to remember you writing that looking back you have reservations with the finished novel of Eagle and I was wondering what specifically were you not so happy with? It's actually one of my favourites.

Secondly, you Sharpe novels have inspired me to begin researching Britain's other military genius Marlborough with a view to writing fiction. How do you come up with such engaging plots? Every time I feel I have an angle I recollect that you've got there before me! Anyway, I look forward to the continuing adventures of Mssrs Sharpe and Starbuck.
Steve Cresswell

Mr Cornwell, Until the last couple of years I had not read a book since I left school, some 20 years ago. However, in the last two years I have managed to find the enjoyment in reading and have now finished the saxon stories which I have found totally addictive. Hopefully it will not be too long before the follow up to Sword Song appears? Any idea? Would you consider a Rome series with Caesar etc? Once again thanks for the stories.They were great.
G. Roberts.

Mr. Cornwell I've really enjoyed the books you have written. I can't thank you enough. Was wondering if a story on the Roman Britain years is something you have considered? Thanks again Brian Dagg

Have just finished the saxon stories book sword song, fantastic book, just wondering when the next in the series is due to be published? Richard Worlock

Just a quick question. When you use a map in your books, do you personally hire an artist to make them or does the publisher take care of that after you've submitted the book to them? P.S.: More Sharpe, please. Darren Ivey

hello I've just finished reading your Arthur books. I'm just wondering if you based any of the research for the books around Castle dinas Bran in llangollen north wales( i live at the foot) and am just interested as there is a strong legend of a magical cauldron there and one of the characters is called dinas?thank you very much and love your work. Christopher Miles

Hi, Bernard thanks for the endless hours of pleasure you have given me. I have sat on the Saxon books waiting for Sword Song to come out before I started them and have finished the first two in a fortnight. Being from Yorkshire but exiled in Readingum they are of particular interest. Near the end of the Last Kingdom there is a reference to 'Arthur's shield wall', was this subliminal advertising for the Warlord chronicles or simply a printing error. Either way it didn't spoil my enjoyment. Thanks again and I look forward to your next book. Gavin

Do you have plans to revive Arthur in 21th century in your next Arthur book? Kevin Klaus