Your Questions

Q

hi, I really enjoy your books and I'm throughly looking forward to the release of Sharpe's Fury! My question relates to Wellington, I'm doing a piece of work on him and I'm struggling to find analysis of his tactics, I seem only to find general info on his life. Can you recommend any books or website which could offer information about this?many thanks. R. Blundell

Submitted July 20, 2006

A

I think I'd start with Michael Glover's book, Wellington as Military Commander. It was published in 1968 by Batsford, and I believe there's a paperback edition (try Abebooks.com if your library can't help). There are dozens of others. Jac Weller's trilogy on Wellington would be useful (especially W in the Peninsula and W at Waterloo) - more recently there was a collection of essays by distinguished military historians published as LWellington, Commander, edited by Paddy Griffiths, published by Antony Bird, 1984, and it's probably a bit hard to find, but worth it because there's an an essay in the book called 'Wellington's Tactics', which might have all the answers you need. The book was published in association with the Wellington Museum (Apsley House in London) - so maybe they still have some in print? Otherwise Abebooks will surely find you a copy

Q

Congratulations on the OBE, we met briefly at the Como house Readers Feast writers festival in Melbourne earlier this year where it was a pleasure to listen to you speak, I doubt you will remember me or my wife I recall the large numbers of people at the festival, however in case, we spoke of "Flashman" and that we both have roots in Essex, I grew up in Ongar. I wish you continued success, I see you are branching out into the field of acting, plans for a future calling? Best wishes Paul

Submitted July 20, 2006

A

I hope not. Never drink with a theatre's artistic director.

Q

I've read almost everything you've written: My daughter brought a copy of "The Lords of the North" back from England for me recently. I plan to start it soon, and I will be one of the first to buy the next Richard Sharpe in September and Nathaniel Starbuck if and when. I very much enjoyed "A Crowning Mercy" and "The Fallen Angels." I am currently working on the fifth draft of a manuscript of a romance-adventure novel that was copywrited for estate planning purposes in 2005. I would like to know if Susannah Kells, aka Judy Cornwell, would be interested in being a co-author or ghostwriter? Very truly yours, Richard Miller

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

She's given it up! Sorry!

Q

I just finished reading the Lazender series and was wondering how the secret figurine in the seal of St. John disappeared between the two books. Is there a third book or did I miss something between the two? Thank you! I enjoyed both book immensely. Kimberly Scott

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

It was written so very long ago that I can't remember. Sorry.

Q

Dear Bernard Cornwell, Can I just say how much I enjoy reading your books. I especially enjoy the Sharpe series of books did you base his character on anyone you know? I'd also like to know if you are planning a sequel to The Gallows Thief? I think Rider Sandman is an excellent character and deserves to ride again, just like Richard Sharpe. Thank you for all the enjoyment you have given me over the years from reading your books, especially over the last few month when I was off work after damaging the cartilage in my knee. You were a terrific escape from dreadful daytime television. Warm regards, Nigel Goymer

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

Richard Sharpe is wholly from my imagination.

A sequel to Gallows Thief is a possibility, but not likely to happen any time soon.

Hope the knee is better!

Q

Hello Mr. Cornwell. I first discovered your books because I have always had an interest in vikings and the cover of "The Last Kingdom" caught my eye. I must admit I first bought it over a year ago and since then, despite the fact i greatly enjoyed the book, I have never thought to purchase your other books. Now I come to your site and find you have a plethora of books and that you are a highly respected writer. I will be sure to look into your other books. Here's the reason why I'm writing to you. I'm writing a book. I know, I know. I read your page and I know you don't want me to tell you anything but I think you can help me a little bit. It follows the third crusade and I thought you may be able to provide me with some references and useful bits of information about the period. I have become a great fan of historical fiction after having read the works of Guy Gavriel Kay, Harry Turtledove, Morgan Llywelyn and yourself of course. I know writing a book that takes that much research is a large undertaking for a seventeen year old but I'm in no rush to get it published and want it to be as well written and as historically accurate as possible. So, If you can refer any books, essays or any other sources of information I would be truly grateful. By the way, I live in Canada, East of Ottawa. Benoit Rivard

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

I really can't - for some strange reason I can't get at all interested in the Crusades, but I know there has been a spate of recent books about them, and I'd suggest you start with a search on Amazon and go from there. Sorry, but it's just not something I've ever studied or even read about . . . .

Q

Dear Bernard, I am wondering wether you are planning or would ever write a book about Sharpe's early life, maybe about his childhood or very early army career. In a few of your books you've had Sharpe remember being a frightened recruit at Boxtel and having to run from the constables to join the army - I think it would make a great story - any plans? Love all your Books! Nick

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

Perhaps, some day, maybe as a short story.

Q

Dear Bernard In furthuerence to the questions on Agincourt and the scots would you ever consider the battle of Veruenil in the 1420's. Where the English destroyed the Franco/Scottish alliance. It was dubbed the second Agincourt at the time and people who had fought in both battles considered that the tougher of the two.??

btw I can really recommend History of the Partisan Corps which is John Simcoes journal of his time during the American Revolution as worth a read.

Though the question I have to ask is why you have never written anymore books on the American Revolution at all besides Redcoat (Please do not be to annoyed if I said the ending was a bit cheessy with all American Rebels saints and right while all Brits are pyscho's and wrong). Will you do any others or consider writing more from the British perspective or from the greenjackets units of that war like Simcoes Rangers or Tarleton's Legion?? All the best Geraint

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

It's already considered and on the list . . . . . . just finding the time, really.

I read it a long time ago, and you're right, it is a good read, and I should look at it again.

One day, maybe, perhaps, don't know. I do want to write one book set in the revolution and the research is almost all done . . . so who knows, maybe next year?

Q

I have just finished reading your wonderfull book THE LORDS OF THE NORTH,PLEASE when will the next book in the series be published? I CAN'T WAIT. Mr Alwyn Gledhill

Hi Bernard Firstly absolutely love your books, What is next after Sharpe's Fury, another Uhtred? Another Starbuck, what? Brian

Hi, I have just finished reading "Lords of the North" in Australia, I'm not usually a dedicated reader but "The Last Kingdom" got me last year and I have been lucky enough to find the sequels within a year, but I'm now worried I might have a substantial wait until the next one, any idea how long? I'm sad to have finished and I'm desperate for more! Also, any chance of them going to film? The character developement is awesome, especially the brotherly friendship between Uhtred and Ragnar, that aspect of the story went exactly where I hoped. Thanks Justin

Submitted July 18, 2006

A

Another Uhtred, next year, I hope... No plans for a film at the moment.

Q

Absolutely loved Lords of the North, and realized that was the 3rd book, usually the ending one. However, the tease at the end implied there might be more in store for Uhtred to be written. Could that be true? Also, it struck me that there seemed to me to be more similarities between Uhtred and Derfel from the Arthur series than between any 2 other heroes in any of your other series. Finally, when might another book be out, and any hints as to direction of said book? Tom White

Submitted July 12, 2006

A

I suspect you're right, though Derfel, I think, is the 'better' man (morally). Uhtred is more unscrupulous - and the next book? It's the next one I write and I can't tell you too much, except that there will be a brief gap after The Lords of the North, and the book (I think) will be set mostly around London and East Anglia - though that could change.