Your Questions

New reader but don't worry I bought them all. I read that there was a miniseries of the Sharpe series.IS there a way to purchase the DVDS/tapes?? Thanks.RP

I admire your books for their plot, characters, and most of all for their authenticity. I am currently writing a series of historical novels beginning after the Norman Conquest and continuing through the last of the Norman kings. Have you written or do you intend writing anything set during the civil war between Stephen and Matilda--1135-1154? Also, since your research is so accurate and detailed, perhaps you could settle a difference of opinion between Edward Rutherfurd and me. Did William Rufus have blond or red hair? Thank you. Zada Hunter

Hi Mr. Cornwell. When you finally complete the Sharpe saga are you going to tell us "This is all, I'm not going to write any more Sharpe", or will we be left wondering if he'll march yet again some day? Alan Kempner

Mr. Cornwell, Hello again. I just wanted to say that the construction of my book is going along well. I've managed to pull it back on track. I have another technical question for you this time- why did you chose to write the Last Kingdom in the first person? Don't you feel that it somewhat saps the drama or danger out of a situation? I mean, the character must survive or how would he narrate his story? The first time I noticed this contradiction as a reader I called it "The Harker Syndrome" after the character from Dracula who narrates his breathless escape from Dracula's Castle- however, it is made less breathless by the fact that he must have escaped to write down his story in the first place. Do you think this is a common corner writers paint themselves into? I know not all stories hinge on the main character's survival, but you are writing epic battles not Madame Bovary- you know what I mean? One of the attractions to your Sharpe and Thomas of Hookton books was the third person perspective which allowed you to paint in such vivid detail and explain the workings, implements of war and the large scale movements of armies. Do you find that the first person slows down the narrative in any way? and if so, is that intentional with some stories where there isn't much research or facts to go along with what your writing about? Either way, you know a lot more about writing than I do- so don't take this as a critique in any way and thanks for being such a good example for me. R. Kulb

Dear Mr. Cornwell: First, thank you so much for many hours of very enjoyable reading. I especially like Sharpe, but have had a lot of fun with many of your other books as well. I just finished 'The Last Kingdom', which was excellent, and I have a little question, but one which is important to me. Where did you get the name Mildrith for Uhtred's wife? Is it a common Saxon name? As you see, my name is Medrith, which my parents got from my aunt, whose parents named her after a Welsh friend. I was always told that it is a variant spelling of Meredith. I have no reason for asking except curiosity; having such an unusual name has made me very interested in names. I look forward to the next Uhtred book, the next Sharpe, and the next whatever-you-choose-to-write. Thank you! Medrith

Just finished Sharpe's Devil (enjoy the series very much) and have been fascinated by your historical note that Cochrane actually sent a ship to fetch Napoleon from St Helena. I've been unsuccessfully searching for reference. Can you cite some reliable sources I may find that support this? Thank you. Jean Reese-Gibson

Mr. Cornwell, Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on The Last Kingdom. It was absolutely wonderful and we're all waiting for the second of the series to be published. My question, Mr. Cornwell, is about the Blackshield Irish in the Warlord Series. I noticed that there were few mentions of them in the novels but I was wondering whether there was a historical basis for these ferocious warriors or if they are completely fictional. Well, thank you in advance and stay well. Sincerely, Nicholas Spangler -Somwhere in the ocean!

Hello I have just finished Fallen Angels (which I couldn't put down!) and wondered if you would be continuing with the story of the Lazender family? I know they were written some time ago but would love to read some more as they combine historical detail with intrigue in a form slightly different to your norm. Finally I would just like to say - thank you for writing such fantastic stories! Louise

I've really appreciated The Last Kingdom- you've quoted themes and terms from "The Wanderer," "Beowulf," etc. within the Old English corpus in your book, even capturing the frustration I'm sure many have felt with the texts of that era as Uhtred struggles to learn to read. It seems we as readers are invited to a sense of the exuberance and life lived in the moment, not to mention a tolerance for ambiguity between old Danish and Anglo-saxon Cultures, that the ninth century remnants can only hint at. So: Did you study Old English at some point? Did you daydream about shield walls when you did? Thanks! S. Kukolla

Dear Mr Cornwell, I just have one question to ask and one which im quite curious about. Which soldiers/warriors do you think are the best out of all your historical novels? Personally I cannot make my mind up, and it would be nice to know what the author thinks. Keep up the good work! Thanks for your time, Ben.