Your Questions

Q

To Mr Cornwell, Sorry about sending you an E-mail about parachuting regiment in World War 2, that is probably why you haven't replied but I thought it might be an interesting idea for you. I do have a question though. Do you only write stories that have taken place before the 20th centuary. And if you do is it because you find the wars within the 20th century dull and prefer the wars that were fought with swords or muskets? Just a curious question from a curious reader. May you please reply back a short answer as I don't want to take your time. Thanks from Nick p.s well done with The Last Kingdom, it Rocks!!

A

I've written some contemporary thrillers, but you're right, I only write military fiction in historical settings. I guess I like history! And I've never been much attracted to the idea of writing about 20th century conflicts. P.S. - Your first message was posted to the Bulletin Board page on 13 December 2004.


Q

The Arthur books are very good, like Sharpe, have you ever thought about making a series of film about them? Richard Carberry

A

There is nothing in the works at the moment, but I'd love to see it happen!


Q

Dear Mr. Cornwell. I've just finished reading The Last Kingdom and can't wait for the next book. Can you let me know when is the expected release date? I can't wait to read what happens to Uhtred and how he will revenge Ragnar's death. Regards, Fiona

I have just finished The Last Kingdom sent to me by my son in New Zealand. He and I have enjoyed it. But now I am left bereft. When can I catch up with my friend Uhtred? How soon will the next book be published? thank you for your excellent books. Ken Thomas.

Bernard - loved, loved, just loved "The Last Kingdom". Both my husband and I read it and we are wondering when the sequel is coming out. We LIVED that book. We especially loved your humourous religious comments as they were right on. We never refer to the Holiday season as anything but Xmas - but now it will be called "Yule" by us. Being Leicester born but emigrated to Canada many years back I should have remembered the word Yule from my childhood. Valerie

Hi sorry to bother you , just to say I have enjoyed all of your books so far, just read The Last Kingdom, I know it's early but have you any idea when the next book in the series is due? Many thanks, David

A

The next book - tentative title The White Horse - will be published in the UK in October of this year. We don't yet know the US publication date, but I'll let you know as soon as we hear. The Last Kingdom will be released in the US on 1 February 2005.


Q

hi bernard, great fan of all your books especially the warlord chronicles, which my wife has just finished to her great enjoyment. last week we went walking in Snowdonia, Llyn Gerionydd to be precise, and much to our shock we came across a monument to Taliesin, inscribed as great bard of the 6th century. We were amazed as we didn't realize that he was a historical figure. It made your books feel so real.were you aware of this monument and if so did you manage to visit it during your research? Many thanks Rob & Yvonne Gater

A

I visited it years ago - too long ago - but remember it. Long ago, in another life, I used to stay at Betwys y Coed and exlore Snowdonia, but it's been years since I was there.


Q

Mr. Cornwell; It's to the point now that your books are almost the only literature I read. At least 90% anyway. I'm wondering if you plan on anymore American theme books in the stripe of "Redcoat" or "Starbuck." I'd love to see Sharpe in The U.S. War of 1812. I'm now waiting for your newest book to be released here in the U.S. shortly. Thanks for your efforts! James Crosby, p.s. I got a charge out of your using a "Crosby" in your Sharpe in India trilogy.

A

No plans for the War of 1812 - but I do have in mind a story that occurs during the American revolution.


Q

Hello, Mr. Cornwell. I just wanted to say that I have always been a fan of Sean Bean, so when I heard about Sharpe years ago, I bought 7 of the DVDs (I live in the USA). I enjoyed the films and have now purchased Sharpe's Tiger as my first Sharpe book. I hope to get it in the mail in a few days. I wanted to ask you if there has been any news on whether a new Sharpe film will be made, and if Sean Bean will be in it? Thank you, and take care. -Al

A

No news - sorry! There was some talk of it, but I'm not sure it will ever happen.


Q

On the question of Brunanburgh, there is a lot written about the battle in the Saxon chronicals and a corroborating story in Viking writings but the authors were a bit vague on the exact location of the battle. A lot of people are claiming the battle happened by them (some with the flimsyist of evidence). Have you yet decided where the battle took place? How many books before we get there? Looking foward to a great read, Peter

A

I wish I knew how many books - I just don't know - and other than setting the battle in the north of England I haven't really done the work - that'll wait till Uhtred gets a lot closer!


Q

Hi Mr Cornwell, Have you come across a book called "King Arthur - The True Story" by Graham Phillips and Martin Keatman? It contains a very convincing and plausible account of Arthur's identity - gradually argued and supported with historical evidence and fascinating deductions. If you have read it, what did you think of it? Kind regards Isabelle Griffith

A

I've read it. I suppose what's so interesting about Arthur is that you can make what you want of him, because the historical evidence is so very slight and endlessly malleable. I certainly wasn't convinced by their solution, but I did enjoy the book.


Q

Hi my name's Chris Horgan and I'm 16 and live in N-W England and I'm a huge fan of Sharpe (read all books except the short stories). Sharpe has done nearly every thing imaginable in the war the only thing that springs to mind of him doing is laying siege to the French (I thought that's what Sharpe's Siege was going to be about). Have you thought of writing about this? The Sharpe books are Amazing - I hope for many more to come. Thanks, Chris Horgan

A

Doesn't he do that in Sharpe's Company? The siege of Badajoz? Or did you miss that one?


Q

Mr. Cornwell I have read many of your books. The only one I still have to read is Sharpe's Devil. I just recently read the book Small Gods by Terry Pratchett and find it fascinating. It is a satyre, and I think through your style of writing, I was interested in Terry Pratchett. I was just wondering if you have read any of his books. I have a friend of mine, Conor Hardy, who says he knows one of your nephews actually. Which nephew, I know not. I have started to write a book fashioned after your The Archer's Tale. It is about a French boy in England, however. Uday Berry

A

I enjoy Terry Pratchett's books. Good luck with your book!