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| (1.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Dear Mr. Cornwell, My son, age 10, has read the entire Arthur stories, the Saxon Stories, The Grail Quest Series, and is nearly done with the Sharpe Books. He began with Agincourt after he saw it in an airport book store. I have tried my best to keep up with him. I recently finished a book by an author named Lee Burkins who wrote Soldier's Heart. It is a memoir about his struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stemming from his experiences in the Vietnam War. Having both your series and his book in my head, I began to wonder: Has PTSD existed throughout the ages with a similar intensity? It began to occur to me that perhaps PTSD occurs more when there is a greater difference between a life of war, and when the soldier returns to a life that is distant from war in every way. What I mean to say is that perhaps in Uhtred's time, war was a natural, normal, expected part of life, and war was never very far away from one's existence, so there was less of a disconnect between the two. As history has progressed, it seems as though "civilized, normal life" has become more and more distant from the acts of war and immediate aggression. People don't carry swords or guns in everyday life, and expect justice and peace to be enforced in a structured, civil manner by the police. So the act of going to war is tremendously jarring, and the return perhaps more so. Has there ever been mention in any historical source of warriors who were crippled in this way? With your immense background on warfare and life throughout history, would you please comment on this? Thanks. Sincerely, Jim Hinsman
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| A: I suspect PTSD has always been with us - I've come across descriptions from the Napoleonic period which certainly suggest that, though they had no such label, of course. I was wondering about the much earlier periods myself, especially about Uhtred. I think perhaps you're right, and violence and horror was so 'normal' that perhaps PTSD wasn't so common - or else it was simply dismissed as 'nightmares'. I'm no expert, and I'm sure there must be someone, somewhere who has researched this. I do know it existed, unrecognised, in the Napoleonic period and suspect it goes way back!
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| (2.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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Q: My history professor got me to read my fist book. I was amazing. I am very interested in historical fiction involving viking. So I first read The Last Kingdom. I have since finished reading all the Saxon tails you have written. My question to you is are you planning on writing anymore Saxon books or similar tales. They are simply amazing I am so grateful to have authors such as yourself that can give us these wonderful books.
Sally Parker
Hello I m a big Fan of your Saxon Stories..i just finished your last Book and cant wait for the further Stories..When can we hope to be able to buy your next great work in this Storyline? Keep doing such good Work. God bless u. Martin
Mr. Cornwell, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading your Saxon series, but I'm totally frustrated at this point. How many more shield walls can we withstand until Uhtred finally gets a chance to take back his father's land? I've waited impatiently for your newest Saxon book, The Burning Land, only to read that there may be two or three more!!!! Not sure if Uhtred gets home this time (book reserved for me at library), but we're all ready for him to exact some vengeance! Throw us a bone here!!!! Thanks. Take care. Bill Kirby
hallo there! we much enjoyed the Sharpe tv series which encouraged me to read your books,I've so far got 28 so still have a long way to go! My husband is quite badly dyslexic, about a month ago I encouraged him to turn off the tele as I was absolutely brassed off with continual repeats,especially Time team,ooh look here everyone we've made another 10 b-great holes in some blokes lawn and we've found this quarter inch by quarter inch bit of scrubby pot! anyway as we both like history I started reading him Stonehenge(we were having a couple of days away to see Monkey World and Longleat on a coach trip and were passing by stonehenge so it was topical) I have since read the Uhtred series, which looks to leave scope for perhaps another 3 to follow depending where you decide to tie him up eventually I do hope the next one wont be long coming as he's threatening to make me read the lot again from the start! trying to fallstall that I'm going to do a change of date and geography read him redcoat and follow with the grail quest and arthur books,I'm sure he'll like them too but we really would like to have another Uhtred any chance this year? we do hope so,thank you for many hours of happy reading,viewing and listening,Pat Moon England
I have really enjoyed the Saxon stories. Will there be anymore tales from Uhtred?
john Michael Huthart
Dear Mr Cornwell, I really enjoy reading your books! Esp. the Saxon Stories are great. I just read the fifth book and I was wondering when number 6 will be published and how many will appear in this series. Can you let me know?? Thank you! Best, Marjan
I would like to know when you are going to continue the Saxon series? Rgds Paul Beatttie
I have just finished the 5 books of your Saxon Chronicles, which I thoroughly enjoyed and which clarified an era of British History which I had always found rather confusing. Do you plan to write any sequels tho these chronicles.Apart from the story re Uhtred and Bebbanburg I find the interweaving of fact and fiction quite fascinating and the historical notes, maps etc very helpful. Thank you Regards Marilyn Dick
Hi Bernard, just wondered when we can expect the next instalment of the Saxon stories. Great books hard to put down. Best wishes Ian
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| A: I have started the next book of Uhtred's tale and, hopefully, it will be ready for publication Autumn 2011. |
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| (3.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Hi Mr Cornwell, When you research a new book and visit the sites of famous battles do you take any photographs of the battle site? If so do you have anybody that could update the Image Gallery on the web site? The existing images (for Tiger, Triumph and Fortress) have been there for a few years now without any new additions. Your depictions of famous battle scenes are terrific and it is always interesting to view the area concerned as it is now. This came to mind after reading Azincourt as I think I read somewhere that the battlefield area is still reasonably well preserved.I am aware that a number of historic sites are now under a road or a factory but for those that are not, and are included in your books, it would be great to have some pictures to view as additional background material. Looking forward to The Fort! Many Thanks Tony
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| A: You're right, of course - most of the battle pics have long vanished from my pc - not very organised like that. The Agincourt ones are just plain dull - it really isn't very photogenic. We put the Indian pics up because pictures of those battlefields aren't readily available . . . whereas most European fields are much photographed. But yours is a good suggestion, thank you!
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| (4.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Hi I've seen mention of a talk in LOndon on 18th Oct and was wondering if there are any other UK appearances planned as the diary stops in May. Many thanks Steve
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| A: We were waiting to receive all the details before posting, but you'll find my itinerary up-dated on the Diary page today. I'm looking forward to my UK visit! |
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| (5.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Have you ever considered putting a trip together for covering all the sights listed in a particular series? I would love to take a tour such as that!
Tanya |
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| A: The Sharpe Appreciation Society often sponsors battlefield tours. You may wish to take a look at their website http://www.southessex.co.uk/. They will be at the International Napoleonic Fair in September. |
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| (6.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Hi Bernard I wrote to you via this page some years back and was chuffed enough to have received an answer from my favourite author. Over the last couple of years I've branched out reading novels that do their damndest to re-create your formula. I've also read and collected books suggested by your good self. Lady EL's years of the sword (found in a book sale under the bridge by the BFI southbank in London) and J Barker's Agincourt were brilliant reads. Having just browsed through your recently and patiently answered questions, a couple touched on Robin Hood and character cross-overs. To my amusement recently I read Angus Donalds 'Outlaw' and upon seeing 'as good as Bernard Cornwell or your money back' sticker on the front, I chortled and thought well if it isn't then I will. It was a fairly good effort and in one small hat-tip in your direction one of the scenes describing a feast and storytelling mentions another storyteller called Wygga who only had one hand and wove magnificent stories about Arthur and his warriors. Cheeky monkey! Still, best form of flattery and all that. Also, I assume this is down to your publishers etc etc, but is there any chance that we will see collectors editions/box sets of any of your series (Sharpe, Warlord Chronicles, Grail quest etc) maybe to time it for an anniversary of first creation or some such? I know you are mainly concerned about your literature, but I live in hope your Warlord Chronicles will be faithfully translated into a movie or series and thus achieve a wider audience like Sharpe has. I even toyed with the idea of sending Peter Jackson a copy of Winter king, but the postage to NZ was steep and I gather he's quite busy these days. Does your agent do this kind of thing anyway? and if not, give them a kick up the arse :o) for me and thousands of fans across many different countries. Yours Faithfully, Toby Goodman
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| A: Maybe the publishers will do it? Although there are no plans for it now. |
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| (7.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Dear Mr Cornwell I have been reading your books since I was young and it was the Starbuck Chronicles that got me into American History and in particular the civil war period. I know that in the past you have said that there wouldn't be anymore Starbuck books, due to the characters being too similar to Sharpe. Is there any chance that you might ever write some new Starbuck books, as they are brilliant. Either way I am looking forward to you're new books that are released in September. Regards Michael
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| A: I never said there wouldn't be anymore Starbuck, and I am feeling it's about time he end his extended vacation... |
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| (8.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Dear Mr Cornwell, Your one of my favourite authors and I especially liked the 'Arther' books. I loved the way that you inverted all of the stereotypes around the Arther myth, especially making Lancelot a coward and making Merlin a grumpy old git! Everything Merlin said had me in stitches, he was very cool. More than any one I liked Nimue and was very impressed with how you portrayed her. Would you ever consider writing a whole book from a female perspective? I think you would be good at it. Kindest regards, Daniella, UK
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| A: I'll probably leave that for a woman writer? But I'm glad you liked Nimue - so did I!!
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| (9.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Hi Bernard, I hope I'm not interrupting your writing of Saxon 6 too much. I am currently rewriting a novel for the 3rd, 4th, 5th and in parts, 7th or 8th time. It reminds me of trying to iron a shirt. I struggle manfully and think it's fine, only to find new creases every time I stop to inspect it. My question, does the shirt have to be absolutely immaculate before an agent/publisher casts an eye over it or is the subsequent editing process expected to take care of any to creases that remain? Kind Regards Willie
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| A: What the publisher wants from you is promise. They need to see it's a terrific read. They'll cope with some stylistic horrors, but they can never cope with dullness. Write your tale, make it sparkle, and let the publisher iron out any creases, if that's needed. |
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| (10.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: I have thoroughly enjoyed all your saxon stories and the adventures of Uhtred and earnestly request that you feature my home town of Derby in any later books as although I love the place dearly it is a very boring town and reading about its exciting history would be a joy. I pass a large church called St Werburghs most days and am reminded of Aethelflaed in many places hereabouts as well as all the viking gates still named. A large thankyou for great entertainment and providing me with the sight of my teenage daughter avidly reading and enjoying books that contain more references to her surname than she has otherwise hitherto seen. Best regards. Steve Alderman.
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| A: I think Derby will feature!
Please give my regards to your daughter. |
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| (11.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: I've been a huge fan or Richard Sharpe for some time, finally starting branching out and read Stone Henge and am almost through The Grail Quest Trilogy. Your books have inspired me to build a 72 inch warbow. I saw the latest Robin Hood this summer and have had a question in the back of my head since than. Now I know this Robin Hood is a Yeoman and not of the aristocracy, like the earliest folk tales and ballads. I know that he was raised to the nobility in the 15th Century or so most likely to appeal to the gentry. How common was it in England for one of noble birth to choose to be an archer and not a man-at-arms? I'm certain it was rare, but there must be a few instances of this?
Cameron Stewart |
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| A: None that I know of - though it was common for the aristocracy to learn the longbow. I guess it might have happened, but I've not come across it.
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| (12.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Dear Mistah Cornwell. I'm once again re-reading your Starbuck books, and enjoying every sumbitch word! Truslow, Pecker, Starbuck 'imself, even Swynard.....awesome characters. I'm also watching Ken Burns 'The American Civil War', a truly awesome piece of film, and was wondering if you had ever had the pleasure of immersing yourself in all twelve hours of it? (Oh, and more Starbuck please!) Muchas gracias for everything Owe Phillips
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| A: I have - and rewatch once a year or so - I'm beginning to think it would be good to wake Nathaniel up!
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| (13.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Do you ever get to Texas on a book tour? Or consider the Tx Book Fair in October in Austin? Stay well and keep sharing your works.
David Bourland |
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| A: No plans for a visit to Texas - sorry! |
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| (14.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Hi Bernard. I've just finished reading the long-awaited Burning Land. I just write to say that I get the sneaking suspicion that you're going to turn Uhtred's wet and wimpy son into a christian priest in a future book! A sign of those times, I guess... Your historical notes were a good inclusion. I do hope that from reading your books you help to clear away just a little of the general ignorance that surrounds our own early history. Looking forward to the next one! Bestest Pete
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| A: I have a horrible feeling you're right .. . maybe not wimpy, though
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| (15.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: I have always been a student of British history, grandfather born in Wales. But Rome and Britain? In any event I would enjoy reading a three-part on the life Scipio Africanus and his fight against Carthage. Could be a Russell Crowe movie if he stays out of trouble!
Michael Sinkay |
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| A: I hope someone writes the trilogy for you! It won't be me - I leave the Romans to others.
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| (16.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: I've been reading the most recent Your Questions (1 Sept) and have to add another vote for hearing the story of how Sharpe acquired the famous seven barreled gun that he gave to Harper. Oddly enough one of the cable channels here showed The Alamo (John Wayne's version) recently and since I hadn't seen it since it was in the theaters I watched it. I was shocked to see Jim Bowie with Harper's gun! How that happened would be a tale worth inventing. Thanks for taking the time to give fans this forum. I find it very interesting to read their comments, and your answers.
Helen |
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| A: It would - I'll think about it!
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| (17.) Posting Date: 06 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Dear Mr Cornwell, firstly I would like to say that I enjoyed your Sharpe series and Grail quest trilogy tremendously. The way you describe battles scenes, war strategies, combined with the feel of the book that makes it possible to imagine the history in such amazing detail, has simply blown me away. I have also read the Arthur books and a few of the Alfred series too, but with a lesser opinion than the others. I am a Christian, I believe in God and the word in the bible. And before you roll your eyes and think; "Not another bible basher come to say how unfair it is that Christians are put in a slightly less than favourable light in my books." I would like to say that the events and characters your books are probably the most believable in any historical novel I have ever read. I know the church did what they did and it was evil and immoral. I am not trying to dispute the fact that Christianity in general (not just the Catholic Church) has a violent history. That said, the impression I get from your Saxon series is that; God, priests, bishops and monks did much more harm than good in Alfred's time. I would say this is not true. As a history student I have learnt that major advances in education, law and general morality in England is down to (mostly) the early church. The impression I got from the first few Alfred books is that England would have been much better off worshiping pagan Gods. Christians (except Alfred and one or two others) seem to be either directly apposing Uhtred or else in the way e.g. Asser and Sansum. The evils of these characters are more or less balanced by the good Christians. I would just like to say that there was much good done by the church too, and I don't think these books show it all that clearly e.g. Heavy focus on the evil acts that were done. While this probably happened I would also have liked to have seen some of the church's good works being done. Just a thought. I deeply apologise if this point is covered in the later Uhtred books, I have not read all of them yet. If so I am sorry for the rant.. One last thing. I was wondering if you would or were considering writing a novel about Joan of Arc. I admire her tremendously, and I think a book by you about her would be hit. I know from previous posts you think she was probably delusional and that you have more than a small amount of English patriotic pride. Therefore a French heroine defeating English armies may be stinging to that pride. I am a patriot to Britain too, but I still think a historical figure as impressive as she, deserves a first class story telling by a brilliant historical novelist. Even if you decide otherwise I will still be a huge fan of yours. I loved these books otherwise from he point made above. God bless you sir. Thomas Rowlands P.S. Sorry about the punctuation in my letter, how in the blazes did I pass English.
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| A: I really do not know enough about Joan of Arc . . . . I haven't studied her and I doubt very much that I'll write about her, but again, who knows? Certainly the tale of how she was captured and betrayed is fascinating (and noteworthy that the French, given the chance to buy her, refused), |
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| (18.) Posting Date: 02 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Any plans on a book with Harper as the title character?
Sam Hill |
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| (19.) Posting Date: 02 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Dear Sir, I have just finished "The Gallows Thief" will you be writing about Rider Sandman again I so enjoyed him felt there would be more to come. I have listened to all of your books that have been recorded. Your words and the readers make each story come alive, how exciting. Uhtred's stories are some of my favorites although Agincourt had me on the edge of my sofa. I hope you know I think you are a wonderful writer.
Karen Ryan |
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| A: I like Rider Sandman, and I've considered a sequel to Gallows Thief, but I'm not sure when I'll find the time to write it! |
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| (20.) Posting Date: 01 Sep, 2010 |
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| Q: Mr.Cornwell,you said in the notes you were raised at Thundersley,Essex. My people came from Laindon Hills,Essex. Some people are telling me this is an ancient village. Have you heard of this? The Lambert brothers,one of whom,my 5th great-grandfather,came to America,in 1754,so it would be 250+ years ago. Do you know where this would be from Thundersley and Benfleet? I'm just curious. Sometimes too curious. Thanks.
Carole "Mickey" Lambert
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| A: The Laindon Hills (which used to be full of bluebells every spring, and probably still are) lie to the west of Thundersley. They're low hills, but pretty - or used to be - I haven't seen them in 40 years and for all I know they've been built over like most of south Essex - but on a map? sort of halfway between Benfleet and Upminster
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