Your Questions

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have thuroughly enjoyed your historical series for years. I was wondering if you would ever do a series on the English Civil War. I often find that your novels clarify events and timelines with more life than a mere history does. I would very much enjoy such treatment of that time period.
Jacob Rundell

Submitted February 4, 2007

A

English Civil War? I've considered it, have done some research, think about it, but lord knows where I'll find the time to do it. One day, maybe?

Q

Dear Bernard Being a big fan of your historical novels,I was wondering if there was anything new historically in the pipline? The start of a new series perhaps? Nick Grant

Hi Mr Cornwell, I was just curious to know if you have any plans for future book series? I know you're releasing the next book in the saxon series, but was just wondering what sort of direction you were thinking of going after that. I know that's probably terribly vague sounding, just interested! Aaron McAvoy

Submitted February 4, 2007

A

I do, but I never tell! Sorry!

Q

Hi. I am very new to your books as I had never watched an episode of Sharpe up untill Christmas. I enjoyed it so much that I visited Amazon and purchased Sharpes Tiger and The Winter King. It was then that I realized I had been missing out on something that has been around for a number of years. Within a week I had read both from cover to cover, have just finished Sharpe's Triumph and am about to embark on Enemy of God. Your books remind me why I enjoyed history as a schoolkid and after looking into the volume of work you have done I am rather glad I discovered your books so late. It means I dont have to go 'cold turkey' waiting for your next book as I have quite a number to get through and I can assure you I will. I am hooked. Excellent stories, vivid imagery and wonderfully researched. However, the wife is none to happy as jobs round the house are being neglected as my nose is constantly buried in a Cornwell novel, but don't let that discourage you from carrying on the good work. Many thanks. Paul (A New Avid Fan) - Wigan, England P.S How long does it take you to research the average Sharpe novel and how long for the Warlord Chronicles?
Paul Cain

Submitted February 4, 2007

A

I've been interested in the story of Arthur my whole life. Research is a life-long occupation, but I probably spent at least two years on dedicated research before writing the Arthur books. I don't spend too much time researching Sharpe these days, partly because I've spent forty odd years reading and researching the period, so much of it is now second nature.

Q

I love all of your books and I can't wait for more. I live in Illinois and as I read the Saxon stories and think back to the Arthur books, I reflect on my own heritage. My family tree traces back to central and southern England and I must assume that I must have Saxon ancestors due to my name alone. My question for you is -What in your opinion was the motivation for the Saxon conquest in England? If it was for land, why not stay in Germany or mainland Europe and fight other kingdoms? I also would appreciate any suggestions for reading on that matter, preferably something that is not too complicated for someone without an advanced degree in history, just a love of historical fiction and fact. Thank you. Brian Oswald

Submitted February 4, 2007

A

It was land, and in turn the Saxons were being pushed eastwards by other tribes coming from the west. And Britain, after the Romans left, was a divided, weak country, and thus easy pickings. Much easier to go east and take land from demoralised, leaderless (not counting Arthur), divided Britons than turn and fight the warrior tribes coming from the west. Be sure to take a look at the 'Suggestions for Further Reading' page for the Saxon stories on this website.

Q

Having just re-read Sharpe's Siege, I was sparked into finding out more about the war between Britain and the United Staes 1821-1815. At the Battle of New Orleans The United States Army defeated a veteran British Army inflicting over 2000 casualties to their own total of approximately 100. This seems such a crushing defeat for troops who had defeted the French Army so convincingly. I was wondering if you had a theory as to why they were so heavily defeated? Do you think it would have been different if Wellington had commanded, and which Regiments that fought in the Peninsula were present at this battle? Jon Arden

Submitted February 4, 2007

A

That's an easy one. they were led by an idiot (Pakenham) who insisted on advancing his troops in close order across a featureless plain into the face of US marksmen who were behind a high barricade of cotton bales. Pakenham was told to wait a day until the navy could get ships upriver to flank the bales and blast them with broadsides, but he was a moron. Wellington would never have attacked! One group of Brits actually got through the bales, and they, tada, were the 95th Rifles.

Q

I am reading all of the Sharpe books, I am up to Enemy. I loved Trafalgar, very different so far from the rest. I would of loved it if they would have made that into an episode. I was wondering why the TV series is so different from the books. In plot,people and many other details. I would of loved to see the series follow the books more closely. I think I prefer the story line in the books. I am very glad that Sean was chosen after Mcgann(sp?)though. Besides the hair color, Sean as Sharpe is about as perfect casting as you could ever get. Did you have any input in the choice of actors for the TV series? I love your books and your talent is brilliant. Looking forward to more books. Thanks Renee

Submitted February 4, 2007

A

I had no input - none at all, which is a good thing because I'd be horrible at casting.

Q

Dear Bernard, I was standing with my wife at the airport a few years ago, while she was deciding which book to buy for her "holiday read". I couldn't find anything for myself, so she handed me a copy of Havoc and said "you like Sharpe, don't you". Well, this started me off, and I've now read all your books! I have them all neatly arranged in the bookcase at home. I have purchased them all in paperback apart from your latest Sharpe book (Fury) which you very kindly signed form me in Lincoln. However, to my question.... When is The Lords of the North due out in paperback? This may sound petty, but a hardback copy would look out of place in my collection, and if it doesn't come out soon I'll have to buy it once in hardback to read and then again in paperback for the bookcase!! I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regrads, Andrew Wright. PS. Are there any plans to bring back the wonderful Thomas of Hookton? Andrew Wright

Submitted January 31, 2007

A

The Lords of the North will be released in paperback in the UK on 5 February 2007. I never say never, but I do think Thomas's story has reached a natural conclusion - though I have an idea for a sequel so, who knows, it might happen?

Q

I was wondering if you were going to write a novel on Will Skeat. He is my favorite character and would love to read a story where he is the star instead of the co-star. I'm a big fan and can not wait to read anything you have read.
Wes Minkley

Submitted January 31, 2007

A

I liked Will Skeat too, but no plans for a novel for him, sorry!

Q

Dear Bernard, I noticed you put good comments on a book called gods of war and the other books of that series.Personally I love Roman history because of all the characters that are analysed so i was wondering if you were writing any books about rome's empire because it would be a shame if you didn't.
Jon Daniel

Submitted January 31, 2007

A

Sorry Jon, no plans for it at this time.

Q

Greetings, I have been an avid fan of yours for some time.I have all of your "Sharp" and "Starbuck"series along with most of your other novels. I really enjoyed "Gallows Thief" and have been anxiously awaiting a sequel. Is there one coming? I am a friend of George Jepson, formally of Tallships Books and thru him have been able to obtain many of your signed copies. I am also the author of "The Reaper" the first in a nautical fiction series. The second in the series, "Seawolf" is due out soon. My pen name is Michael Aye. Thanks for all the hours of reading enjoyment and I remain a committed reader. Mike

Submitted January 31, 2007

A

I do have some ideas for a sequel to Gallows Thief, but it's not likely to happen any time soon. Best of luck with your books!