Your Questions

Q

Hi Bernard, Did Sagramor come from the french tradition? If so, does his name mean "bloody moor" Or the moor of blood? That's how I thought of him when I read your books. He was one of my favorite characters. I visited the stones a month ago, and I could not help but imagine him riding past barrows and lurking in forests for ambush. James

Submitted May 16, 2005

A

I have an idea that he was introduced into the cycle of stories by Chretien de Troyes, so if that's right then he does come from the French tradition - but of course that doesn't mean he wasn't present in stories carried to Brittany from Britain. He's intriguing - some say he was part Hungarian and descended from the emperors of Constantinople and another tradition (which I followed) insists he was African.

Q

Any plans on writing anything taking place in Ireland? Michael

Submitted May 12, 2005

A

No plans at the moment, but who knows?

Q

Mr Cornwell I am currently re-reading Sharpe's Company, where it mentioned that during the last six months of 1811 Sharpe and Harper were in England recruiting. He met Jane during that time. Are you likely to cover this story? Nick

Submitted May 12, 2005

A

Probably not! Too close to Sharpe's Regiment. But I never say never . . so who knows?

Q

Dear Bernard, While delighted to hear that Sharpe is not dead and you will continue writing about him, please do not forget us Long suffering Starbuck fans who have had to wait at least 10 years for the next instalment. Suerly a short story chronicling Starbuck at Appomatox for some closure at least. Bloody Ground was a great book but left so much open ended?? btw Have you read Peter Cozzens new book The Darkest Days on to rather unexplored Western battles Iuka and Cornith??? It is quite good. And have you ever given any thought to sending Starbuck with Longstreet's Corps to Chickamauga/Chattanooga and Knoxville??? All the best Tony

I wanted to thank you for your tremendous books. No idea how I could have past my summer nights without the lovely reading material you have provided me. I've got every Sharpe and Starbuck book and there isnt a bad one in the bunch.(Which is really rare because in a multi-volume same author series, there are usually weak links). I've also read Redcoat,(though I need to reread, forget the details). I've decided to reread the Starbuck series (5th time) and I'm wondering will you ever offer us another segment?? It's been almost ten years since Nate left us and I'm starting to go crazy! Also, I'm truly getting tired of your New England Patriots beating my Steelers, but I think we've finally got you this year. Thanks for your work and best wishes, Mark.

Submitted May 12, 2005

A

I haven't read Cozzen's new book, though it's on the huge pile of books waiting to be read, so thank you. I haven't really thought of sending Starbuck to Chickamauga, but again, who knows?

Q

Dear Sir, After reading the Arthur books I wondered how it was, you where able to break away from the conservative idea of Arthur and his knights? For example Lancelot appears as being cowardly and is the character Derfel of your creation or does he exist in legened?

Submitted May 12, 2005

A

Lancelot, anyway, is a very late addition to the legends - so I felt free to do much as I wanted with him. Derfel did exist and in some of the earliest writings about Arthur you'll find him mentioned.

Q

Mr. Cornwell, I have read most of your books and thoroughly enjoyed them! (Oddly enough, as an American living in Georgia for the past 25 years, the Stabuck series is the least appealing to me -I'm just not a Civil War buff!) I am presently reading Wildtrack, and having recently read Gallows Thief, are the two Sandman characters related? I know you receive many inquiries so I will thank you in advance if you should choose to answer. Best regards, Joe

Submitted May 12, 2005

A

I don't believe they're related - I think I just liked the name!

Q

Is there any chance of a second story of the Gallows Thief?. At the end of it I felt like I should go to the book store for the sequel. Like the retired captiain and sargent, now cigar saleman will be asked to help out others about to swing. Thank-you for your works. They have given me hours of excitment. John Johnson

Submitted May 12, 2005

A

There is a chance but I can't promise when...

Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell, I just finished The Last Kingdom today and all I can say is you have hooked me again. I have read almost all of your books I really loved your Arthur books. The Grail Quest was also quite good. I do have a question for you, have you ever thought about writing a non fiction book? I really love the historical notes at the back of your books. Something along the lines of the Steel Bonnets By George MacDonald Fraser. I know that you do a lot of research before writing your books. I think I would love to read some of the true stories you have found while writing a Sharpe book or even your new book. You told some of those types of stories during the Movies In Time interviews you did for the History Channel some time ago. I am sure you have enough to fill a book or two. Best Jeff Cupernell

Submitted May 11, 2005

A

The trouble with non-fiction is that you have to be accurate, which is really why I write fiction. Once in a while I think about it, and lie down until the feeling passes, but perhaps, one day, I'll give in to the urge.

Q

Dear Mr Cornwell, I am just re-reading the Warlord series - certainly the best books I've ever read - and would love to read more of olde Britain - any chance of writing about another ancient hero, Robin Hood? Lawrence Williams

Submitted May 11, 2005

A

Yes I have thought about it, but don't have plans for it right now.

Q

hi, I am a Brazilian guy and I am a great fan of Bernard Cornwell. I read the Arthur books. It's a masterpiece. I have a question. Can you answer please? My question is: in a duel, who win? Sagramor or Liofa? thanks for attention. Luiz Mariano

Submitted May 11, 2005

A

Whoever you want. My money's on Sagramor.